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How to create an Online Travel Guide

Helpful tips to understanding and writing various types of travel guides

The Different Types of Travel Guides

The goal of every travel guide is to help potential travelers prepare for their journey and have the best possible trip. A travel guide should be informative, but it can also be interesting or inspiring. Take a closer look at some of the most common types of travel guides as well as the benefits of each.

Destination Travel Guide

A destination travel guide is just what the name suggests: a travel guide that revolves around a specific destination. These guides can cover an entire country, but they can also focus on a specific city or even a small town. A destination travel guide should entice someone to visit that destination, and it should provide readers with specifics about that spot.

A destination travel guide might start by detailing the destination and explaining where it is located or how travelers can get there. Then, it should focus on the main reasons to visit the area. Readers might want to know what the main attractions in the destination are and whether they would appeal to budget travelers, outdoor enthusiasts or sports fans.

A destination guide might also focus on ways to make the most of a trip to that destination . For example, your guide could include details on how expensive the destination is or where the most popular hotels are located. Information about weather, security and transportation are all welcome in a destination guide.

Special Interest Travel Guide

While a destination guide focuses on a specific area and includes as much detail as possible, a special interest travel guide is far more focused. This is a type of niche writing, and it is designed to appeal to a specific demographic. Ultimately, the special interest you focus on is up to you. Some ideas include cuisine, history, architecture, fitness or pets.

Food is a major focus for special interest travel articles. People from around the world love to eat, and travel is often a great way to explore new cuisines and dig into new dishes. A culinary travel guide could include details on up-and-coming restaurants, Michelin-starred eateries and food vendors that tourists wouldn’t typically visit.

Other special interest guides may focus on a specific interest like history, art or architecture. If travelers are heading to Palm Springs specifically for the mid-century modern architecture, what buildings should they visit? If they are in New York City and love history, which museums are the most impressive?

A travel blog might also put an emphasis on pet-friendly travel. There are 77 million pet dogs and 85 million pet cats in the United States, and many of them travel with their owners. Highlighting which hotels, restaurants and attractions are pet-friendly can be valuable to a lot of readers.

Financial Travel Guide

One of the most common reasons why people avoid travel is cost. At the same time, many prospective travelers are eagerly searching for ways to travel more while spending less. For that reason, lots of travel guides specifically focus on the costs related to travel. Many more give readers tips on how to reduce expenses on upcoming trips.

Sometimes, readers just want information. A person who is planning a trip to Europe might want to know the average hotel costs in Paris or whether a hostel in Berlin is affordable. Financial travel guides that offer specific costs for accommodation, transport, food and attractions are incredibly useful.

Another type of financial travel guide will suggest ways to keep costs low on upcoming trips. It may include lists of affordable hostels, discounts on train travel or cheap and accessible grocery stores located in major cities.

Narrative Travel Guide

A narrative travel guide is the story of a singular travel experience. This type of travel blog can be any length, and it can detail any number of experiences. While a narrative travel guide can absolutely be educational, it is also designed to transport readers to a new destination.

A narrative travel guide might tell the story of a family that heads to Asia for an extended trip with young children. The unique challenges of this trip and the events along the way are woven together to become a cohesive narrative. This might inspire readers to take their own journey with children.

Stories can revolve around travel in off-the-beaten-path locations, or it can be an emotional journey. Narratives can discuss exploring a single city over a long weekend, or they can detail a year-long trek through Europe. These articles are less likely to include bullet points since they are more likely to read like short stories.

Side Trip Travel Guide

Many travelers will plan their getaway by booking a flight to a major destination. Their journey may take them to a bustling metropolis like London, New York or Hong Kong. These thrilling cities have a lot to offer, and a standard destination guide can certainly offer plenty of options. However, many visitors want to get away from these hubs and see something a little different for a day or two. That’s why side trip travel guides are growing increasingly popular.

A side trip travel guide can suggest and detail one or more choices for an escape from the main attraction. Visitors to London, for example, could plan a side trip to Brighton for the day. Those who travel to Berlin might take the train to Hamburg to see something new, and visitors to Orlando could see what Tampa has to offer. Offering advice on how to arrange transport for these trips, how long travelers should spend in each destination and the top attractions to include on an itinerary are all great additions to a side trip travel guide.

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How to Create The Perfect Online Travel Guide

Putting together a travel guide can be exciting, but it also takes a lot of work. Since there are so many different types of travel articles out there, it is important to stand out. Offering something unique gives readers a reason to gravitate toward your travel guide above all others. Here are some of the best tips to keep in mind as you create your travel guide.

Decide on the Type of Travel Guide You Want to Write

• Destination travel guide
• Special interest travel guide
• Financial travel guide
• Narrative travel guide
• Side trip travel guide

How to Write a Travel Blog

To know how to write a travel blog, you first need to know what kind of blog you’re writing. Then, you can put together an outline. A destination travel guide might have separate headings pertaining to attractions, accommodations and transport. A narrative travel guide might not have headings at all, and it may be a story told in the first person. Understanding the format of your article will help as you flesh it out and create something that others will truly want to read and share.

Pick an Angle for Your Travel Content

The next step in writing your travel guide is deciding on an angle. This means thinking carefully about who you want to read your work. Although it might be nice to imagine that anyone can find value in a travel guide, the reality is that targeting a specific demographic can have better results .

Think of your target audience. Imagine what kinds of people are in that group. This is known as putting together a buyer persona. As you write the travel guide, try to appeal to this specific kind of person.

If you’re writing to young professionals without children, you’ll want to include lists of higher-end hotels and great nightlife options. If you’re writing to retirees, then off-season trips with a more relaxed pace could be a better option. Targeting your audience in every sentence ensures that the right readers gain value from the final product.  

Be Sure to Include Graphics

Travel guides can be formatted in a number of different ways. However, there are some best practices that will make your content easier to read online. Keep your paragraphs short so that readers can skim through content and find the information most relevant to them. If possible, include bullet points or lists to streamline the content. Adding hyperlinks can direct readers to sources for further information. Above all else, aim to include graphics .

Graphics can break up the content and make your travel guide more visually appealing. Travel is a very visual topic. When individuals plan their trips, they want to see the places they will be visiting, admire the hotel rooms where they might be staying and drool over the food served in the region.

If your travel guide is more informative, adding in charts or infographics might be a smart idea. Visual elements of all varieties keep content interesting and appealing, which in turn keeps more readers on the page for longer.  

Invoke All the Senses

In even the most educational of travel guides, your travel content should tell a story. Whether you’re detailing the cheapest ways to visit Boston or you’re encouraging people to take a day trip to Macau from Hong Kong, your content should inspire them. As you read the guide, does it make you want to hop on the next flight? One way to make your travel guide pop is to invoke all the senses.

This simply means describing the environment using all the senses. How does the air smell while hiking in the Alps? What do you hear while sailing on a gulet boat in Turkey? What does it feel like to cross the busy streets of Tokyo? Some examples of invoking the senses in travel writing can include the following:

• Nothing compared to the sweet taste of the beignets and the bitterness of the chicory coffee. • The chatter of multiple languages swirled around the confines of the train car. • From the lookout point, I could see over the Welsh border and into England. • I followed my nose to the delightful savory smells of the local kebab shop. • The wind picked up as we headed south, and cool raindrops fell onto my bare arms.

All of this language can help readers feel like they are there with you. It turns an ordinary blog post into a guide packed with inspiration and excitement.

Don’t Forget About SEO!

Travel articles should be written with your intended audience in mind. Nonetheless, it is critical to think about how your travel guide will be found. There are three main ways for readers to access content: direct, search and social media. You can send links to your content to email subscribers, and you can post links to your travel guides on your various social media platforms. The third element, search, requires individuals to search for specific terms online, find your content and click on it from the search engine results page.

To appear on that first search engine results page, or SERP, your content should be written with search engine optimization in mind. First and foremost, that means creating high-quality content with the end user in mind. It should be engaging, relevant and optimized to include appropriate keywords (without unnatural keyword stuffing), meta tags and back-end SEO modifications. This will ensure that more people can find your content when they use search engines like Google, Yahoo or Bing.

Keys to Publishing and Promoting Travel Guides

Once your travel guides have been written, it is time to get them in front of readers. Travel guides can’t be effective until they have been read! In today’s world, publishing travel guides typically means digital publishing, which means the content can be viewed on websites and blogs. Promoting this content is key in order to increase traffic, build your reputation and convert readers into subscribers or customers.

Decide Where and How to Publish Your Travel Guides

Often, individuals and businesses who are putting together travel guides already have an idea of where they will be published. Travel guides are a natural fit on a website, and they are also featured on many private and commercial blogs . However, there are still some publishing decisions you’ll need to make.

Some travel guides can be published as single reads. On the other hand, some are so long that they will need to be broken up into manageable segments. This might be a great time to introduce a blog series. You can publish a new blog entry every day or every week, depending on your publishing schedule.

If you have a collection of related travel guides, it might make sense to offer them as a single e-book. An e-book can be sold at a profit, but it can also be offered to individuals who subscribe to email marketing campaigns or who download from your website. An e-book can be a fantastic way to use content more than once and to draw in more traffic, gather email addresses and build your contact list.

Share Your Travel Guides on Social Media

Social media is one of the best strategies to promote your travel guides. Sometimes, businesses fumble with deciding which platform to use. The reality is that if you already have thriving social media platforms, then the ones you have are the best ones to use! The key is connecting with your audience by whatever means possible.

For some companies, a younger audience means utilizing visual social media platforms like Instagram or Snapchat. You might post fantastic photos of your destination along with a link that leads directly to a related travel guide. You can also share links to your travel guides on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Reddit or Google+.

Include Snippets or Full Articles in Marketing Emails

An ideal way to share and promote your travel blog is through email. If you have a contact list made up of inquiries, current customers and past clients, then you’re already halfway there. Crafting an email marketing campaign just means getting your content in more inboxes.

Your marketing emails can include all kinds of topics, but travel articles might be a natural fit. If the travel guide in question is relatively short, you could email the entire version to readers. If it is longer, or if you want more direct traffic to the website, include just a snippet of the text. If readers want to see more, they can follow your links and head to your main page.

A valuable tool in the online travel industry is a subscriber list. This is a group of individuals who have opted in to your emails in order to learn more or snag deals. Be sure not to abuse this subscriber list and to respect those who unsubscribe. When used appropriately, email campaigns can be a fantastic way to increase traffic and brand awareness.

Consider Advertising in Order to Reach a Wider Audience

Ideally, you would be able to promote your travel content without paying a penny. If you want to get even more eyes on your travel guides, however, it may be worth paying for advertising . There are a lot of paid advertising options available, and you can advertise through any number of platforms.

Pay-per-click advertising, or PPC, means that you only pay if a person clicks on your ad and heads to your website. You may pay slightly more for this kind of advertising, but it means you only pay if someone is redirected to your site. The alternative is CPM, or cost-per-thousand advertising. In this format, you pay a set price for every 1,000 impressions on your webpage. This is cheaper per impression, but you need to work hard to ensure that the ad is being seen by the right audience.

You can pay to boost your travel guides in search engines. If someone searches for something related, your content can pop up as a sponsored result at the top of the SERP. You could even pay to occupy permanent real estate on the side or banner of a friendly, related website.

Allow Readers to Share Your Content

Sometimes, the best way to promote your travel guides is to let someone else do all the work. If readers enjoy your content, make sure there are easy and convenient ways for them to share that information with their friends and networks. One effective solution is to include share buttons at the bottom of your travel guides. This makes it possible for readers to post the link to the article on platforms like Facebook or Twitter. With the click of a button, you’ll be reaching new readers and a brand-new audience. Plus, this can be done at no cost to you.

Consider Guest Posting or Hosting as a Way to Promote Your Travel Guides

A popular form of promotion is known as guest posting. There are two ways to encourage guest posting if you have a website or a blog. First, you can be the guest that posts content on other websites. Second, you can host other guest authors who want to promote their content on your page. The best relationships have give and take, which means you do a little of both.

If you are the guest author, you can offer your travel guide content to a third party. If you’re a travel blog, you might partner up with a cooking blog. You could suggest a special interest piece about food in Morocco. Then, your travel piece about Moroccan food will be posted on the cooking website along with links back to your blog. This increases your audience and brings you valuable new connections.

As long as your content is engaging, unique and informative, you should have little trouble connecting with the right audience.

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How to Write a Perfect Travel Guide From Home

For many aspiring bloggers, writing about travel seems daunting because they don’t yet have extensive travel experiences. However, lots of travel experience is not necessary, as today one can easily make a travel guide from the comfort of their home. In this post, we’ll define what is a travel guide book or travel post, what sections you should include, and how to monetize your guide with affiliate links.

To monetize the travel guide using partner links, join the Travelpayouts partnership platform . Here you can find the travel affiliate programs of many popular travel brands, such as Booking.com, TripAdvisor, GetYourGuide, etc.

By promoting travel brands, you help your audience save money on travel and, as a result, travel more. In addition, you can turn your hobby into income. Signing up only takes a couple of minutes and you can start integrating partner link in relevant pages of your guide. You’ll earn every time a user follows your link and purchases a service.

Monetize your project with Travelpayouts, embark on a new journey, and create inspiring content for your audience.

Join the Travelpayouts Partnership Platform

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Can You Write a Travel Guide From Home?

Naturally, writing travel guides based on your own experiences and illustrating them with your own photos is much easier and more authentic than writing about a destination you have never visited, although it is not always possible or even necessary to do so. With such a large selection of travel posts on the Internet today, you can easily create a detailed travel blog without ever leaving your home.

In this article, we’ve prepared some travel guide writing tips and a template to help you create useful blog materials. To make your posts even more appealing, explore travel guides created by locals who have a deep knowledge of your selected destination. Of course, be sure to double-check all the information that you share.

Choose a Destination

The first step towards writing a travel guide is selecting a destination. You may choose any location from the world’s most-visited cities, such as New York or Paris, to small idyllic villages. Just remember that your writing will largely depend on this initial choice. As there are already tons of guides about popular destinations, you’ll probably have to find a fresh perspective to make your materials stand out. When it comes to lesser-known spots, it will likely be easier to draw the attention of your audience.

While writing a guidebook, make sure to check with locals who know your destination inside out and can share invaluable advice. Try to connect with them through platforms such as CouchSurfing.org or Facebook.com . Ask them questions or ask them to check over your guide.

Use Travel Guide Structure

While the style of travel guides varies widely, most of them have a similar structure, which consists of tips on transportation, accommodation, tours, activities, popular sites, travel costs, and so on. Make sure to include these sections in your article so that it presents all the information that readers are looking for.

1. How to Get There

Normally, travel guides present several options for getting to each destination, including which cities are nearby, which modes of transportation are available, and the price of those transportation options. 

Also, you can offer some tips and tricks on how to plan a trip more efficiently. For example, in some cases, it’s cheaper to take a plane, while, in other cases, ground transportation is a better option. You can also share some money-saving tricks.

2. Accommodations

Today, there are plenty of ways to arrange accommodations in any destination. You can start by suggesting a hotel or hostel via Booking.com , which many tourists are familiar with or have already used. You can then offer to rent places to stay with locals through platforms like Airbnb or HomeAway .

At this point, you can also offer tricks to save money. In some popular locations, such as Barcelona, it is usually cheaper to rent accommodations in the nearest town instead of within the city itself, while, in other destinations, like Paris, choosing the right town while avoiding marginalized areas can be far trickier. Be sure to carefully research the destination and offer valuable advice.

3. Tours and Attractions

After learning about their transportation and accommodation options and costs, tourists will want to explore their destination’s sights and entertainment opportunities. In this section, you can create a list of attractions to visit and excursions that will make sightseeing more exciting. Include options from walking tours to bus excursions to boat trips. For inspiration, look through the Experiences section on Airbnb.com .

4. Getting Around

Another important topic to cover is transportation options within the destination. For example, the first thing travelers would like to know is how to get from the airport/railway/bus station to the city center. There are usually dozens of transportation methods and the price differences between them can be massive, so your readers will appreciate such advice.

It is also important to describe different methods of getting from the transportation hubs to the main attractions while offering options to save a few bucks. In this section, it might be a great idea to ask locals to share tricks. For example, in Lisbon, taxis are often the same price as public transportation or lower.

5. Travel Costs

This is one of the most important parts of any travel guide, as travel costs greatly influence booking intent. Thus, you should briefly cover the prices of flight tickets, accommodations, tours, food and drink options, public transport insurance, and other relevant travel products. Also, for budget travelers, provide tips on how to save money or find the best value.

6. Staying Safe

In this section, you can cover concerns that tourists might have about security. Different cities and areas have different regulations and concerns, so make sure to do the proper research and possibly even ask locals for advice.

So, which questions and concerns should you cover? Consider topics like: where to park a car or exchange money, what areas are best to avoid, are there many pickpockets, and so on.

7. Best Time to Visit

Each destination offers different experiences to travelers at different times of the year. For example, Japan is famous for its cherry blossoms, so it’s worth mentioning the best time to catch them in bloom. European destinations are especially beautiful during the winter holidays thanks to their abundance of Christmas markets and celebrations.

You can recommend the best season to visit each place or offer specific advice for different times of the year. 

8. Food and Drinks

In this section, you can describe features of the local cuisine and recommend popular dishes. Then, suggest specific restaurants, markets, or shops with high ratings and positive reviews. To get inspired, check Google Maps , TripAdvisor , or Instagram .

It’s worth mentioning food markets, as they usually have local treats and a wide variety of products at low prices, such as La Boqueria in Barcelona.

How to Write a Travel Guide: Best Practices

Below, you’ll find the best practices for travel writing that will help you make your guides appealing, valuable, and easy to monetize. 

1. Add Pictures

Using schemes or images for travel guides is beneficial for many reasons. Posts with pictures receive over 90% more views than ones with plain text. Images help break posts into small parts and make them easier to digest. Readers retain more information and remain interested for a longer time if the text is paired with an image. In addition, 90% of the information that the brain receives is from visual cues. 

Thus, make sure to illustrate your post with a few appealing photos to help the audience get inspired. You can also add maps or schemes so that readers can better navigate in the destination, as well as other image types to make the content more illustrative and versatile.

Where to find photos? You can buy photos at photo banks or download free stock images . Moreover, if you stumble upon a nice picture on social media, consider contacting its owner and ask for permission to use it on your site. Another option is to download a stock photo and edit it with one of the free design apps to make it look original. In any case, try choosing only high-quality, unique photos to make your blog look professional.

2. Research Keywords

Keywords are important in terms of website promotion. If you want to drive more traffic from search engines, be sure to run keyword research for your niche . To automate the process, try dedicated tools like Google Keyword Planner and Keywordtool.io (free tools) or SEMrush and Ahrefs (paid programs).

Then, it’s equally important to use keywords properly . That is, find the best placement within the text so that they attract attention and help navigate the text. Also, follow keyword density best practices so that your post doesn’t look spammy. And try to use keyword variations to enrich the text and drive more traffic.

Keywords differ widely: they can be short-tail or long-tail, short-term or long-term, high volume or low volume, geo-targeting, LSI, and more. Some keywords have higher competition, such as short-tail, high-volume keywords, thus aspiring bloggers might find it extremely difficult to compete with established sites. You can start with long-tail keywords and then work your way through the other types as you go.

More practical tips about SEO, including finding and using keywords, can be found in the free SEO course from Travelpayouts and Sharon Gourlay. Watch one lesson from the “Boost Travel Affiliate Revenue Using SEO” course to find out how many keywords you should use in your articles and how to search for them easily and quickly. 

All Travelpayouts Academy courses are free for everyone. So feel free to view all the lessons that will help you increase your income.

3. Place Affiliate Tools

When writing a travel guide, don’t forget to insert an affiliate link, widget, banner, or other tools . This can help you monetize your guide and increase your ranking in the SERPs. 

The most important thing is to add only relevant tools. For example, when describing sights, add a link to a tours and activities platform, such as Expedia or Musement, so that readers can book an excursion immediately. In the accommodations section, you can link to Booking.com, HomeAway, etc. Such an approach helps your readers easily find a solution to their problem or an answer to their question while generating additional income for you.

We recently published a more detailed guide on using affiliate links on our blog.

4. Choose the Right Format

There are plenty of formats available for travel guides. You can choose to make a post on your blog, a PDF guide, an eBook, and the list goes on. 

If you plan on writing multiple guides for your blog, it makes sense to create a separate section and publish all the guides there. You can also create subsections for each country to facilitate better navigation.

To get more leads, you can even create city guides in PDF format and offer to send them for free in exchange for a users’ email address. This could help you grow the number of your subscribers. 

If you are writing a travel guide covering multiple destinations, consider adding a table of contents so that readers can easily navigate.

Travel Guide Examples

It might be a good idea to find inspiration before you start writing. Check out a few travel blogs and if you like the structure, perspective, etc., why not adopt those elements for your blog and audience?

Here are a few good travel blogs to check out:

• AGAINSTtheCOMPASS
• Lost With Purpose
• THE Blonde ABROAD
• ROADS&KINGDOMS
• NOMADIC MAT  

Also, be sure to check our list of the top travel blogs to follow in 2020 for more inspiration. 

How to Create Online Travel Guides

You don’t need extensive travel experience to create your own travel guidebook or series of travel posts. Start by choosing a destination that will be interesting to your audience, think about the structure of your guide and the various aspects of travel, and perhaps ask locals for additional tips. Also, don’t forget to choose the right format, fill your text with keywords to reach a larger audience, and insert affiliate tools to start earning money immediately.

How to write travel guides – 10 essential skills for success

by Bec Evans | Jul 2, 2017

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With over 50 travel guides under his belt Julius Honnor knows a thing or two about writing reviews. His advice sends travellers rushing to towns, hotels and sites of exceptional interest in all corners of the globe. He shares his advice on the skills you need to succeed, and offers a glimpse of the glamour, danger and mundanity of fact-checking in this fiercely competitive field.

For 15 years Julius Honnor travelled the world writing and updating travel guides. It’s a much-envied job. Most of us can only imagine the delight of seeing our review printed on place mats in Bolivia or stuck in café windows the world over.

He experienced the highs of sunset over Lake Titicaca and a five-star, rum-drenched helicopter tour of Guatemala, and he’s a veteran of challenges including a shooting outside his about-to-be-rented flat in Naples, bus crashes, car crashes, getting stranded in the Amazon and driving across the Sahara in the dark. He shares his hard-won advice on how to write travel guides.

1. A writer first, a traveller second

Travel publishers want people who can write, which sounds obvious, but a lot of people who want to be travel writers are really travellers rather than writers. But you also need expertise and experience in a country or a city.

2. Differentiate yourself

For certain places there’s a lot of competition. If you want to be an expert on Paris or London or New York, then it’s a pretty crowded market. If you can become an expert on somewhere much less visited, or you have a particular angle, then you’ve got much more chance of opening doors. Then if you’re lucky, once you’ve got something good under your belt, you get sent to other places to write about those.

Pesaro seafront, Marche, Italy

3. Be confident

You need a lot of confidence to ask questions and find people who already know a place really well.

I learned that the key thing was to make friends with people and make use of their experience. A couple of times I lived with someone who had good local connections, which was invaluable.

Otherwise, you go and find the cafés that people hang out in and talk to people there. If you find a bar or café with a nice owner, who’s happy to sit and chat with you for a while, that’s often a really good way in.

4. Work fast

If you’re writing a city guide, you can build those things up over time and you can make your own connections but it’s harder if you have an area or a country to cover, because you often only have a day or two in each place. You’ve got to absorb an awful lot of stuff and make judgements very quickly.

>> Read more: How to stop procrastinating for good: a guide for writers

5. Dig for gems

A lot of the work is critical exploration, trying to get under the skin of a place.

You want to unearth things that other travel books haven’t already got. There’s no point writing a travel book which is exactly the same as another travel book, or just listing a top site and the three restaurants that everyone already goes to. What you really want is to uncover the places that aren’t so well known.

Rue Riad Zitoun El Jedid, Marrakech

6. Empathy for the uninitiated

One of the key skills of a travel writer is the ability to put yourself in people’s shoes and see it with their eyes.

You turn up at an airport, it’s your first time in the country, you don’t know to go and buy a ticket at the café around the corner, and then stamp it before you get on the bus. Travel guides are sometimes not very good at balancing expertise with empathy.

7. Check the facts

Travel writing is less creative than people imagine it to be.

A lot of the work is going around hotels and visiting cafés and restaurants to check basic facts and write a line or two about what they’re like. Getting a phone number or an address wrong would be a big problem. In some ways that discipline is quite good – it helped my writing to have to go and review things within tight constraints – but it’s mostly not the experience of free-wheeling travelling and free-flowing prose that people imagine it to be.

8. Be succinct

You need a good eye: the ability to notice things and give people a flavour of somewhere – often in very few words. There’s not very much scope for waxing lyrical! Sometimes you might only have a sentence or two to talk about somewhere, and you have to explain to people why they might want to go, or why they might not want to. There’s a lot to convey in few words.

>> Read more: How small steps lead to great progress

Greeting to the Sun, Zadar, Croatia

9. Do it for love

There are no rich guidebook writers. There’s nobody doing it for the money. And there’s not much fame and influence either. At first I thought everyone would want my time and would be trying to get me to go to their café or stay at their hotel.

Actually, most of the time people don’t really care very much. Even if they do find out who you are, locals usually aren’t particularly interested. Other travellers always have lots of questions for you though.

“Whatever your approach, you should always leave time for wandering!” Julius Honnor

10. Wander inquisitively

By the time I was on my 30th or 40th guide book I’d worked out some more methodical systems, but when I first started I was mostly feeling my way through the dark.

I would wander around the city, struggling under the weight of all the leaflets and flyers I’d picked up, trying to work out what there was to go and see and where the good places to eat were. But sometimes I’d stumble on something amazing and completely unexpected. Whatever your systematic approach, you should always leave time for random wandering!

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How To Write A Perfect Travel Guide ?

Table of Contents

Creating an ideal travel guide is significant as it can offer helpful insights to tourists and enable them to have a hassle-free and delightful journey. A guide that is well-crafted can aid travelers in organizing their schedules, maximizing their time, and steering clear of typical mishaps.

Also, it can offer insider tips and unique suggestions to improve one’s travel experience. Providing accurate and current information about local customs, cultural sensitivities, and environmental concerns can assist travelers in making informed decisions and avoiding any unpleasant surprises.

Welcome to this blog post, where we will delve into the vital components of a well-crafted travel guide and offer guidance on conducting research, structuring, and conveying information. So grab your notebook, and let’s get started!

Understanding Your Target Audience

To create a perfect travel guide, you should first remember to understand your target travelers’ insight clearly. When determining the demographics and preferences of the target travelers, several important factors must be considered. These may include:

Age Gender Income level Current location Occupation Religion Ethnicity Family size Marital status.

Luxury Solo or group Adventure Relaxation Backpacking Business Etc

Preferred activities Preferred mode of transportation Destinations Special needs such as dietary restrictions or accessibility requirements. Etc

To gather all this information, you can conduct market research to gather insights into their interests and needs through:

• Surveys and questionnaires
• Focus groups and interviews
• Asking open-ended questions and encouraging discussion
• Analyzing data from travel websites and social media

By blending these methods, you can create a comprehensive profile of your target travelers and tailor your guide to cater to their unique interests and desires.

Example : A travel blogger researching their audience’s preferred travel destinations and activities through surveys and social media engagement. They could post a poll on their Instagram story asking their followers to vote for their favorite travel location, ask their followers to share their travel experiences and recommendations in the comments section of their posts, etc.

Choosing A Destination And Researching

You can create a list of potential locations and, when considering different ones, research each location’s attractions, accommodations, dining options, transportation, and safety.

Utilize various resources such as travel websites, guidebooks, personal anecdotes, social media, travel blogs, online forums, etc to gather the exact information.

Tips: Focus on highlighting specific details that would benefit the travelers. Rather than simply mentioning that a place has “good restaurants,” provide more valuable information, such as the names of highly-rated or locally recommended restaurants.

Example: A travel writer visiting a destination and exploring its various aspects (attractions, accommodations, dining options, and transportation systems) to gather first-hand information for the guide. During the stay, record experiences and engage with locals or fellow travelers to obtain insider tips and insights. This can involve seeking recommendations on places to visit and things to do and learning about the local customs and cultural norms.

Structuring the Travel Guide

This usually includes advice on introduction, getting there, attractions, accommodations, dining, activities, safety tips, and more. Covering these topics in detail is vital to ensure your guide is comprehensive and valuable.

• Comprehensive overview of the destination and its purpose.
• Be captivating and informative
• Encompass a brief history, geography, climate, distinctive characteristics, and tourist attractions.
• Contain practical information, such as the optimal time to visit, prevailing currency, and spoken language.

Detailed, up-to-date, and accurate information on how to reach the destination, including

• Information on flights, airlines that fly to the destination, and airport transfer options.
• Information on other transportation options such as trains, buses, car rentals, visa requirements, and border crossings.

Provide detailed information on the destination’s top sights and activities.

• Name historical landmarks, museums, natural wonders, cultural experiences, etc.
• Brief description, practical information such as opening hours and admission fees, and tips for visiting.
• Also contain photos and maps to help travelers plan their itinerary.
• List of hotels, hostels, vacation rentals, camping options, and more.
• Added information such as amenities and location and tips for booking.
• Organize the information by price range or location to make it easy for travelers’ budgets and preferences.
• List of restaurants, cafes, street food vendors, local specialties, and more.
• Information by cuisine or location, opening hours, prices, and tips for ordering.

Attach location, cost, and tips for participating

• Outdoor activities: hiking and biking
• Cultural experiences: cooking classes, dance performances
• Entertainment options: nightlife and shopping

Information on

• Local customs and cultural sensitivities
• Health concerns such as vaccinations and food safety
• Crime rates and safety concerns
• Emergency contact information

Example: A travel agency designing a travel guide with a user-friendly layout, including a table of contents for easy navigation. Consider organizing the information into clear and logical sections with headings and subheadings to make your guide easy to read and understand. Adding visual elements like photos, maps, and icons can help break up the text and make the guide more engaging for readers.

A table of contents can also be a useful feature for easy navigation. By following these steps, you can create a user-friendly guide that your audience will appreciate.

Writing Engaging and Informative Content

When creating a travel guide, aim to produce interesting and informative content that will assist your readers in planning a remarkable journey.

Using a captivating introduction to grab the reader's attention

Crafting an alluring opening to seize the reader’s interest is a crucial element when composing a flawless travel guide. An aptly written introduction has the potential to establish the mood and allure readers to peruse further.

• Be descriptive
• Provide an overview
• Be engaging

For instance: “Welcome to our travel guide to the vibrant city of Tokyo, Japan! From its neon-lit skyscrapers to its tranquil temples, Tokyo is a city of contrasts that offers something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through Shinjuku’s bustling streets, the Imperial Palace’s serene gardens, and the trendy boutiques of Harajuku. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or an adventure seeker, Tokyo has something to offer. So pack your bags and get ready to explore one of the most exciting cities in the world!”

Providing accurate and detailed information

Here are some pointers on how to provide accurate and detailed information about attractions in your travel guide:

Research the history and significance of the attraction: What is its cultural or historical significance? Who built it, and why? What is its role in the local community?

Describe the critical features: Explaining their significance What makes them unique?

Write practical information: The attraction’s hours of operation Admission fees Accessibility information Special events or activities that take place there

Incorporating personal experiences, anecdotes, and storytelling

One effective approach to make your travel guide more appealing and captivating for readers is by incorporating personal experiences, anecdotes, and storytelling. Adding these elements can help readers connect with the guide on a personal level.

Including Practical Tips and Recommendations

Incorporating useful advice and suggestions into a travel guide can greatly assist travelers in organizing their journey, economizing their time & finances, and augmenting their overall travel encounter. Through the provision of exclusive recommendations, valuable knowledge, and insights, a proficiently composed travel guide can enable visitors to make informed choices, evade typical setbacks, and relish an unforgettable and authentic experience.

Offering practical advice

Some advice you should focus is transportation, local customs, currency, and communication

Transportation

Provide detailed information on the transportation options available in the destination, including Public transportation, taxis, car rentals, and ride-sharing services. Included information on routes, schedules, fares, and safety tips.

Provide information on the local currency of the destination, including Exchange rates, ATM availability, and accepted forms of payment. Tips on how to get the best exchange rates and avoid common scams

Communication

Provide information on communication options at the destination, including Cell phone coverage Internet access Emergency contact numbers Tips on how to stay connected while traveling and how to communicate effectively with locals

Recommending specific restaurants, cafes, and local dishes

• Research the local cuisine
• Find the best places to eat: Use online reviews, local food blogs, and recommendations from locals to find the best places.
• Include a variety of options
• Highlight local dishes: This can include traditional dishes, regional specialties, and street food.

Incorporating high-quality photographs, maps, and illustrations

When writing a perfect travel guide, incorporating high-quality photographs, maps, and illustrations can greatly enhance the guide’s visual appeal for visitors. Here are some tips on how to do this:

• Use high-quality images
• Include a variety of visuals: This can include photographs of local landmarks and attractions, maps of the area, and illustrations of local customs or traditions.
• Use visuals to enhance the text
• Be mindful of layout

Formatting and Design

Proper formatting and design can enhance readability, improve visual appeal, make information easier to find, and reflect professionalism. By focus on these elements, you can create a travel guide that is easy to read, visually appealing, and user-friendly, helping to establish trust with the reader and make them more likely to follow the recommendations in the guide.

Using clear headings, subheadings, and bullet points for easy readability

Using headings, subheadings, and bullet points can greatly improve the visual appeal of a travel guide. These elements help to make the guide look organized and professional, grabbing the reader’s attention. To effectively use these elements, choose clear and descriptive headings, use consistent formatting, effectively use white space, and incorporate design elements such as color and images.

Choosing an attractive layout and font style

• Using columns, boxes, or other design elements to organize information logically
• Selecting a font size that is large enough to be easily legible, clear, and uncluttered.
• Using color to highlight important information or use graphics or images to enhance the visual appeal of the guide.

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Proofreading and Editing

Improving the accuracy of the information, enhancing readability, boosting credibility, and reflecting professionalism are all achieved through proofreading and editing. When you meticulously proofread and edit your travel guide, you can produce a trustworthy, professional, and accurate guide that is more likely to be followed by readers and recommended to others.

Check for grammar, spelling, and factual accuracy

When creating a travel guide, it’s crucial to edit it for clarity, coherence, and flow. To achieve this, use plain language and avoid technical terms to keep the text simple and accessible. Group similar information together using headings and formatting for better organization.

Make sure there are smooth transitions between sections by using transitional words and phrases. Lastly, eliminate any unnecessary information to keep the guide concise and to the point.

When crafting a travel guide, it is imperative to consider your intended audience, conduct thorough research on your chosen destination, and present your content in a clear and logical manner. Incorporating personal anecdotes and storytelling can add an element of relatability and engagement to your guide, while also providing accurate and comprehensive information on local attractions and insider tips that can enhance the travel experience.

Furthermore, including visual aids such as photographs and maps can help readers visualize the destination and better plan their itinerary. By following these guidelines, you can create a high-quality travel guide that will assist travelers in having an unforgettable and fulfilling journey.

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How to Create the Perfect Travel Guide: Expert Tips To Consider

Hey there, fellow globe-trotters and aspiring guide creators! Ever wonder what goes into making those travel guides that become our lifelines on the road? You know, the ones that lead us to those hidden cafes, breathtaking viewpoints, and unforgettable local experiences? Well, buckle up because creating a travel guide that sings to the soul of wanderlust isn’t just about jotting down a few must-see spots. It’s an art form—a delicate dance of knowledge, planning, care, and a whole lot of attention to detail.

Imagine weaving a tapestry of travel dreams with your words, where each thread is a piece of vital information, a sprinkle of insider knowledge, or a secret waiting to be shared. It sounds magical, right? But here’s the kicker: this magic doesn’t just happen. It requires a meticulous blend of extensive research, clear organization, compelling storytelling, and thoughtful formatting. All these elements come together to create a guide that doesn’t just inform but also inspires and excites the reader.

So, whether you’re dreaming of crafting a guide that’ll have travelers flocking to a hidden beach in Bali or exploring the cobblestone streets of a quaint European village, I’m here to share some expert tips on how to turn that dream into a reality. Let’s dive into the world of travel guide creation, where every word you write holds the power to unlock adventures and create lifelong memories for your readers.

Choose a Specific Location

Zeroing in on your travel tale’s setting.

Alright, adventure-seekers and guide-crafters, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making your travel guide stand out. The secret sauce? Picking that one specific location that’ll be the heart and soul of your guide. It’s like choosing the main character for your next great novel. This decision sets the stage for everything that follows, turning your guide from a general overview into a captivating narrative that readers can’t put down.

Why Specificity Wins

Think about it: “A Guide to Italy” sounds broad and a bit overwhelming, doesn’t it? Now, how about “A Culinary Journey Through Tuscany” or “Exploring the Hidden Gems of Sicily”? Feels different, right? Honing in on a specific location does wonders. It gives your guide a clear focus and theme, making it easier for your readers to dive deep into what interests them most. Plus, it allows you to showcase your expertise and passion for that spot, adding layers of richness and depth that a more generalized guide might miss.

Crafting Your Guide Around a Theme

Now, let’s talk themes because who doesn’t love a good theme? Focusing your guide around a specific type of vacation or interest not only narrows down your location but also appeals directly to your target audience. Are you a history buff enchanted by the ruins and tales of ancient civilizations? “Walking Through History: A Guide to Rome’s Ancient Sites” could be your calling. Or maybe you’re all about catching waves and soaking up the sun. How about “Surf’s Up: A Beach Lover’s Guide to Sardinia”?

Some Theme Inspirations to Get You Started

• Culinary Explorations : From wine tasting in Napa to street food adventures in Bangkok, a food-themed guide can be a mouthwatering journey.
• Outdoor Adventures : Think hiking in the Dolomites, surfing in Bali, or camping in the Rockies. Outdoor enthusiasts are always on the lookout for their next thrill.
• Cultural Deep Dives : Guides focused on art, music, festivals, or even architecture offer readers a chance to immerse themselves in the local culture.
• Relaxation Retreats : Highlighting the best spots for spa vacations, yoga retreats, or tranquil beach getaways can attract those looking to unwind and recharge.

Research Extensively

The quest for knowledge.

Let’s chat about what fuels a truly epic travel guide: research, research, and yes, more research. Crafting a travel guide that’s both informative and engaging is a bit like preparing for a grand expedition. You wouldn’t set off without a map, right? Well, consider thorough research your guidebook’s trusty compass, leading you to those hidden treasures and insider secrets that make your guide not just useful but indispensable.

Gathering Wisdom from Every Corner

The beauty of research? It’s everywhere. Start with the big guns—renowned travel sites and local tourism boards. These are gold mines of information, offering up-to-date details on attractions, accommodations, and must-see spots. But don’t stop there. The real magic happens when you dig deeper. Gather information from many free travel PDF guides online, then convert PDFs of the most relevant ones into word documents for easy future reference as you write.

• Local Insights : Chat up locals, from the barista at the corner café to the owner of that quaint bookstore. They’re the ones with the lowdown on that off-the-beaten-path beach or the best time to visit the local market.
• Hit the Books (and Blogs) : Dive into books, magazines, and blogs for nuanced perspectives on your location. You might stumble upon a fascinating historical tidbit or a personal anecdote that adds color to your guide.
• Scout it Out : Nothing beats firsthand experience. If you can, visit your chosen location yourself. Feel the cobblestones beneath your feet, taste the local cuisine, bask in the vistas. These experiences bring authenticity and depth to your writing that’s hard to replicate.

Tips for Tireless Researchers

Embarking on this research journey can seem daunting, but fear not! Here are a few strategies to keep in your back pocket:

• Stay Organized : Keep your findings neat and tidy. Digital tools and apps can be lifesavers for storing notes, photos, and bookmarks. Trust me, Future You will be grateful.
• Be Curious : Let your curiosity guide you. Ask questions, seek out stories, and be open to serendipity. Sometimes the best information comes from unexpected sources.
• Verify Your Facts : Cross-reference information to ensure accuracy. Prices change, businesses close, and new attractions open. Your readers are relying on you for the latest and greatest.
• Keep it Fresh : Look for new angles on well-known sights and seek out the latest hotspots. Adding fresh content will make your guide stand out from the crowd.

Craft an Outline

The skeleton behind the magic.

With research in hand, thoughtfully craft an outline organising all information in logical groupings and flows. After diving deep into the sea of research, you’re probably swimming in a whirlpool of fascinating facts, hidden gems, and personal anecdotes. So, how do we transform this treasure trove into a coherent, captivating travel guide? The secret lies in crafting a masterful outline. Think of it as drawing a map before setting sail—it gives direction and ensures you cover all the essential landmarks without getting lost at sea.

Structuring Your Adventure

Outlining is where you start to see the shape of your guide emerge from the mist. This crucial step is all about organizing your research into a logical structure that flows like a well-planned journey. Whether you’re detailing the nooks and crannies of a vibrant city or outlining the best spots for adrenaline-pumping activities, your outline sets the stage for a seamless reader experience.

• City Guides : These often kick off with a vibrant introduction to the city, followed by sections like “Where to Stay,” “Top Attractions,” “Eating Out,” “Shopping,” “Nightlife,” and “Getting Around.” Tailor your sections to the city’s vibe—maybe it’s famous for its art scene or historic landmarks.
• Activity-Based Guides : Heading into more specific territories, like “Hiking in the Swiss Alps” or “Surfing in Costa Rica”? Your outline might include “Best Time to Visit,” “Top Spots,” “Gear and Preparation,” “Safety Tips,” and “Local Etiquette.” It’s all about catering to the needs of enthusiasts eager to dive into their passion.

Tips for a Stellar Outline

Now, ready to tackle your outline? Here are a few tips to keep your compass pointing true:

• Flexibility is Key : Think of your outline as a living document. It’s there to guide you, but don’t be afraid to adjust as new insights pop up. Maybe you’ll discover a new section that deserves a spotlight or realize some parts are better combined.
• Balance is Everything : While it’s tempting to pack your guide with every bit of info, remember the art of balance. Highlight the must-visits and must-dos while keeping the guide digestible. Overloading readers can turn an exciting adventure into an overwhelming to-do list.
• Consider Your Audience : Always keep your readers in mind. Are they budget backpackers or luxury jet-setters? Adventure seekers or culture enthusiasts? Tailoring your outline to your audience ensures you’re speaking their language and meeting their needs.

Include Subcategories

A dash of flavor to your guide.

Picture this: you’ve laid down the bones of your travel guide, and it’s looking pretty solid. But how do you take it from good to “Can’t put it down, must visit ASAP”? Enter the world of subcategories, my friends. These little guys are like the secret spices that turn a good meal into a culinary masterpiece. They add depth, flavor, and personality to your guide, tailoring the experience to fit the varied tastes of your readers.

Crafting Subcategories That Shine

Let’s say you’re penning a city guide. Sure, you’ve covered where to eat, but what about those vegan voyagers or gluten-free globetrotters? A subcategory for dietary preferences can turn a general eating out section into a treasure trove of inclusivity. Or, imagine you’re detailing the hiking trails in the Rockies. A subcategory highlighting family-friendly versus more challenging trails can help adventurers of all levels find their perfect match.

But here’s the kicker: while subcategories add richness and value, there’s a fine line between being thorough and causing decision paralysis. The trick is to weave in subcategories that enhance rather than overwhelm.

Striking the Perfect Balance

So, how do we strike this elusive balance? Here are a few tips to keep your guide as engaging as a page-turner novel:

• Prioritize : Focus on subcategories that truly add value and cater to common interests or concerns. You can’t cover every single niche, and that’s okay. Aim to address the broadest swath of reader interests while still providing specialized insights.
• Keep It Skimmable : Remember, not everyone is looking for the same thing. Design your guide (and subcategories) in a way that lets readers easily find what they’re after without having to wade through everything else. Bullet points, highlighted boxes, and clear headings are your best friends.
• Less Is More : Sometimes, the temptation to include every little detail can be overwhelming. Resist it. Provide enough information to be helpful, but leave some room for discovery. After all, exploration is half the fun of travel.
• Ask for Feedback : Not sure if you’ve hit the mark with your subcategories? Run them by a friend or fellow travel enthusiast. Fresh eyes can help you see what’s essential and what’s excess.

Write Strong Introductions

First impressions count.

Now craft compelling introductions for both the full guide and individual sections This is your opening act, the drumroll before the curtain rises, and believe me, it’s where you need to shine. Whether it’s the grand intro to your entire guide or the opener for each captivating section, crafting an introduction is like extending a hand to your reader and saying, “Come on an adventure with me.”

Setting the Stage with Style

Think of your guide’s introduction as the trailer to a blockbuster movie. It needs to be enticing, giving just enough away to hook the audience without spoiling all the surprises. Start with a bang! An interesting fact, a short anecdote, or a provocative question can spark curiosity and set the tone for what’s to come.

• For the Entire Guide : Paint a vivid picture of the destination. Is it the sun-drenched beaches of Greece you’re introducing or the mystical highlands of Scotland? Whatever it is, make the reader feel as though they’re already there, toes in the sand or mist in their hair.
• For Individual Sections : Each section deserves its own mini-introduction. Here, it’s all about zooming in. If you’re leading into “Where to Eat,” whet their appetite with tales of aromatic spices wafting through ancient marketplaces or the sizzle of street food in the night.

Crafting Your Hook

Drawing readers in is all about the hook. Here are a few tips to make your introductions irresistible:

• Be Descriptive : Use sensory details to bring scenes to life. Let your readers hear the bustling sounds of a city square, smell the pine in the mountain air, or feel the cobblestones beneath their feet.
• Tell a Story : People love stories. A brief, engaging tale about a local legend or a personal travel mishap can be a powerful way to connect with your audience.
• Ask Questions : Pose questions that provoke thought or stir the imagination. It invites your reader to engage actively with the material, making them a participant in the journey.

Share Essential Practicalities

The backbone of any travel guide.

Alrighty then, adventurers and detail-diggers, let’s get into the meat and potatoes of crafting a standout travel guide: the practicalities. This is where your guide transitions from an inspiring read to an indispensable travel companion. Sure, dreaming about far-off lands is thrilling, but when it comes down to it, your readers need the how-to’s, the when-to-go’s, and the what-to-know’s to make those dreams a reality.

Accommodations: Finding the Perfect Place to Rest

Let’s kick things off with accommodations because, let’s face it, everyone needs a cozy spot to crash after a day of exploring. This section should be more than just a list of places to stay; it should guide readers to their ideal home away from home, whether that’s a luxurious hotel, a charming B&B, or a budget-friendly hostel. Share insights on the best neighborhoods for different types of travelers, from the nightlife seekers to the culture enthusiasts. Throw in some pro tips, like booking in advance during peak season or considering vacation rentals for longer stays.

On the Move: Mastering Local Transportation

Getting around is a crucial part of any trip, and the options can be as varied as the destinations themselves. This is where you dish on all things transportation. Highlight the most efficient ways to navigate your destination, whether it’s by metro, bus, bike, or gondola. Include practical advice like purchasing transport passes, understanding fare systems, and tips for avoiding rush hour. It’s also a great spot to discuss the walkability of the area—after all, sometimes the best way to see a city is on foot, blending in with the locals.

Key Travel Logistics: The Devil’s in the Details

Beyond where to sleep and how to get around, there are those extra tidbits of information that can make or break a trip. We’re talking about visa requirements, currency exchange, tipping etiquette, and, of course, plugging into the power grid—literally, with info on electrical outlets. This section is about preempting the questions your readers don’t even know they have yet. It’s about giving them a smooth, hassle-free experience by arming them with all the knowledge they need.

Making It All Accessible

And here’s something we mustn’t overlook: accessibility. In your guide, ensure you address the needs of all travelers, including those with disabilities. Information on accessible accommodations, transportation options, and attractions isn’t just helpful; it’s essential. It’s about making travel inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.

Give Personalized Recommendations

Unearthing hidden treasures.

Picture this: you’re thumbing through a travel guide, and between the lines of must-visit landmarks and popular eateries, you discover a recommendation so spot-on, it feels like it was written just for you. That, my friends, is the magic of personalized recommendations. It’s about going beyond the obvious to share those lesser-known gems that might not make it onto every tourist map but make all the difference in experiencing a place truly.

The Personal Touch

Including personalized picks in your travel guide is like whispering insider secrets to your readers. It’s about saying, “Hey, I found this amazing little spot, and I think you’ll love it too.” These recommendations could range from a quaint bookstore nestled away in an alley, the perfect spot for a sunset that only locals know about, to a cafe where the coffee is so good it’ll make you weep. These are the places that add depth and character to your guide, transforming it from a simple itinerary to a curated adventure.

Curating for Every Traveler

Now, the trick is to curate these recommendations without turning your guide into an overwhelming encyclopedia. How? By considering the diverse tapestry of travelers reading your guide. The adventure-seekers, the history buffs, the foodies, the families—all looking for something different from their journey.

• For the Adventure-Seekers : Highlight that adrenaline-pumping hike or the best spots for kite surfing.
• For the History Buffs : Share that hidden museum or the ancient ruins that are off the typical tourist trail.
• For the Foodies : Point them to the hole-in-the-wall serving the most authentic local dishes or the market where they can taste the freshest produce.
• For Families : Recommend parks, interactive museums, or family-friendly restaurants that cater to the little ones.

The Art of Selection

The key here is selection, not saturation. Choose recommendations that truly stand out and resonate with the essence of the destination. And remember, the goal isn’t to cover everything but to highlight those special spots that can make a traveler’s experience uniquely memorable. It’s about quality over quantity, always.

Share Engaging Anecdotes

Storytelling: your guide’s secret sauce.

Let’s talk about the heartbeat of any captivating travel guide—engaging anecdotes. These aren’t just stories; they’re your passport to connecting with readers on a whole new level. Imagine wrapping up the essence of a place, its people, and its culture into a collection of tales that transport your readers right into the scene. That’s the power of a well-told anecdote.

Crafting Tales That Stick

But how do you pick the stories that will resonate most? It’s all about finding those moments that illuminate something unique about the destination. Maybe it’s the tale of the centuries-old bakery in Paris and its legendary croissant recipe, passed down through generations. Or perhaps it’s your own story of getting lost in the winding streets of Marrakech, only to be welcomed into a local home for tea. These stories do more than entertain; they give your guide soul.

The Balancing Act

Now, weaving anecdotes into your guide without tipping the scale from informative to novella can be tricky. Here’s the scoop on striking that perfect balance:

• Keep It Relevant : Each story should underscore a point or highlight a recommendation. Got a hilarious tale about trying to order dinner in broken Italian? Pair it with tips on local dining etiquette or your favorite eateries where the staff are particularly patient with language learners.
• Brevity Is Key : Your anecdotes should be engaging but concise. Think of them as flavorful spices—a little goes a long way. A short, vivid recounting that leaves readers smiling or pondering is your goal.
• Actionable Takeaways : For every story shared, think about the actionable takeaways for your readers. If you’re recounting a breathtaking hike to an ancient ruin, make sure to include how to get there, the best time to visit, and what to bring.

Why Stories Matter

At the end of the day, it’s these stories that transform your guide from a simple list of dos and don’ts into a rich tapestry that readers can see themselves in. Anecdotes bridge the gap between being an outsider looking in and feeling like part of the story. They’re what readers remember long after the details of directions and opening hours have faded.

Your Guide, Your Story

Incorporating anecdotes into your travel guide is like inviting your readers on a journey with a friend rather than sending them out with a map. It’s personal, it’s intimate, and it’s incredibly effective. So, as you sit down to craft your guide, sift through your memories, dive into the history, and pull out those nuggets of narrative gold. Your guide isn’t just a collection of information; it’s a mosaic of experiences, waiting to inspire the next great adventure.

Use Engaging Multimedia

A picture is worth a thousand words (and then some).

Hey, fellow globe-trotters and digital nomads! If you’ve ever scrolled through your camera roll reminiscing about your travels, you know the power of a single photo to transport you back to a moment in time. Now, imagine infusing your travel guide with that same power. Welcome to the world of engaging multimedia—where maps become adventures, photos tell stories, and videos invite readers into a moment.

Mapping the Journey

First up, let’s talk maps. Not just any maps, though. Interactive, custom maps that not only show locations but also become interactive gateways to explore. Imagine clicking on a quaint café icon and being whisked away to a photo gallery or a personal anecdote about the time you discovered the best espresso of your life there. Tools like Google Maps API or even simple graphic design apps can help you create these treasures.

A Snapshot Into Another World

Photos are the heartbeats of any travel guide. They capture the essence of a place in a way words can only dream of. But it’s not just about slapping in a few stock images and calling it a day. Curate your photos to complement your writing. A breathtaking panorama can illustrate the grandeur of a mountain range you’re describing, while a candid shot of locals at a festival adds layers of culture and emotion to your guide.

• Tip for Snap-Happy Guides : Quality over quantity. Choose images that add real value and insight into the destination. And always, always credit photographers if you’re using someone else’s work.

Bringing Stories to Life Through Video

Now, for the pièce de résistance: videos. Imagine integrating bite-sized clips that showcase a bustling market, the serene movements of a traditional dance, or the sounds of a city waking up. These mini video adventures can be easily embedded from platforms like YouTube or Vimeo and offer a dynamic peek into the world you’re describing.

• Creating Content : You don’t need to be a professional filmmaker. Even a well-shot smartphone video can captivate and engage. The key is authenticity and relevance to your guide.

Tips for Seamlessly Integrating Multimedia

• Complement, Don’t Overwhelm : Multimedia should enhance your guide, not detract from it. Use these elements to support and elevate your writing, not replace it.
• Accessibility Matters : Ensure your content is accessible to all users. Use alt text for images, captions for videos, and descriptive text for maps.
• Keep It Mobile-Friendly : Many travelers rely on their smartphones. Test your multimedia elements on various devices to ensure they load quickly and look great on smaller screens.

Wrapping Up: The Journey of Crafting Your Travel Guide

The road we’ve traveled.

Hey there, intrepid guide creators and storytellers of the wanderlust world! We’ve journeyed together through the valleys of research, scaled the mountains of organization, danced through the fields of engaging writing, and captured the essence of our travels with multimedia magic. Crafting the perfect travel guide is no small feat—it’s an adventure, a labor of love, and a commitment to sharing the world’s wonders with curious souls eager to explore.

Your Compass and Map

Remember, the heart of a great travel guide lies in its ability to not just inform but also inspire and connect. It’s about painting a picture so vivid, readers can taste the spices of the local cuisine, feel the cobblestones beneath their feet, and hear the bustling sounds of a distant marketplace. Your guide is a compass for discovery and a map to hidden treasures, urging adventurers to step off the beaten path and into the stories waiting to unfold.

A Ripple in the Pond

The work you put into your guide has the power to transform a simple trip into a life-changing journey. It’s about more than just places; it’s about the experiences, the connections, and the memories that travelers will carry with them long after they’ve returned home. A well-crafted guide doesn’t just navigate the physical landscapes but also touches the heartstrings, reminding us all of the beauty of discovery and the bond we share with places and people around the globe.

Final Words of Encouragement

As you put the finishing touches on your guide, remember the impact your words and insights can have. You’re not just creating a book or a blog post; you’re crafting a gateway to adventures untold and experiences yet to be had. Your passion, knowledge, and creativity are the sparks that can ignite a traveler’s spirit and inspire them to embark on journeys they never thought possible.

So, here’s to you, creators of worlds and weavers of dreams. May your guides be filled with the wonder, excitement, and depth that the world has to offer. Keep exploring, keep sharing, and most importantly, keep inspiring. The road is long, the world is wide, and the stories are endless. Happy guiding!

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How to Make a Travel Guide

Are you itching to create your very own travel guide? Well, look no further! In this article, we’ll show you how to make a travel guide that’s tailored to your unique style and preferences. You’ll learn the ins and outs of planning, researching, organizing, designing, and publishing your guide. So buckle up and get ready for an exciting journey into the world of travel writing. It’s time to unleash your creativity and share your adventures with the world!

Key Takeaways

• Consider the interests and preferences of the target audience when planning and researching for a travel guide.
• Provide options for off-the-beaten-path destinations and unique local experiences to cater to free-spirited travelers seeking adventure and excitement.
• Seek authenticity by recommending activities that allow immersion in the culture and embracing local culture, traditions, and cuisine.
• Utilize online platforms and social media to publish and share the travel guide, engaging with the audience and inspiring others to explore the world.

Planning Your Travel Guide

When planning your travel guide, it’s important to consider the interests and preferences of your target audience. You want to create a guide that caters to the free-spirited traveler, someone who craves adventure and excitement. They don’t want to be tied down by strict itineraries or cookie-cutter experiences. Instead, they desire the freedom to explore, discover hidden gems, and make spontaneous decisions along their journey. Your travel guide should provide them with options for off-the-beaten-path destinations, unique local experiences, and recommendations for activities that allow them to immerse themselves in the culture of each place they visit. Remember, this audience seeks liberation from the ordinary and wants their travel experience to be an unforgettable adventure filled with limitless possibilities.

Researching Destinations and Attractions

While researching destinations and attractions, it’s important to consider the interests of your target audience. To create a travel guide that truly resonates with freedom-seeking individuals like yourself, here are four key factors to keep in mind:

Authenticity: Seek out destinations and attractions that offer genuine experiences, away from tourist traps and crowds. Embrace the local culture, traditions, and cuisine.

Adventure: Include thrilling activities like hiking, water sports, or exploring off-the-beaten-path locations. Encourage your readers to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new challenges.

Flexibility: Provide options for customization and personalization in your travel guide. Freedom-loving individuals crave the ability to tailor their experiences according to their own preferences and desires.

Hidden Gems: Uncover the lesser-known treasures of each destination – hidden beaches, secret viewpoints, or charming local markets that are often overlooked by mainstream tourism.

Organizing Your Content and Structure

To effectively organize your content and structure, it’s crucial to consider the flow of information and the needs of your readers. When creating a travel guide, you want to provide your audience with a sense of freedom and empowerment. Start by choosing a logical order for your sections, ensuring that the information flows smoothly from one topic to another. Use headings and subheadings to break up the content and make it easy for readers to navigate. Consider including maps or visual aids to enhance their understanding. Keep sentences concise and use bullet points or numbered lists for important details. Remember, your audience desires freedom, so allow them to explore at their own pace by providing clear directions and suggestions without overwhelming them with unnecessary details.

Designing and Formatting Your Guide

As you design and format your guide, consider using a clean and visually appealing layout that enhances readability and captures the attention of your readers. Make sure to keep it simple yet engaging, allowing your readers to easily navigate through the information you provide. Here are four tips to help you create an enticing travel guide:

Use eye-catching visuals: Incorporate high-quality images that showcase the beauty of each destination. This will not only make your guide more visually appealing but also give readers a taste of what they can expect.

Organize information effectively: Break down your content into sections or chapters with clear headings and subheadings. This will make it easier for readers to find specific details they’re looking for.

Utilize colors and fonts strategically: Choose a color palette that reflects the vibe of each location while ensuring readability. Additionally, select fonts that are easy on the eyes and consistent throughout the guide.

Include interactive elements: Consider adding maps, clickable links, or QR codes to enhance reader engagement and provide additional resources.

Publishing and Sharing Your Travel Guide

When publishing and sharing your travel guide, remember to utilize online platforms and social media to reach a wider audience. In today’s digital age, the internet offers a plethora of opportunities for you to showcase your guide and connect with travelers from all around the world. Start by creating a website or blog where you can post your guide for free or at an affordable price. Share links to your guide on various social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, allowing people to easily access it. Engage with your audience by responding to comments and questions promptly. Remember, the power of online platforms and social media lies in their ability to connect people who share a common desire for freedom and adventure. Embrace this opportunity and let your travel guide inspire others to explore the world!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money should i budget for my travel guide.

You should budget enough money for your travel guide to cover expenses like accommodations, transportation, food, and activities. Keep in mind that prices can vary depending on the destination and your personal preferences.

Should I Include Personal Anecdotes and Stories in My Travel Guide?

You should definitely include personal anecdotes and stories in your travel guide. They add a unique perspective and make it more engaging for readers. Plus, it’s your chance to share unforgettable experiences!

What Is the Best Way to Gather Feedback and Reviews for My Travel Guide?

The best way to gather feedback and reviews for your travel guide is by reaching out to readers through surveys, social media, or online forums. Engage with them and encourage honest opinions to improve your guide.

How Can I Effectively Promote and Market My Travel Guide?

To effectively promote and market your travel guide, tap into social media platforms, collaborate with influencers, offer exclusive discounts or incentives, attend travel expos or events, and leverage online advertising to reach a wider audience.

Are There Any Legal Considerations I Should Be Aware of When Publishing and Selling My Travel Guide?

When publishing and selling your travel guide, be aware of legal considerations. Ensure you have the necessary permissions for photos and copyrighted material. Protect yourself by including disclaimers and being transparent about any potential conflicts of interest.

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How To Write A Travel Guide

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How to write a travel guide: ’48 Hours in’

This article is a step-by-step guide showing you how to write a travel guide for the 48 Hours in series of travel guides.

I am subdiving this writing guide into three chapters that cover (i) the aspiration of a 48 Hour guide, (ii) its structure and (iii) its content

Chapter #1: 48 Hours guides are authentic

Each episode of  the 48 Hours in series wants to introduce one city to the single male traveler from the point of view of a local. Just think about what kind of advice and tips you would give to a single male friend who is coming to your city for the very first time and you have all you need in order to write a good guide.

For the 48 hours in guides it is the local’s perspective that makes them so interesting. The episodes are no tourist brochures that tell you what sights are a “must”. If you do a Google search for “what to do in Paris” you will come across millions of articles telling you that you should visit Eiffel Tower and the Louvre — nice, but who really wants to read that?

In a 48 hour in guide local tells things how they are, mentioning the good and the bad.

If you were writing about a city where most hotels/apartments have bad service, but high prices then you should mention that (see my article on Kiev hotels ). And if you were writing about a city that, in your opinion, is nicer, cleaner and more lively than any other city in the country then you should mention that as well.

Here’s an example of authentic writing:

In the 48 hour guide to Wroclaw Poland I had to find a hotel in the middle of the night when almost all hotels were booked.

What I did was walk to the main railway station and enter the first hotel I saw in the hope they had a spare room. As the hotel was across the railway station where drunks were bumbling around I didnt expect much. To my surprise the hotel was not only cheap, but also newly refurbished. It could easily pass as a 4-star hotel in Munich or London and cost just 44€ for the night.

I added a nice picture of the hotel room and then put the mini-anecote into the guide. Here is what it looks like:

Screenshot taken from https://euromentravel.com/48-hours-in/48-hours-wroclaw-poland

People liked it. Why did they? Because it is authentic. The main thing is to give the reader little insights that stem from your own personal experience . This makes it so much easier for the reader to relate to what you are saying.

Chapter #2: The structure of the guide

All guides follow a simple 3-step structure. Each step is about a specific topic. These are:

• Flights/driving/buses
• The city & places to stay
• Activities.

Let’s start with the first topic titled “How to get there”:

“How to get there” – The most common way to reach your city?

“the city of [name] [country]” – brief outline of the city and hotels & apartments, “what to do” – b est daytime actitives & nightlife venues.

This is the most creative part. Think of your male friend coming to town and tell him about the ins and outs of your city: What is interesting to do during the day time?

This is not so much about sightseeing, but more about the lesser known spots in your city.For example, the guide to Varna Bulgaria tells you everything about the number one daytime activity in Varna, the beaches. But it also tells you about everything Varna’s Retro Museum with Soviet memorabilia that is not located in oldtown Varna, but somewhat hidden inside a shopping mall.

Chapter #3: The content of the guides

Now that we know the structure all we need to do is fill it with information. Here are some guidelines to what information the three chapters should contain:

How to get there

Here, you need to do some research by looking up prices on the websites of airlines, bus services etc.:

• Name 3-5 airlines that offer cheap flights to your city and link their names to their websites.
• Name 1-3 bus services that offer cheap rides to your city and link their names to their websites (if applicable).

Screenshot taken from: https://euromentravel.com/48-hours-in/48-hours-jakarta-indonesia/

Note that you do not need to put any screenshots of city maps/special offers/nice apartments/great hotels into your guide. I will do that for you. However, what you need to do is tell me where these special offers can be found so I can implement them.

The City of [XYZ]

• What is traffic in the city like? Is there good public transport? What is a good part of the city to stay in?
• How much is a taxi ride from A to B? There is a local smartphone app that everybody uses to order taxis? There is? Great, mention it and write about it!
• Write about some good offers that you see on apartment sites like Airbnb.com or booking.com and name 3-5 good hotels . Link their websites to their names.
• Look up the prices for a night in a hotel room/apartment and add the price after the hotel’s name Another very important factor is communication:
• What does a local SIM card cost?
• With a local SIM card: What’s the average price level for calls/texts/internet?
• Write a continuous text that describes your experience with about 3 daytime activities. This can be anything from spending a day at the beach to the picturesque old town or the area with the best local food.
• In your text, add 5-8 links to the names of popular daytime locations.
• Have a look at the other 48 hours in guides for inspiration.
• Write a continuous text that describes your experience with about 3 nightlife venues.
• Again, have a look at the other 48 hours in guides for inspiration.

And last but not least:

• Send in 10 high quality pictures of your city that you took yourself. If you can then send in more than 10. Actually, send in as many high quality pictures as you can! Choosing the cream of the crop from a large pool is always nicer.

In total, your 48 Hour guide will now have 1200-1600 words and is ready for editing.

Do not forget to give me your Twitter, Instagram and a short bio if you like and then allow me some time to do the editing. And before you know it your travel guide will go live on euromentravel.com.

This short synopsis on how to write a travel guide for the ’48 hours in’ series should cover most of your questions. If you have any other questions, do not hesitate do contact us via the form below.

See you around and happy traveling!

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How to create your own Touch Stay digital travel guides

• By Touch Stay
• 14th October 2020
• Uncategorized

Every destination in the world has its own unique spirit.

Whether that’s proclaimed on billboards, painted on barn roofs, or tucked into wee corners down a hoof-trodden muddy path.

But how does that spirit translate itself into something tangible for the visitor? How do they feel, taste, see, smell and hear that unique spirit?

The answer is of course to show them the way! Create your own digital travel guides with Touch Stay. The uber-cool local eateries, the proudly independent boutique shops, the guided walking tour from an experienced local, and the stunning vista from an off-the-beaten-track road. 

Who better to show them the way than you, the person who knows exactly where to direct guests. You are their personal search engine (and you actually deliver instantly relevant results!). Give travellers a taste of your local knowledge, gain their trust in you as their expert host. And while you are at it, share your favourite lodging in the destination: your short term rental!

Let’s break it down… When researching a getaway, a traveller will ask four questions during their planning, no matter the destination they choose:

• What is there to do?
• What will we eat?
• How will we get around?
• Where will we stay?

You, dear host, as the enthusiastic expert on your local neighbourhood and township that you wholeheartedly support, have the answers to all of these questions. Why not trade this valuable information with travellers who desire it?

We specifically say “trade” because you also want valuable information from the traveller researching destinations: their email address. And your handy dandy digital travel guide is an asset trade designed to do exactly that.

What is a traveller scouring the world wide web for specifically? Take a look at Google Keywords to see exactly what they are researching and then target your digital travel guides to what guests want.

Here are a few examples:

• Free Things to Do in Orlando
• Weekend Guide to Edinburgh
• Hidden Hiking in the Blue Mountains
• Nashville Whiskey Trail
• Best Dive Sites in Dominica

Getting Your Digital Travel Guides to Travellers

Planning out all your fave eats and attractions in your area guide might be the most fun part of the process, but don’t forget to plan how to get your digital travel guides into traveller’s hands.

Thankfully, it’s not as difficult as you might suspect:

1. Pop up email collector

Quite the love/hate relationship with many people, but pop ups are extremely effective for email collection and getting your promised digital travel guides into viewers' hands.

There are different strategies as to the size, location, and timing of a pop up when you visit a website. The important part is the Call To Action (CTA) that communicates clear value (no clickbait) to the viewer about why you’re asking for their email address, i.e. to receive in return valuable digital travel guides. 

(If you want to also subsequently market to them, be clear and compliant about it. Each country/region/state will have its own laws on this subject.)

2. QR code in strategic places

Rapidly coming back in popularity, a QR code is a quick way to share a link to your digital travel guides. We like to use qrcode-monkey.com to create custom QR codes that link to our digital travel guides, adding our brand colours and logo to the graphic.

You could link directly to your digital tourism guidebook, skipping the email collection, or link to a landing page that requires an email address be entered before revealing your guidebook.

3. Custom link by word of mouth

We know your Touch Stay digital travel guides don’t have the easiest url to remember — no worries! If you have a bit of tech knowledge, you can make a custom redirect link (i.e. touchstay.com/demo goes to our demo guidebook).

Then when you are chatting with a traveller on the phone or whilst standing in the security line at the airport, you are able to rattle off your easy-to-remember link to share it.

How to Create Your Digital Travel Guide

Using Touch Stay digital guidebooks to create a digital tourism guide or local area guidebook as a lead generation asset is easy peasy simple.

You have two methods to choose from:

1. Create a second guide in your current account

If you have already created a digital guidebook for your holiday rental, it will literally take only a few minutes to create your tourism guidebook. 

Here are the simple steps for this method:

• Add Guidebook
• Enter title and custom cover details
• Copy Welcome message from your first guidebook
• Choose colors and lead image
• Create a Tag 
• Turn the Tag on for each of the content pieces in your Content Hub that you want to appear in your tourism guide
• Add a “Lodging” section with your vacation rental pinned on the map
• Use the Share link to share your guidebook

2. Create a Tourism Guide with our special template

Yes, we do have a template for your tourism guide! We know staring at a blank page is not easy, even when you have all of the information swirling in your brain and ready to be spilled out where people can consume it (apologies on the gross visual — that said, did you know fried cow brain sandwiches are a delicacy in the Midwest of the United States?!).

Create a specific Tourism Guide account with Touch Stay, and we will hook you up with our beautifully structured template with professionally written content that you are welcome to use, tweak, or replace with your own content after we have sparked your ideas forward.

Our template includes more than structure and words as we have also added photographs and our custom weather widget. We’ve got you!

After you have adjusted the template to make it yours, pinned your local area businesses on the map, and have your own holiday rental in its special section with your website to encourage travellers to book direct — copy that Share link and drop it like it’s hot every opportunity you get.

SEO Juice for Your Digital Travel Guide

A website with powerful Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is a goldmine, and Touch Stay has given that optional strength to your digital travel guides, allowing you to have your guidebooks indexed by Google to be found in searches.

And Coming Full Circle

Every destination in the world has its own unique spirit. But not every place or experience in that destination captures that unique spirit. That’s a drag for guests who waste valuable vacation time making bad tourism choices.

So be your guests’ personal search engine. You might not be as fast at returning search results as Google, but you’ll be way better at returning relevant results given a few extra minutes!

Give yourself and your guests a leg up by putting your personal results, your human algorithm output, down in a local tourism guide!

7 Steps to Write a Perfect Travel Guide

Are you a passionate traveller? Have you already explored a bunch of different destinations and want to share your experience with others? That’s great! Write a travel guide and help dozens of travellers plan perfect vacations.

If you have never created travel guides before, you probably don’t know where to start. Read this article to learn handy tips on how to make your writing project a success!

Find your niche

The first step is the most important one. You need to define your target audience and decide what niche to choose.

Let’s say you want to write a Costa Rican travel guide. To make your guide more useful, you need to choose a more specific topic to cover, for instance:

• Guide to Luxury Travel in Costa Rica • Backpacking Costa Rica Travel Guide • Family Travel Guide to Costa Rica • Costa Rica Travel Guide for Pet Owners

It’s impossible to create a guide that will be a perfect choice for all travellers. Tips for backpackers will be useless for luxury travellers, and travel itinerary designed for pet owners will not work for travellers with kids. For this reason, you need to focus on a specific target audience.

Pro tip: Leverage your personal experience. If you are a backpacker who has never travelled with kids and pets and has never stayed at luxury resorts, write a backpacking travel guide.

Check travel guides available online

Do you want to create a travel guide to Paris, Amsterdam, New York, or another popular destination? Conduct an online research: check out travel guides available on the web and then ask yourself whether you have something to add.

Do you have enough resources to create a guide that will stand out from the crowd? If you create a travel guide that doesn’t differ from the existing guides, you will not get the expected result. The only way to achieve success is to create a 100% unique piece of content that adds value to the targeted audience.

Pro tip: Choose less popular travel destinations to avoid intense competition. For instance, write about Rotterdam rather than Amsterdam.

Immerse a reader in a travelling story

The first paragraph of your travel guide must be captivating. Otherwise, no one will want to read the entire guide.

Your task is to use the power of words to immerse your reader in a travelling story.

Let’s consider a simple example. You are writing a travel guide to Paris. To connect with a reader on a deeper emotional level, you can write the first paragraph this way:

“ Imagine your perfect morning in Paris.

It’s 9:00 a.m.  You wake up in a spacious room in an authentic French-style hotel.

You get up from your comfy bed, open a big window, and see the Eiffel Tower in all its beauty. You hear the accordion playing and can smell freshly brewed coffee and croissants.

At this very moment, you understand that your big dream has just come true. You break into a smile, feeling extremely happy .

Do you like the picture you have just imagined? Use this travel guide to bring it to life.”

Pro tip: Master the art of storytelling . Make your reader a hero of the travel story.

Create a clear structure

“Text walls” scare readers away. So make sure that your travel guide has a clear, logical structure:

• Divide your guide into sections. For instance, “places to stay”, “attractions to visit.” • Use headings and subheadings • Create bulleted lists • Use bold or italic fonts to draw readers’ attention to the most important details

Pro tip: Choose ONE metric to use. For example, all prices should be in dollars OR local currencies, all distances in miles OR kilometres.

Double-check every detail

Train ticket prices can change over time. Entrance fees to museums can change. Bus routes can also change. Everything you mention in your travel guide is subject to change.

Therefore, you need to double-check every statement you make. If you visited a specific place more than three weeks ago, it would be a wise idea to check whether any changes have taken place. Here is what you should do:

• Check prices and working hours of organizations on the official website • Cross-examine several sources before making a statement • If you are writing a guide about the city you live in, do a live check

Pro tip: Keep your travel guide relevant. If any significant changes occur, rewrite your guide and publish an updated version.

Proofreading and editing are just as important as writing. So you can’t skip this step. You should re-read every paragraph and every sentence to make sure that you haven’t made any grammar, spelling, or punctuation mistakes.

Why is it so important to proofread everything you write? People do not trust travel guides that are written in poor grammar. They believe that if an author hasn’t checked the text, he likely hasn’t checked the facts.

Pro tip: Proofread your travel guide using the best sites for writing papers or online grammar checkers. Save time and ensure that your writing is 100% grammatically correct.

Be an authentic writer

Don’t try to imitate someone else’s writing style. Don’t try to structure your travel guide in the way other travel bloggers do. Be yourself, and feel free to share your personal experience and travel tips.

Pro tip: Users are looking for unique content, so don’t be afraid to express your ideas the way you feel it. Your authenticity and unique writing style is your key to success.

You don’t have to be a professional writer to create a good quality travel guide. If you have a vast travel experience, that’s more than enough.

Strive to add value to your readers, and then your little writing project will turn into a big success.

Author’s bio. Daniela McVicker is an editor for Essayguard . She is also an experienced writer with a degree in social psychology from Durham University. Daniela is primarily focused on writing about self-improvement. She has authored a number of insightful and motivating articles, such as “Making The Right Choices Every Day” and “7 Steps To Open Yourself To New Opportunities & Possibilities”.

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How to Self Publish a Travel Book (or a Travel Guide)

In this article we break down how to self-publish a travel book like a travel memoir or a guidebook. Towards the end of the article, we also discuss the specific case of self-publishing literary travel books and travel guides.

Why should writers consider self-publishing? 

Self-publishing, also known as indie publishing, is one of few paths authors can take to publish their books. It has shaken off much of its stigma over the past decade and has emerged alongside traditional publishing as a viable option for authors trying to make a living with their writing. 

If you’re an author hung up on getting your book published with a traditional publishing house, you’ll need to get an agent and find a publisher. But if you’ve exhausted those opportunities, self-publishing might be the only path you have to see your work in the world.

That’s fine, as a self-published book can open doors . Travel Writing World podcast guest Ben Aitken noted that his first self-published book helped him land a book deal.

Self-publishing can also help you establish authority in a niche; writing a book on, say, the American Southwest might position you up as an expert in the area.

And, with a bit of luck and a robust author platform, some self-published books can be financial windfalls . Craig Mod recently self-published two print runs of his limited-edition book Kissa by Kissa and generated some $160,000 in net sales in a few short months.

Don’t be seduced by the dreamy successes of the chosen few. It is hard to sell travel books, whether traditionally or self-published. 

Self-publishing allows authors to put their work out into the world without the traditional publishing gatekeepers . But because independent publishers sidestep traditional gatekeepers, they often see better terms with royalty percentages . But this comes at the cost of indie authors having to take care of literately everything themselves.

Where there is more control, there is more responsibility . And the work you put into self publishing is basically work on spec and without any guarantees you’ll ever see a dime in sales. Self-publishing is not for everyone, so you’ll need to weigh your options when determining what is the best path to take.

How self-publishing works (an overview)

What image comes to mind when you hear the term “self-publishing”? Do you envision a garage full of boxes of unsold books? Do you envision poorly crafted prose, a pixilated cover with comic sans font, and a mess of typographical errors? Self-publishing looks a lot different in the 2020s, with indie publishers producing work that can rival and often exceed the quality of work produced by major publishers.

Gone are the days when an independent publisher had to manufacture hundreds of books and store them in their garages until, hopefully, the books sold. Nowadays, thanks to print-on-demand (POD) technology, independent publishers do not have to store, track, or ship inventory; once a customer places an order, a manufacturer produces and ships the book directly to the consumer. 

How modern self-publishing works: Once you’ve written and edited your manuscript, you will submit properly formatted print and ebook files to websites that specialize in POD and ebook distribution. The POD distributors will ensure that your book is available on all the usual online retailers and distribution channels. When someone orders your print book, the POD distributors will print, bind, and ship your book directly to them. The ebook distributors will make your ebook available in all the usual places. When someone buys your ebook, the ebook distributors will deliver it to the customer’s device. You, the distributors, and the retailers will all keep a cut of the sale. Your cut is called a “royalty” and is usually paid out between 30 and 90 days.

It sounds easier than it is. Having properly formatted print and ebook files means that you first need a finished and professionally edited manuscript, a daunting process that can take many months or years. It also means that you have a professionally made cover and the print and ebook files prepared according to industry standards, all of which may cost the equivalent to a month or two of bills. To get the full benefits of self-publishing, you will also need to buy an ISBN and submit your files to various distributors, a mind-numbing slog of logging in, submitting and proofing files, and entering metadata. 

Don’t pop the cork just yet. Just because your book is available in all the usual online retailers and distribution channels doesn’t mean your book will sell. Heck, it doesn’t mean that anyone will ever even see it. Self-publishing also means that authors will do all the marketing and advertising on their own. 

It really is a lot of work to take on, with self-published authors having to wear multiple hats .

Self-publishing vs. traditional publishing

Steps to self-publishing a book

• Write an interesting book that readers want
• Edit the book using professional editors
• Get an ISBN
• Format the book (for print and digital)
• Get a professionally designed cover
• Submit your files to IngramSpark, Amazon KDP, Google Play Books, and Draft2Digital
• Market your book

Writing an interesting book that readers want

This is perhaps one of the most mysterious parts of writing. How does one capture public interest? How do we know a book will sell? If we knew the answer, we would all write bestsellers. While it is impossible to know if your book will be a financial success or strike a chord with readers, there are some steps you can take to increase the likelihood of success.

The strategy for financial success in writing a self-published or a traditionally published book involves market research. It is a good practice to determine if other books similar to your new book idea have sold well in the past. If so, this might show that there is a preexisting market/appetite for your idea. 

Another strategy involves researching trends. What new trends do you see in the genre? Does your new book idea play on public sentiment or public discourse? Is your new book idea related to subjects or topics that have garnered media attention? Timing is key, but it is difficult to predict what topics will interest readers when you’re ready to publish your book.

In terms of travel literature, a simple travelogue without a story might not be that interesting to others.

How to create ebook files

Creating ebooks can be complicated, but software like Vellum makes it easy. With the click of a few buttons, you can transform your manuscript into a beautiful ebook in all the normal formats like epub and mobi. Plus, it is a breeze to make changes should the need arise. If you use Apple products and plan on publishing more than one book, Vellum pays for itself. Otherwise, Calibre is a free cross-platform program that helps you organize your ebooks and format epub and mobi files from your completed manuscript. 

How to format a print book

Creating beautiful print books is an underrated art form that is more difficult than it looks. Formatting guidebooks—a form which includes lists, charts, photographs, and sidebars alongside prose—is even more difficult. If you’re formatting a simple print book without a lot of graphics, Vellum can also make the process of creating a beautiful print-ready file easy. Otherwise, these are best left to a professional using Adobe InDesign .

Your book’s cover

Covers are incredibly important, and each genre has its own style and conventions. Consider surveying the book cover design trends in your sub-genre and following suit.

Unless you have some design chops, your book’s cover is best left to a professional. You can search for professional cover designers in places like Reedsy, the Alliance of Independent Authors, and 99designs. While you can find some great cover designers on sites like Fiverr and Upwork, some customers have found the results mixed and amateurish. The last thing you want is for your book to look cheap.

Print and ebook distributors

Some self-published authors only use one distributor like Amazon, but there is a vocal contingent among the indie-publishing community that recommends publishing “wide.” Publishing “wide” means submitting print and ebooks files to a variety of global print and ebook distributors like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Google Play Books, and Draft2Digital.

KDP is Amazon’s in-house distributor that will help you put your print books and ebooks on Amazon. IngramSpark is a distributor that plays well with other retailers and will help you distribute your print books and ebooks to them. Using Google Play Books will help you get your books on the Google Play store, which is loaded on nearly 75% of all global mobile devices (compared to some 20% for Apple’s iOS). Draft2Digital is an ebook distributor that will help you make your ebooks available to the top ebook retailers around the world and libraries. 

You can have your books available in the world’s top retailers using these services, which all take a cut of the sales when your book is sold. Except for IngramSpark, the distributors do not charge set-up fees. You’ll get paid anywhere from 30 to 90 days after the sales period ends.

Publishing a book “wide” doesn’t guarantee that anyone will ever see the book, much less buy it. Both traditionally published and self-published authors realize they need to hustle and work towards getting their books seen and bought. Marketing often begins before the book is finished and, after being published, never really ends.

Some common book-marketing strategies include

• Building a strong author platform
• Smart social media outreach
• Smart pricing
• Book reviews and endorsements
• Media coverage (podcast interviews, blog tours, etc.)
• Paid advertising
• Writing another book

A strong author platform is the single-most important component in marketing that an author can control. We’re writing an article on how travel writers can build a strong author platform, which we will link here when finished. Come back or join our newsletter to get notified when we publish it.

Self-publishing success

Books that have an increased likelihood for success in the market look something like the Venn diagram, which presupposes many things including that the book is well written.

The specific case of travel literature and travel guides

Travel literature and memoir – a popular genre.

Literary travel books do not have the cultural cachet as they once had. Go into any bookstore today and you’ll likely find the small travel section in the back corner next to esoteric subjects. Worse for the broader travel writing landscape, narrative travel books and guidebooks share an already-limited shelf space despite them being different types of books. Finding travel guides shelved next to narrative travel books in bookstores is like finding self-help books on relationships and dating next to romance titles.

Because travel isn’t a hugely popular genre, most travel books published globally won’t be stocked in stores unless their authors have HUGE names and get lots of attention.

The publishing world has changed since the new millennium, mostly because of the rise of Amazon, ebooks, and print-on-demand technology. But because of the consolidation of the publishing industry, market appetite, and external economic forces, it isn’t easy to go the traditional publishing route and find an agent and a publisher for travel books. 

Finding an agent and a publisher is one of the major steps (some say hurdles ) in the “traditional publishing” model. Recent Travel Writing World Podcast guest Pam Mandel noted how she went through nearly 75 iterations of her book proposal before finding a publisher. Agents told her they loved her book, but they weren’t sure they could sell it. A book’s writing can be beautiful (her book is a page turner), but agents won’t touch a book if they don’t think they can sell it. 

Publishing is a business, after all. And therefore book proposals need to make a business case for the book and include a detailed marketing plan.

What is a travel writer to do if an agent or publisher doesn’t want to work with them? One option would be to file away the manuscript and move on. Another option would be to self-publish.

Self-publishing independent guidebooks and travel guides?

The market for travel guides collapsed during the pandemic. Case in point, Lonely Planet announced that it closed its main offices in 2020 and the business was sold off a few months later. The jury is still out how and if they’ll re-emerge after the pandemic. But nobody is buying guidebooks if nobody is traveling.

Part of Lonely Planet’s demise was its footprint. It simply couldn’t keep the lights on and paying employees with travel at a standstill. Lonely Planet has helped a lot of people over the years, and we respect that, but there seems to be an opportunity for smaller operations to gain some market share.

I’ve written elsewhere that I think travel blogs are contributing to the demise of the printed travel guidebook. This is happening because of several reasons, some of which are relatability, cost (free), and speed-to-publish. Are you a solo female traveler who needs up-to-date information on an upcoming trip? There is a travel blog (travel guide) just for you. A millennial black traveler? A traveler with special needs?A family? Same. Same. Same.

Many travel bloggers with unique perspectives and special knowledge, however, “monetize” their sites by selling premium travel guides in PDF format. They often make them available via POD on sites like Amazon. The business can be quite lucrative.

Nothing beats a guidebook that has detailed and up-to-date information written by someone with specialized knowledge. Self-publishing means they can publish their own guidebooks and travel guides much faster than the big guidebook publishers. Instead of annual updates, an indie publisher can make updates in real time.

And they can do so for cheaper too. Instead of selling a guidebook to an entire country for $25.99, an indie publisher can sell a guide for a fraction of that. There is some potential here for bloggers to diversify their income by offering well-researched and updated guidebooks.

Travel writers, books, and the coronavirus pandemic?

At the start of the pandemic, many travel journalists had a hard time making ends meet. Publications folded and assignments dried up. When the wheels of the travel industry stopped spinning, so too went the travel media industry. Even travel bloggers had a hard time; advertising and affiliate revenue dried up because nobody was traveling and searching for destinations. The outlook was bleak, as many writers spoke about on a Travel Writing World podcast episode .

That said, book publishers had a record year. Book sales boomed; print and ebook sales are still at the highest level in about a decade, with no signs of slowing down. And writers reported on Twitter that they’ve landed new travel book contracts during the pandemic.

What the pandemic has taught travel writers is that relying on just freelance gigs is risky. Having multiple streams of income (like books or other products) is a smart way to protect oneself from a sudden downturn in the travel industry.

If you recall, we’ve seen three blows to the travel industry in the last 20 years: the September 11 attacks, the Great Recession, and now the COVID-19 Pandemic. Having a series of travel books and publications might just help the next time it is difficult to land freelance writing assignments.

What would you do?

I occasionally speak with authors who have completed manuscripts—a difficult feat in its own right—and are still holding onto hope that they will find an agent or publisher after many months of failed attempts. There is something to be said about persistence and reworking an idea to make it the right fit for the market. But, I wonder how many manuscripts never see the light of day because the author is “holding out” for an agent or publisher that will never come.

What would you do in this situation? If you had a completed manuscript you’ve been trying to find an agent or publisher for without success, would you hold out for a traditional publishing deal while revising the manuscript, attempt to self-publish it, or just shelve the book and move on to another project? Let us know what you would do and why in the comments section below.

Is self-publishing worth it?

If you cannot find an agent or a publisher for your book, self-publishing can be worth it. Self-publishing can open doors, so it could be “worth” it in that respect. In terms of it being “worth it” financially, maybe. Books by writers who market well and have established author platforms see the biggest returns.

It is not uncommon to see authors spend 2,000 dollars to self-publish a book and, for whatever reason—no marketing strategy, poor market appetite, pandemic or economic crisis—, the book doesn’t sell a single copy.

That said, authors with a healthy “back catalog” of books can see some traction and growing sales. If the process of self-publishing is too daunting for you, or you don’t have a strong author platform, self-publishing may not be “worth it” at the beginning.

Is it hard to self-publish a book?

It is not hard to self-publish a book. There is a process you’ll need to learn if you want to do it professionally.

How much does it cost to self-publish a book?

Except for IngramSpark, the POD and ebook distributors listed above do not charge a setup fee. The ebook formatting software Vellu m will set you back a few hundred dollars, though the less user-friendly Calibre is free. A professional cover can set you back anywhere from 50 to 500 dollars. A professional edit can cost anywhere between 1,000 and 2,500 dollars, depending on the condition and length of the manuscript. However, if you can design your own books and edit your own manuscript, self-publishing can be inexpensive.

How do I know my book will sell?

This is a hard question to answer. Nobody can predict with any degree of certainty whether a book will sell. In short, you can’t. That said, you can take steps that will increase the likelihood that your book will sell like studying the market, researching competitive titles and their performances, writing a book on a topic that regularly sells well, and developing your author platform to name a few.

Do I need to start my own press to self-publish a book?

No. While some authors like to start their own small press or legal entity, it isn’t necessary. Some believe self-publishing on an imprint looks more professional.

Last Updated on 8 February 2023 by Travel Writing World

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Travel Writing World

With an emphasis on travel books and long-form travel literature, host Jeremy Bassetti talks with the world’s most inspiring travel writers about their work and about the business and craft of travel writing in this award-winning podcast and website. In addition to the podcast, the site also features travel writer profiles, book reviews, and articles.

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Plan, Ready, Go

The Best Travel Guides (Online and Books)

Even in the digital age, travel guide books are an important part of my travel planning journey. I have read and tried many different travel books and online travel guides. And I pulled together a list of what I think are the best travel guides (books and online resources). 

I return to my favorite travel guides again and again with each trip that we plan. Once you find a travel guide series that you know and trust, it can really speed up the travel planning process.  

But which travel guides are the best? Keep reading for the full list!  

Need help with planning your trip? Check out our guide to the best travel planning resources .  

This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  See disclaimer.

Are travel guidebooks still used now? 

Absolutely! Although you can find a wealth of travel planning help online, the good old-fashioned travel guidebooks are still very much available and in use. 

Some people prefer to use paper travel guidebooks. You can flag important sections and highlight things you want to remember. We’ve even ripped our books up (they’re meant to be used!) and traveled only with the sections covering the cities and sites we visited. 

E-books are also a great option for travel guides. If you use e-books, you can easily travel with several guides without adding a single ounce to your luggage. It’s a perfect option for those who travel carry-on only .

Rick Steves: best travel guides for Europe 

Rick steves guidebooks .

Some seasoned travelers look down their noses a bit at Rick Steves guide books . There’s no reason for that. Rick Steves knows Europe inside and out from decades of traveling, leading tours, writing books, and producing episodes of his wonderful series  Rick Steves’ Europe.  

Rick Steves books are excellent guides and well worth the money. I highly recommend them, especially for travel planning beginners or for anxious travelers who are looking for an expert to tell them where to visit and how. 

His books are kept up to date and quite detailed, even to the point of including full guided walking tours (often several) and detailed guided tours through major sites. 

• Steves, Rick (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 604 Pages – 09/06/2022 (Publication Date) – Rick Steves (Publisher)

Rick Steves online 

You can also get a lot of good free travel tips and help on the Rick Steves website, including the forums . There are forums specifically for countries, reviews, and several forums about general travel tips topics. 

They’re a great way to get insight and tips from other experienced travelers…even those who disagree with Rick Steves itinerary suggestions. (Shocked face.)

Rick Steves Audio Europe Travel App 

I also highly recommend the Rick Steves Audio Europe Travel App . It’s loaded with audio guides for walking tours and top travel destination sites like the Colosseum in Rome and The Louvre Museum in Paris.  

Download the audio tours for your destination so you can listen to them on your mobile device as you explore your destination. 

Rough Guides: my favorite travel guidebooks overall 

Super practical and easy to read, Rough Guides are my top choice for any destination that isn’t in Europe (for which I prefer Rick Steves guide books ). 

The UK-based company was founded in 1982 with the  Rough Guide to Greece . Since then, they have published travel guidebooks for well over 100 destinations all over the world. 

In addition to their main guidebook series, they also offer Pocket Rough Guides, On a Budget, Snapshots, phrasebooks, and inspirational guides like “Make the Most of Your Time on Earth.” 

• Guides, Rough (Author)
• 840 Pages – 10/18/2022 (Publication Date) – Rough Guides (Publisher)

Rough Guides website 

Rough Guides isn’t just a guidebook publisher though. Since 2017 they have offered tailor-made trips to over 70 destinations. created by local travel experts. 

Their website provides some basic itineraries, travel recommendations, and basic destination information for free that can help get you started on planning your travel itinerary . 

Fodor’s 

The great travel writer Eugene Fodor once said “You don’t need to be rich to travel well.” And that’s been kind of my mantra for the last several years. 

In 1936 Fodor wrote the first modern travel guide book . It was for British audiences and he wrote all 1200 pages himself. The book was O n the Continent: An Entertaining Travel Annual .

According to Fodors.com , “The guide went beyond reporting on the sights and for the first time included information about Europe’s culture and people, practical information like how to tip, and was the first to be annually updated.” 

Since  On the Continent  was first published, Fodor’s has been a trusted name in travel guides. They now claim that their travel writers have covered more than 8,000 destinations around the world . 

In addition to the Signature Guides, their other series include Fodor’s Inside, In Focus, and 25 Best. Fodor’s says that  Fodor’s   Italy  is the company’s top-selling guide book. 

• Fodor’s Travel Guides (Author)
• 896 Pages – 12/20/2022 (Publication Date) – Fodor’s Travel (Publisher)

Fodor’s website 

Fodors.com was one of the first travel websites when it launched in 1996 . Today the site offers destination guides, general travel content, and forums about specific destinations or general travel topics such as air travel. 

Frommer’s 

The venerated Frommer’s travel guides were launched by Arthur Frommer in 1957 with a guide to visiting Europe on $5 a day (yup. $5.). That guide followed his book about how to travel Europe as a GI (Frommer was in the Army at the time). 

Frommer’s quickly grew to become one of the most trusted names in travel guidebooks. 

Several years ago, Frommer’s was acquired by Google, which pulled the plug on their print books in the spring of 2013.

Arthur Frommer reacquired the company shortly thereafter and then quickly made a deal to get the books back in distribution. Frommer’s then started emphasizing their Easy Guides and Day by Day series, which were smaller and easier to read and carry than the typical large guidebooks they saw on the market. 

• Gordon, Yvonne (Author)
• 602 Pages – 08/23/2022 (Publication Date) – FrommerMedia (Publisher)

Frommer’s website 

Frommers.com is a fine place to start planning for a trip for free. Destination information includes city layouts, how to get around, and their top picks for hotels and dining. 

They also provide other general travel content and feature articles plus trip ideas for honeymoons, arts and cultural travel, national parks, family travel, road trips, and more. 

The Frommer’s Travel Show (podcast) 

Pauline Frommer, daughter of Frommer’s founder Arthur Frommer, hosts The Frommer’s Travel Show podcast . New episodes come out approximately once per week or several times a month. 

Bradt Guides 

Known for publishing guides for lesser-traveled destinations (though certainly not less deserving), Bradt bills itself as “the world’s leading independent travel publisher.”  

Bradt guides are the go-to for destinations not covered by other publishers. They say that “over two-thirds of Bradt guides still have no direct competition from other publishers.” 

The Bradts’ first book,  Backpacking Along Ancient Ways Peru & Bolivia , was the first to detail the Inca Trail.

Later they became known for writing guides to destinations “post-conflict.” These included Rwanda, Kosovo, and the Baltic States after the fall of the Iron Curtain. 

In addition to their destination guidebooks, Bradt also publishes a Slow Travel series of UK destinations, a Wildlife series, and general travel literature. 

• McIntyre, Chris (Author)
• 456 Pages – 06/01/2022 (Publication Date) – Bradt Travel Guides (Publisher)

Bradt Guides Travel Club 

Avid travelers can support Bradt by joining their Travel Club through Patreon. There are three tiers: Bradtpacker, Globetrotter, and First-Class Traveller. Each tier offers differing levels of subscriber benefits including things like e-books and access to their bespoke travel planning service. 

Lonely Planet  

Lonely Planet books for a long time were quite popular especially with younger backpackers looking to travel on a budget. The books can be light on the details that certain travelers (beginners, anxious travelers) might wish for when making good decisions about where to spend their travel dollars. 

Lonely Planet books are good for independent and adventurous travelers . Or for those who just want some recommendations but not a prescribed itinerary with a ton of detail.  

In addition to their popular guidebooks, Lonely Planet also publishes phrasebooks, general travel books, food books, and children’s books. 

• Mayhew, Bradley (Author)
• 288 Pages – 03/16/2021 (Publication Date) – Lonely Planet (Publisher)

Lonely Planet website  

You can get some basic, inspirational travel information to start your travel planning from the Lonely Planet website . Sadly, they set their forums to “read-only” some time ago. In my opinion, the forums were the best (and most valuable) part of the website. 

Marco Polo 

Marco Polo is best known for its compact and colorful pocket travel guides. They also offer spiral-bound itinerary-based guides, phrasebooks, folding maps, travel handbooks, travel journals, city maps, and road atlases. 

• Marco Polo Travel Publishing Marco Polo Travel Publishing (Author)
• 136 Pages – 10/15/2022 (Publication Date) – Marco Polo Travel Publishing, Ltd. (Publisher)

Marco Polo Discovery Tours App 

The free Marco Polo Discovery Tours app offers travelers a variety of guided itineraries through many destinations. For example, you can download a 23-day driving tour of New Zealand with a step-by-step driving tour over both islands. 

DK Eyewitness: among best travel books for visuals 

I enjoy reading DK Eyewitness guides, especially when I’m looking for information about the history and culture of my destination.  The glossy full-color books feature beautiful photographs and illustrations perfect for inspiring your travel itinerary. They cover more than 100 destinations. 

DK was founded in 1974 by Christopher Dorling and Peter Kindersley. They published their first travel book in the early 1990’s promising to show you “what others only tell you.”

They also cover all the usual grounds for travel guidebooks: itineraries, maps, dining and accommodations recommendations, top sites, etc. 

• DK Eyewitness (Author)
• 592 Pages – 04/26/2022 (Publication Date) – DK Eyewitness Travel (Publisher)

Where to Go podcast 

Produced by the team behind the DK Eyewitness books, each episode of the Where to Go podcast dives deep into a particular destination. New episodes come out every two weeks or so. 

Insight Guides 

For more than 40 years, Insight Guides have published guidebooks covering more than 200 destinations. 

In my experience, they’re quite a bit heavier on destination history and culture than any other travel guide I’ve encountered. So, if that’s not something you enjoy, then these guidebooks might not be your top choice. 

Insight Guides series include: Explore Guides, City Breaks, Pocket Guides, City Guides, and Experience Guides. 

• Guides, Insight (Author)
• 144 Pages – 04/01/2018 (Publication Date) – Insight Guides (Publisher)

Insight Guides website

You will find some travel information on the Insight Guides website , making it a decent place to start if you’re unsure of your destination.

The emphasis of their website seems to be on advertising their Insight Guides trip offerings…not that there’s anything wrong with that. 

Atlas Obscura 

Atlas obscura book .

Unlike all of the other travel guidebooks listed above, Atlas Obscura: An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Hidden Wonders is not a series of guidebooks but rather one book that details an incredible array of oddities and wonders around the world. 

Here’s how the authors describe their book and website (more on that below): 

“The site, and this book, are a kind of wunderkammer of places, a cabinet of curiosities that is meant to inspire wonderlust as much as wanderlust. In fact, many of the places in this book are in no way ‘tourist sites’ and should not be treated as such. Others are so out of the way, so treacherously situated, or (in at least one case) so deep beneath the surface, that few readers will ever be able to visit them. But here they are, sharing this marvelously strange planet with us.  Joshua Foer, Dylan Thuras & Ella Morton,  Atlas Obscura , revised second edition, (New York: Workman Publishing, 2019) vii

The revised second edition (published in 2019) added more than 100 new sites to the 2016 first edition. The book is delightful reading if you’re into oddities around the world. I definitely recommend picking up a copy. 

• Hardcover Book
• Foer, Joshua (Author)

Atlas Obscura website 

Make sure you stop by the Atlas Obscura website  during your travel planning if you like finding out-of-the-way sites, or unusual places to visit, or want to make it a priority to get off the beaten path. 

You can even take Atlas Obscura trips to some pretty unusual places and even with some unusual activities…such as assisting biologists with bee research at Redwood National Park. 

Atlas Obscura podcast 

Atlas Obscura launched a podcast in March 2021, which I’ve really enjoyed listening to. Early episodes covered sites such as the Gates of Hell in Turkmenistan, the Museum of Bad Art in Massachusetts, and the old Widow Jane cement mine in Rosendale, New York. 

Final thoughts on the best travel guidebooks 

The best travel guides will be the ones that you use and that help you plan a trip that you truly love. I personally like to use a combination of travel guidebooks and online travel planning resources. 

But don’t just follow my advice. Try these guidebook series and online travel guides for yourself and find the ones that you will like and use for your trip planning. 

What are your favorite travel guidebooks?

More articles related to travel guides 

• Travel planning resources  
• The top books about travel and self-discovery 
• Best books to read before you travel to Paris  
• The best books about the South 

Pin this post!  

Darcy Vierow is a busy professional and travel planning expert with years of experience maximizing travel with limited time and on a less-than-average salary. Her tips have been published by Forbes, MSN.com, Yahoo! News, Yahoo! Finance, Aol, Newsbreak and GOBankingRates. Read more about Darcy Vierow .

Michelin guides (the green books) are great!

I used to use the “Let’s Go: Europe” guides, which were great. They were targeting college age students mostly, but they had lots of good information re: trip planning for everyone.

Which guidebooks (and/or websites) are best for planning train/plane travel while in Europe? Any standouts?

Thanks for your very helpful information!

You’re welcome, Wayne. The Man in Seat 61 is THE expert in European train travel. His website is: https://www.seat61.com/ . He’s also pretty active on Twitter. I’d also recommend checking out https://www.rome2rio.com/ for helping with planning transportation for any trip. Thanks for reading!

My family had a great time in Paris. We had a wonderful time there and enjoyed the culture of the region. The nightlife was fantastic, and the city’s elegance is indescribable. We are in love with the place and explore so many places like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Louvre Museum, Cruise on the Seine, etc. After reading your blog I would like to revisit there.

Oh, I’m so glad you enjoyed your trip. Thanks for reading!

Amazing! I know nothing about traveling all over the country, what a wonderful looking place to explore.

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11 BEST Travel Guides for 2024 [Websites & Guidebooks]

* This article contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you.

TL;DR: The two best travel guides are Rick Steves for first time travelers—especially anyone going to Europe—and Bradt Guides for off-the-beaten-path destinations and “Slow Travel.” Both are reliable, will give you ideas for what to do, and help you plan the best trip.

The way we travel has changed drastically in my lifetime. Information is more readily available in the digital age, a massive plus for traveling. 

Everyone, including myself, wants to make the most of every trip abroad. That’s why I love reading travel guide books or online guides. 

Some of these guide books help you get off the beaten path. Others give information on tours you can take on your own to learn the history of a certain destination you’re visiting. 

But which are the best?

After years of reading and doing research, I have found the best travel guides for you to use when planning your next trip abroad!

Note: this article contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you so I can keep providing free travel advice and tips.

Here’s a quick look at our recommendations

• DK Eyewitness
• Bradt Guides
• Rick Steves
• Lonely Planet
• Blue Guides
• Footprint Guides
• Frommer Guides
• Tripadvisor
• Rough Guides
• Moon Travel Guides
• Insight Guides

Table of Contents

#1 DK Eyewitness

DK Eyewitness is one of the best travel guide books on the market today. But they offer more than just travel information. 

After publishing books for over 45 years, DK Eyewitness Books cover everything from travel, science, history, pop culture, and children’s topics.

Their travel guides give the information you desperately need for travel– such as maps, itineraries, accommodations, where to eat, and more! 

I also love how easy their visuals are to look at. I sometimes get lost in their maps and start imagining myself there (I’m a big daydreamer if you can’t tell!).

DK Eyewitness Travel guide books might not be the most in-depth on a particular location, but they help with travel inspiration. 

If you want more information, DK Eyewitness has a podcast called ‘Where to Go,’ which is another excellent way to get your travel information on the go!

• 100+ destinations
• Heavy on history
• It has both outdoor and city guides
• Amazing visuals
• Not as in-depth as other guides

#2 Bradt Guides

A Bradt travel guide is perfect if you’re interested in visiting countries that are less traveled to— written by experienced travelers with fantastic insider tips. 

Bradt travel guide books has a reputation as the “World’s leading independent travel publisher.” They are also the best India travel guide company.

Some unique destinations include Iraq, Sri Lanka, Galapagos Islands, and Grenada. But don’t worry. Bradt Guides also has a British series for those interested! 

Lately, I’ve been striving to travel like a local. Bradt has a ‘Slow Travel’ guidebook series, which I love using these days because it helps me travel like a local. 

The trip ideas are great in detail but might not be for your preferred country to visit. 

Bradt Guides prides itself on being the most comprehensive on the market. Their authors give cultural insights and expressions of interest and knowledge.

You can support Bradt’s Guides even further by subscribing to their Patreon! Here you can pay monthly for a specific tier and earn different things like one free e-book a month.

• More off-the-beaten-path destinations
• Slow travel series
• Has a Patreon page
• Unique style of travel not for everyone

#3 Rick Steves

Rick Steves books are the guide books your mom hands you when traveling to your dream destination in Europe. And that’s a good thing! They’re trusted by many for a reason.

These travel guide books are always up-to-date, thanks to Rick Steves’ research partners. 

Rick’s books will have you feeling like you’re on guided tours! He ensures you’ll have some fantastic cultural experiences. 

I love Europe, but there are many other cultures throughout the world that I’m even more interested in. So, since Rick Steves’ guidebooks are primarily Europe-focused, I’m not as drawn to them.

Also, traveling in Europe long-term can get expensive. His books cater to a more wealthy crowd. 

Pick any European country, and you will have high-quality content on that destination. Rick has visited Europe countless times, and other travel websites can’t compete. 

Rick’s bestseller is his Italy guide, which isn’t surprising. In that guide, he goes over the best places to eat and sleep and how to beat the crowds. 

It’s a good idea to grab a Rick Steves’ book simply for the detailed maps.

• Best guides for Europe
• It gives in-depth information for solo tours
• Perfect for a beginner traveler.
• Catered to upper and middle-class travelers

#4 Lonely Planet

I’m sure you’ve heard of Lonely Planet , as they’ve been a dominant force in the travel scene for quite some time now. Their goal is to make travel planning easy, and they’ve succeeded!  

I loved using Lonely Planet books when I first started traveling. These books helped me up my game as a budget traveler. 

Lonely Planet dominates the internet with a wealth of online resources. While the information they offer online is easy to access, it can be vague. 

You can subscribe to Lonely Planet on their website for free. I’ve done this, but I’ve found that there tends to be some destinations/articles that are low in detail. 

Considering Lonely Planet’s sheer amount of content, it’s not too surprising that they sometimes gloss over details. 

Their claim to fame is their numerous experts located worldwide. These experts cover adventure travel, family holidays, food and drink, and much more. 

Plus, a Lonely Planet magazine is an amazing coffee table piece, am I right?

• Backpacker friendly
• An extensive collection of guides for the entire world
• Free information is available
• Some of their content is outdated or not detailed

#5 Blue Guides

If you love the art and history of Italy, then Blue Guides is for you! People often plagiarize Blue Guide books due to the amount of accurate information each book has. 

With over 14 books on Italy alone, you won’t find more detailed information on a particular destination than with Blue Guides– they deliver it all! 

Italy was the first country that I visited outside of the United States, and I’m so glad that I had a Blue Guide book with me. 

Their award-winning maps and exceptional attention to detail made it feel like I was on a private tour! 

Be aware: there aren’t a lot of online articles from Blue Guides or many countries to choose from, which could be an issue if you like to visit more unusual locations.

Blue Guides’ first publication date was in the early 1900s, so it’s undoubtedly a top guidebook for a travel junkie!

• Helps travelers understand art and history
• Multiple guides on Italy
• Extremely thorough in their research
• Not a lot of destinations

#6 Footprint Guides

Footprint Guides is the go-to source for Latin American travel tips for all budgets! My love for this region of the world has only grown since I started using their books.

Even if Latin America isn’t one of your top destinations, they do offer other print books. All Footprint Guides are written by experts who have lived in that destination. 

Unfortunately, for North American travelers looking to plan a dream road trip, you won’t find much helpful information here, as their focus is decidedly on the south. 

Alongside their practical information, Footprint adds a layer of imagination to their guidebooks, giving them an edge that makes them one of the best travel guide series available today!

• Wide range of budgets
• Specializes in Latin America
• Practical information
• Not much content on the United States

#7 Frommer Guides

Does traveling on $5 per day sound appealing to you? Arthur Frommer thought so when he set out to create his Frommer travel guides . 

Alongside some of the best guidebooks, Frommer also offers other forms of information, including podcasts, online articles, and hotel deals!

I love using Frommer guides on road trips because they help me in many different situations. 

I usually like to have a podcast for when I’m driving , a guidebook on specific destinations while I’m in a hotel room, and online sources when on the go. 

Having Frommer guides in all their varied forms is essential since each one typically doesn’t go into heavy detail. 

If purchasing travel guide books doesn’t interest you, then keeping up to date with Frommer’s online travel guides is the way to go.

• Many styles of information are available
• Updates information frequently
• Offer hotel deals
• It covers only the main details

#8 Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor is an online source that most travelers have heard about. It’s unique on this list of travel guides because you interact with other travelers!

If you’re looking for help with trip planning, look no further than the Tripadvisor forum . Here you can talk with fellow travelers about your upcoming trip! 

When I have a specific question that needs answering, I always check Tripadvisor first. They have information on most countries, but some info on the forums can be outdated. 

Tripadvisor is great because it’s free! But they’re more than just a review and forum-based platform; you can also book different travel deals and tours through their website.

Sometimes the sheer amount of information can be overwhelming to click through.  If that sounds relatable, you might want to purchase some guidebooks instead. 

Tripadvisor started the wave of online travel planning. They’re worth browsing, even if you just want to write down a few travel tips!

• Multiple reviews from other travelers
• Travel deals available
• Forum can be out of date
• The massive amount of information can be overwhelming

#9 Rough Guides

Rough Guides has grown into a leader in the travel industry with its amazing travel guidebooks and online travel guides. 

What I love about these books is their authenticity. Their recommendations from locals helped to grow them into who they are today.

It all started with their Greece travel guide, and it quickly blew up. Demand increased for more and more Rough Guide content; they released a guidebook series for people who were eager for more. In 2017, Rough Guides expanded even further.

Today Rough Guides are more than just a travel guide company that sells books. They offer tours, custom-made itineraries, and more! I love using their website when planning my next trip. 

These custom-made itineraries and tours are expensive but for a reason. Rough Guides’ experts are located worldwide to give you the best travel experience ever. 

Rough Guides best selling guides offer a ton of background information and local tips, making them worth the high price!

• Detailed itineraries
• Personal recommendations from locals
• An extensive list of countries
• High prices for tours and custom itineraries

#10 Moon Travel Guides

Moon Guides are my favorite guidebooks for traveling around the United States. Planning that perfect road trip is challenging but Moon Guides makes it easier.

Moon’s travel guidebooks are all about traveling sustainably. I’ve used them countless times in the Americas and have found them super helpful.

But Moon Guides don’t focus on the Americas only– they also offer some of the best travel guides for Japan in particular.

I’ve learned to use these books more for research instead of bringing them on my travels– they don’t always hold up with how rugged traveling can get for me.

Moon’s detailed maps are so good in their guidebooks that I fill my phone library with them. They are easy to read and use, which is what I think makes a good map. 

The best travel tips are from locals, and that’s what Moon’s travel guidebooks bring. They don’t have a fancy touring app or anything, but they don’t need it. 

If you want one of the best travel guides for families, then there’s no better choice than making Moon Guides your tour guide when traveling. 

Find your dream destination, get travel inspiration from their maps, and book that plane ticket.

• Emphasis on the Americas and the Pacific
• Easy-to-understand maps
• Many pages of information solely for hotels/accommodations
• Guidebooks aren’t durable

#11 Insight Guides

Insight is one of the best travel guidebooks on the market for a reason. The beautiful photographs in these travel guidebooks will have you daydreaming for days.

Insight guides are perfect for those history buffs out there like me. They combine great information with also some off-the-beaten-track activities. 

Insight has produced over 200 guidebooks and language books. Their books provide information on nearly any country you can think of (besides Mexico).

I love their books because they also have a mini-series.

During the Covid years, I was in the mood to read a lot. I picked a different destination each week and bought a new e-book. 

I could do this because they only cost five to ten dollars! Most of the best travel guidebooks are double this.   

Besides its guidebook series, Insight offers a handmade trip planned by experts to the destination of your choice. What more could you ask for?!

• Multiple countries in each continent
• Has language guides
• Sells hand-picked vacation packages put together by locals
• Offers mini versions of guides to sell for cheap
• No Mexico guide

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Travel Guide

What to Look for in Travel Guides

Is the information up to date.

Picking the best travel guidebooks can be an overwhelming process. But the most important thing to watch out for is making sure the information is up-to-date.

Compared to online sources, guidebook information tends not to get updated as quickly for obvious reasons. 

You don’t want a travel guide taking you to a restaurant that doesn’t exist anymore, do you? No. You want to get off the beaten track but not THAT off that it gets you lost.

Pick Locally-Based Travel Guides

My ideal travel style is meeting locals, living, and eating like a local. I have the best travel experiences when I dive deep into the culture.

The best information about a destination comes from locals. When you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica, wouldn’t you want to consult someone who has lived there for many years?

When you rely on locals’ recommendations, you’ll truly have an experience of a lifetime. 

Know What Type of Traveler You Are

This next tip can be difficult for some, and it can change from year to year. I have gone from being a true budget traveler to somewhere in the middle. 

I used to love history (I still do) and would base my travels around that. Now I seek adventure activities. 

Different types of guides will focus on different things, such as budget travel, adventure, expensive tours, food, or history. 

Finding the travel guide that fits your style will be more beneficial in the long run.

Know Which Destination You Want to Visit the Most

The best world travel guidebooks are often better for certain locations than others. For example, Rick Steves has a reputation for being the best travel guide for Europe and, specifically, the best travel guide for Italy. 

So, choose your travel guide based on which one specializes in the area you’re curious about.

Other Helpful Travel Guides

Travel is a huge industry which means there are more guides than you could ever possibly use. 

If you prefer your travel content in video form, one of the best travel guide Youtube channels is Ryan Shirley . 

His videos showcase the top places to visit in different countries with some of the best drone shots you’ll ever see. 

FAQs About Travel Guides

Should You Even Buy a Travel Guide?

A travel guide has its place. It may seem outdated to use one, but you can find some of the best information in them. 

Some guides take years to make and are very specific in the details they write for certain locations. The maps tend to be better and easier to read in these types of guides as well.  

Which is better: Lonely Planet or Rough Guide?

It depends on the style of travel you prefer. I prefer budget travel and tend to take fewer tours, so I like Lonely Planet. Rough Guide also has amazing tours if you’re interested in those.

What is the difference between Fodor’s and Frommer’s travel guides?

Frommer travel guides are excellent for those who want an easy read. Fodor is typically the better choice if you want more details about your activities. 

Fodor also has one of the best travel guides for Ireland, so check out Fodor if that’s your destination.

Is it better to travel with a tour guide or alone with a travel guide?

The answer differs from person to person! If you want your trip planned, then a tour guide is perfect. Going alone with a travel guide is nice because you can go at your own pace. 

Do people still buy travel guides?

Absolutely! There’s something different about having a travel guidebook to look at rather than scrolling through a website. 

Rick Steves and Bradt are my favorite travel guides.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Phillip Anderson

Phillip Anderson is a freelance travel writer, personal trainer, and adventure enthusiast. With years of travel experience under his belt, Phillip is an expert in finding the best deals through travel apps and websites. He knows how to find cheap domestic and international flights, like a flight to Peru for as low as $350.

When looking for cheap accommodations, Phillip combines his knowledge of websites like Airbnb, Booking.com & Hostelworld with more unique sites like TrustedHousesitters, for even more savings. Whether it’s flights, accommodations, or local experiences, he teaches travelers to make informed decisions, ensuring their adventures are both memorable and economical. For more from Phillip, check out his website, JaywalkTheWorld.com.

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Hi, I'm Mimi! I'm an outdoorsy Californian who has spent over 28 years immersed in the incredible natural beauty that California has to offer. My goal is to inspire others to get out and find their next adventure in California. Whether it’s escaping to an alpine lake in the Sierras, finding peace among the giant redwoods, or road tripping down the PCH, there’s always more to explore in this beautiful state.

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How to Plan a Trip: A Month-by-Month Guide

Trip planning can be a daunting task. Flights, insurance, gear, itineraries, accommodation, and so much more all need to be considered and sorted out before you go.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed , especially when you haven’t done something like this before.

After over close to twenty years of traveling the world, I’ve planned countless trips and vacations for myself, friends, and family, even group tours. In the beginning, it was trial by fire. I learned a lot of lessons the hard way . However, that helped me develop an efficient checklist that ensures I don’t miss anything important during the trip-planning process.

One big question I get asked a lot is when to start planning. To answer that question, this post breaks the planning process down into month-by-month steps so you can plan your next trip with ease.

Here’s how to plan a trip:

Table of Contents

12 Months Out: Decide on Your Destination(s)

12 months out: start collecting points & miles, 8 months out: visa requirements, passports, and vaccines, 4-6 months out: book your flight, 3-4 months out: book your accommodation, 2 months out: plan your activities, 1 month out: get travel insurance, 7 days out: pack.

If you already have a dream destination in mind, great! If not, here are some posts to help you get started:

• 11 Cheap Places to Visit on the US Dollar
• 10 Places to Travel on a Budget
• The Best Tropical Islands in the World
• My Favorite Cities in the World
• My 31 Favorite Places to Visit in the USA

But, this far out, the real thing you want to do is start saving money and figuring out your costs. Accommodation and flights are the obvious ones, but how much do restaurants, attractions, and other activities cost? Knowing these costs will allow you accurately estimate how much money you’ll need. Here is how to research costs:

• Buy a guidebook
• Check out my free travel guides (we break down all costs for each destination)
• Skim the cost of living on Numbeo.com
• Google prices for major activities you want to do, such as scuba diving, winery tours, etc. ( Get Your Guide is a good place to start)
• Use Skyscanner or Google Flights for flight prices and sign up for alerts to get emails if the price changes
• Use Discover Cars to price out (and book) a rental car if you need one
• Use Booking.com and Hostelworld to research accommodation costs

That may seem like a lot but you just want to get a general idea of how much you need to save. You can head to this page to see all my articles on how to save money for your trip .

These days, most cards have welcome offers of 60,000-80,000 points (some can be as high as 100,000) when you meet their minimum spending requirement (generally $2,000-5,000 USD within a 3–6-month time frame). That’s enough miles for a free round-trip economy flight to Europe from the East Coast of North America.

For more information on this subject, check out these posts:

• Points & Miles 101: A Beginner’s Guide
• How to Pick the Best Travel Credit Card
• My Favorite Travel Credit Cards
• How to Earn Points by Paying Your Rent
• The Ultimate Guide to Points & Miles
• How to Collect Points & Miles in Canada

In addition, get a fee-free ATM card. I use Charles Schwab, but there are lots of other banks that don’t charge ATM fees (don’t forget to check your local banks and credit unions too). Here’s how you can avoid bank fees while traveling .

While you likely won’t need a visa to your desired destination, you should still check to make sure. If you’re a US citizen, use the State Department’s search tool to learn about your destination’s entry requirements. (Canadians can use this search tool .)

Additionally, make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months after your trip ends. Many countries require this for entry. Passport application and renewal wait times can be long (the standard is 6-8 weeks in the US), so do this as soon as possible.

Also, research if you need any vaccines for your trip as many countries require vaccines to enter (and I don’t mean COVID). You can learn more about country requirements and recommendations at the CDC’s website . They can help you find a clinic near you as well (if you’re in the US).

Here are two articles on how to score a cheap flight:

• How to Always Find Cheap Flights
• 5 Steps to Booking a Cheap Flight

If you’ve signed up for a travel credit card and received your sign-up bonus, use your miles to book your flight and/or hotel. The further out you book, the more availability there will be. Use tools like Point.me and Awayz to help you find the best redemptions on your points (for flights and hotels, respectively).

But even if you aren’t using miles or didn’t find a cheap flight deal, there are still many ways to avoid being the person on the flight who paid the most for their ticket. My two favorite sites for finding cheap airfare are Skyscanner and Google Flights .  

Here are my go-to sites when it comes to finding the best deals on accommodation:

• Hostelworld – Hostelworld has the largest selection of hostels and is my go-to site for finding affordable hostels.
• Booking.com – Booking.com is the best overall platform for finding budget hotels and guesthouses.
• Agoda – Agoda has the best results if you’re heading to Asia (though it sometimes has good US deals too).

I recommend checking the cancelation policy of wherever you book. I like having the flexibility to cancel if something comes up.

If you’re on a tight budget or you want to connect with more locals during your travels, consider joining platforms like Couchsurfing or BeWelcome . These communities allow travelers to stay with residents for free as a sort of cultural exchange.

Long-term travelers can also try housesitting or WWOOFing as well, as they both offer free accommodation (in exchange for pet sitting or farm work, respectively).

Now it’s time for the fun part of travel planning! That means reading books about your destination, learning general travel tips, connecting with online communities, and pre-booking any necessary activities.

Pre-booking ensures you don’t miss out on things that you really want to do on your trip. If you’re going to a popular destination, tours and activities fill up quickly, and if you’re going to a smaller place, activities or tours might only run on certain days and have limited availability.

Either way, Get Your Guide the best place to search for and pre-book activities, tours, and tickets. Local tour operators and attractions can list their offerings on this online marketplace, so you can find tons of stuff here, from food tours to museum tickets with skip-the-line entry.

Get travel insurance . That way, these purchases are protected should something happen that makes you cancel your trip.

A lot of people think, “I’m healthy. I don’t need travel insurance.” But travel insurance is much more than just medical protection. It covers you when your camera breaks, your flight is canceled, a family member dies and you have to come home, or something gets stolen. (That’s why you’ll also want to familiarize yourself with any common travel scams to look out for, as well as how to conduct yourself in order to blend in to avoid looking like a target for petty theft.)

Yes, it’s an added expense. But it’s always better to be safe than sorry. I never leave home without it, because I’ve seen firsthand just what can happen on the road.

I never thought I would pop my eardrum while I was scuba diving in Thailand, break my camera in Italy, or get knifed in Colombia.

Unfortunately, bad things can happen when you’re traveling. True, these events are few and far between. But they can cost tens of thousands of dollars. If you’re not prepared to pay out of pocket, buy travel insurance.

Here are some posts on travel insurance to get you started:

• How to Buy Travel Insurance
• The 5 Best Travel Insurance Companies
• The Best Travel Insurance for Seniors

I never leave home without travel insurance. You shouldn’t either.

I travel with a 45L REI bag and then a smaller day bag. Here’s my suggested packing list to help you take just the right amount of stuff and avoid overpacking ( here’s a list for female travelers ).

Additionally, bring any prescriptions you need for the duration of your trip. Try not to rely on filling those abroad (though bring a prescription and doctor’s note just in case).

With everything taken care of, it’s time to go on your trip and have fun! Make a list of last-minute items you need to pack the day of (your toothbrush, glasses, phone charger, etc.) and check in online beforehand (you can do so 24 hours in advance). (If you’ve got lounge access through a premium travel rewards card , you might find yourself looking forward to getting to the airport early.)

If you’re feeling nervous, don’t worry. That’s perfectly normal. Feeling anxious or unsure is something every traveler experiences. But you’ve made it this far. Trust your planning and follow your instincts. You’re about to have the trip of a lifetime.

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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How to Make a Travel Guide App

The travel industry is traditionally one of the most profitable to build a business in. Before the global Covid-19 crisis, the travel industry had been growing above global GDP for 9 years straight.

While that came to a halt in 2020-2021, it's back. People are traveling again, exploring new places and enjoying the benefits travel offers to the mind, body and soul.

With the world back to normal, it's a great time to build tools, websites and startups that cater to travelers. This post will show you how. Read on to learn how to build a travel app, and earn your slice of the massive travel and tourism industry.

Why Travel App Development is So Profitable Today

Countless digital tools exist to help people plan and take trips. Yet there's still room in the market for more.

If you're considering this as a business venture, you should be looking to build for mobile. Think about it - not many people take their laptops away on holiday with them – but they all take their smartphones.

People also spend most of their internet time through mobile, so that’s where they’ll be when they’re planning and researching their trip.

Consider this:

• 77% of travelers use mobile apps to book and pay for flights
• 65% of tourists are open to using chat platforms to plan or book trips
• 80% of tourists use apps to research their upcoming trips

Source- Mobile Travel Trends

This is on top of trends that show more and more people using smartphones in general to go online. And 90% of our time spent online on our mobile devices is spent using apps.

The travel app market itself is massive - with top players making more than $1 billion in revenue each year. But don't worry about the prospect of trying to compete with heavyweights like Booking, Expedia and AirBnb. There are plenty of opportunities to niche down and find your lane in this huge market which, by definition, is a global market.

A simple travel guide app is a great way to enter a profitable niche, and a market that's not going to slow down any time soon.

Travel App Examples

If you want some inspiration on travel apps, here you go. These two examples show what's possible with a travel app, what kind of travel app features you may want to include in your app, and what it takes to launch a successful travel mobile app.

Based on a very popular travel guide site, the Tripwolf app gives users more than 600 travel guides in several languages, along with premium tips and photos from Fodor’s Travel and Marco Polo.

Trip wolf also has a lot of useful map integrations that help users with navigating on bike or foot, as well as the best local attractions and sightseeing spots. 

The app has handy phrasebooks in 18 languages and lets users directly book flights, accommodation, and tours.

This travel app has certainly been a success, with more than 10 million downloads and generally positive reviews.

Culture Trip

Culture Trip is an online travel app for “curious travelers”.

The site was started in 2011, then had a rapid period of growth – going from 132,641 monthly users in 2014 to 12.5 million in 2018.

It’s a really interesting publication that capitalized on several important societal changes and technological developments at just the right time to succeed wildly.

They also have great apps on iOS and Android.

The apps give recommendations and guides for every country in the world, show users attractions and restaurants nearby, and allow them to bookmark posts they want to return to.

They also feature unique perspectives curated and written by locals, and allow users to share stories on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

All in all, it’s a great app, and users think so too.

How to Build a Travel App with MobiLoud

Ready to start, and launch your own travel app? There's no better time than right now. We'll help you out with some tips on building a user-friendly travel app, as well as showing you the most effective option for travel mobile app development - that doesn't require you to know anything at all about coding.

Must-Have Features for Your Mobile Travel App

If you're going to launch a successful travel app, here are some things you'll want to have.

People love to see rich pictures and images when thinking about their travels. They want to really imagine themselves in various exciting destinations, so help them to do so. Make sure your travel app supports photo galleries and if possible, video content too.

Great Content Navigation

Travel guides have centered around written content for a long time. Make sure your app provides easy navigation through different topics and a convenient scroll through your articles and guides.

Location-based Services

Unless your app is just about one neighborhood, users will be spread about in different places. So to give them the most relevant recommendations and content it’s helpful to know where they are. Make sure your app supports location services!

Social Sharing

Most travelers love to share things they’ve done and places they’ve been with fellow travelers, friends, and family! Make this easy for them by integrating social sharing into your app. 

Offline Viewing

Sometimes it’s tricky to get internet in a foreign country, not to mention on a plane or the underground. Make things easier for your travel app users by supporting offline viewing and allowing them to download their favorite content to their devices.

The Best Option for Travel App Development

Building a mobile application is a huge project. It takes thousands of hours of labor, paying skilled developers high hourly rates the whole way.

In general, if you try to build a travel app from scratch, it's going to:

• Cost you tens (or even hundreds) of thousands of dollars
• Take many months
• Be a managerial headache

There’s an easier way to build travel mobile apps, though:

Build your travel app as a WordPress site then use MobiLoud to convert it into native apps for iOS and Android.

This option is easier, more affordable and more efficient than building mobile apps from scratch. In most cases, it's going to be the best option for developing a travel app, unless you have an extensive mobile development team in-house (and unless you're actually a travel app development company, you probably don't).

Let's look at why this is.

No Coding Required

As mentioned in the previous passage, you're probably not running an app development company. If you were, you wouldn't be reading a guide on travel app development you found on the internet.

That means the biggest item of friction standing between your travel app ideas and reality is the ability to code an app.

WordPress is a great way to build a mobile-optimized website, without knowing anything about code. Anyone can use WordPress - and then it's even easier to use MobiLoud to convert your web app to a mobile app.

The MobiLoud team does all the heavy lifting. You don't need to do a thing.

Build for Web and Mobile at the Same Time

People prefer to use apps, but having a website is still essential in order to meet your target audience wherever they are.

More people will discover you via the web, and some people still just prefer to use a website.

If you build your travel app on WordPress first, you're getting the best of both worlds - you maintain a web presence, and allow your users to choose where and how they want to access your content.

Easy to Maintain and Update

Building a custom mobile app is not just hard, maintaining and updating it is too. You need to retain developers on hand, and relay any instructions to them whenever you want to update your content or UI.

But building on WordPress and converting your travel apps to mobile make this easy. Simply publish and update content through WordPress, which anyone can do. The content will update on your travel apps on mobile at the same time.

When you use MobiLoud to do it, our team is always on hand to help with updates and maintenance. You'll save tens of thousands per year by not having to pay developers.

Easy to Test and Validate Your Idea

With a fully custom mobile app taking potentially as much as $150,000 to build. you'll need to be really sure you're on to a winning idea.

If not, you're out a huge amount of money for a useless app, or on the hook with a bunch of mad investors.

Our option is much less risk. Building for WordPress is cheap, and you can convert your site to travel apps for Android and iOS without sourcing huge amounts of capital.

This lets you go to market and test your idea without staking your future on it.

Support for Mobile Features Such as Push Notifications

MobiLoud simply converts your existing website to mobile apps - but it also supports all the additional features that make mobile applications powerful.

Most importantly, you can send unlimited push notifications from your travel apps, and utilize OneSignal to target users at the right place and right time.

How to Build your Travel Guide App (And Convert it to Mobile Apps with MobiLoud)

Here's how you can launch a mobile travel app, with a minimum of time, effort and investment.

1. Build Your Website & Optimize for Mobile

Start off by creating everything in WordPress. Create your site, publish content, integrate visuals and other travel app features as we discussed earlier.

Specifically, focus on building a great mobile user experience through your website. This is essentially what people will get when they eventually use your app, so put the work in to make it great.

2. Sign Up to MobiLoud

Start the app building process by signing up to MobiLoud. We don't require any long-term commitments, and offer a 60 day money back guarantee, if you find it doesn't work for you.

You can book a demo with one of our team to see how it's going to work, learn more about the process and start down the path of converting your website into an app.

3. Hand Off to Our Team

From here, we start to compile your mobile apps.

While the bulk of your app will look just like your mobile website, we'll configure a few small things about your mobile travel apps' UI, such as navigation, native tab menu, and mobile-specific features like spinners and splash screens.

We do all the coding necessary to bring your app to life. All you need to do is wait.

We'll get back to you in a couple of weeks when your travel app is ready for testing. Try it out on your own devices, and let us know if you have any change requests, feedback or questions.

5. Sign Off On the Final Version

We'll make any more changes based on your feedback, and put together a final version for you to try.

Once you're happy, we'll handle the notoriously difficult process of submitting your apps to the Apple App Store and Google Play. Having done this thousands of times previously, we can guarantee approval for your apps.

That's it. All you need to focus on to launch your mobile travel app is the content. We take care of all the coding and technical work ourselves. It couldn't be easier.

Create Amazing Travel Apps with MobiLoud

Travel or tourism app development is easy with MobiLoud. As long as you can build it for the web, you can convert your travel apps to mobile, no matter the size of your business or your development expertise.

It's suitable for all kinds of business model. Whether you monetize by in-app advertising, booking hotels, providing travel services and trip planning, or anything else, this is a great way to get your travel business off the ground.

Get in touch with one of our app experts today and find out how we can help you create a travel app and get your app published in a couple of weeks.

Convert your website into a mobile app

Winter is here! Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana

• Travel Tips

How To Plan A Trip: An Easy Travel Planning Guide

Published: November 16, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Rodi Kindle

• Plan Your Trip

Introduction

Planning a trip can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you’re embarking on a solo adventure, a romantic getaway, or a family vacation, careful planning is crucial to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. From choosing the perfect destination to booking flights and accommodations, travel planning requires careful consideration of various factors. In this easy travel planning guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to plan your trip effectively.

Travel planning allows you to make the most of your time and resources, ensuring that you don’t miss out on any must-visit attractions or experiences. By following these recommendations and tips, you’ll be well-prepared to create a memorable and stress-free travel itinerary.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or this is your first time planning a trip, this guide will provide you with valuable insights and practical advice to help you make the most out of your travel experience. So, let’s dive into the essential steps of travel planning and get ready for your next adventure!

Step 1: Determine your destination

The first step in planning any trip is deciding on the destination. Consider your interests, preferences, and the type of experience you’re seeking. Do you want to relax on a tropical beach, explore historic landmarks, immerse yourself in a different culture, or embark on an outdoor adventure? Research various destinations and make a list of places that align with your interests.

Factors to consider when choosing a destination include the time of year, weather conditions, and your budget. If you’re traveling during peak tourist season, popular destinations may be crowded and prices for flights and accommodations could be higher. Alternatively, visiting during the off-peak season may offer more affordable options and fewer crowds.

Think about the distance you’re willing to travel and the transportation options available to reach your chosen destination. Consider whether you prefer a domestic or international trip, and take into account any visa requirements or travel restrictions.

Furthermore, take the time to research the safety and political situation of your potential destinations. Check for any travel advisories or warnings issued by your government, and read reviews from other travelers to gain insight into the current state of your desired location.

Ultimately, the choice of your destination should align with your interests, budget, and the kind of experience you’re looking for. Once you have narrowed down your options, you can move on to the next step of the planning process.

Step 2: Set a budget

Setting a budget is an essential step in travel planning as it helps you determine how much you can realistically spend on your trip. Consider your financial situation and allocate funds for transportation, accommodations, meals, activities, and any other expenses that may arise during your journey.

Start by determining how much you are willing to spend overall on your trip. This will give you a rough estimate of how much you can allocate to each aspect of your travel, such as flights, accommodation, and daily expenses.

Research the average costs of your chosen destination to get an idea of how much you need to budget. Take into account the cost of living, transportation, attractions, and dining options in the area. Consider whether you prefer a luxurious or budget-friendly experience, and adjust your budget accordingly.

Be sure to factor in any additional expenses such as travel insurance, visa fees, and transportation to and from the airport. It’s also important to set aside some extra funds for unexpected expenses or emergencies that may arise during your trip.

Consider ways to save money during your trip. Look for deals on flights and accommodations, consider alternative modes of transportation such as buses or trains, and opt for budget-friendly dining options like street food or local eateries.

Keep track of your expenses as you plan and throughout your journey. This will help you stay within your budget and make adjustments if necessary. Use online travel budget calculators or mobile apps to assist you in managing your finances effectively.

Remember, setting a budget allows you to plan your trip within your means and ensures that you can fully enjoy your travel experience without financial stress. So, take the time to assess your expenses and allocate your funds wisely before moving on to the next step of travel planning.

Step 3: Decide on the duration of your trip

Deciding on the duration of your trip is an important step in travel planning as it helps you determine how much time you can allocate to each destination and activity. Consider your schedule, budget, and the attractions you want to explore.

Start by assessing the amount of time you can take off from work or other commitments. Take into account any travel restrictions or visa limitations that may affect the duration of your trip.

If you have a specific destination in mind, research the recommended duration for visiting that location. Some places may require a longer stay to fully experience their culture, attractions, and activities, while others can be explored in a shorter timeframe.

Consider your travel pace and personal preferences. Do you prefer a leisurely trip with plenty of downtime, or do you prefer a fast-paced adventure packed with sightseeing? Factor in travel time and any jet lag that may affect your energy levels upon arrival.

If you plan to visit multiple destinations, allocate sufficient time for each location based on your interests and the activities you wish to engage in. Remember to account for travel time between destinations and consider the feasibility of fitting everything into your desired timeframe.

Keep in mind that a longer trip may require a larger budget due to increased accommodation, dining, and transportation costs. Balance your desire to spend more time in certain locations with the overall cost of your trip.

Once you have determined the duration of your trip, you can move on to the next steps of travel planning, such as researching and gathering information about your chosen destinations and booking flights or transportation.

Remember, the duration of your trip should align with your interests, budget, and available time off. So, take the time to carefully consider these factors to ensure a well-balanced travel experience.

Step 4: Research and gather information about your destination

Researching and gathering information about your destination is a crucial step in travel planning. It allows you to familiarize yourself with the local culture, attractions, customs, and practical information essential for a smooth and enriching travel experience.

Start by reading travel guides, online resources, and blogs to gather insights about your chosen destination. Look for information about popular tourist sites, local customs, transportation options, safety precautions, and visa requirements.

Check out travel forums and social media groups to connect with fellow travelers who have been to your destination. Seek their advice, recommendations, and firsthand experiences to gain valuable insights and tips.

Research the best time to visit your destination. Consider factors such as weather conditions, peak tourist seasons, and any festivals or events that may be happening during your trip. This information will help you plan your itinerary and determine which attractions or activities to prioritize.

Learn about the local culture and customs. Familiarize yourself with local greetings, etiquette, clothing norms, and any specific cultural practices or taboos. This will help you show respect to the local community and avoid any cultural misunderstandings.

Research transportation options within your destination. Find out about public transportation systems, availability of rental cars, and the cost of taxis or ridesharing services. Knowing how to get around will help you save time and money during your trip.

Look for recommendations on accommodations, dining options, and local cuisines. Read reviews and compare prices to find the best options that fit your preferences and budget. Consider the proximity of your accommodation to major attractions and amenities.

Make a list of the top attractions and activities you want to experience. Prioritize them based on your interests and available time. Research entry fees, operating hours, and any restrictions or reservations required for certain attractions.

By conducting thorough research and gathering information about your destination, you’ll be well-prepared to create an itinerary, make informed decisions, and make the most out of your travel experience.

So take the time to delve into the details and immerse yourself in the charm and wonders your chosen destination has to offer.

Step 5: Book flights or transportation

Once you have determined your destination and gathered information about it, it’s time to book your flights or transportation. This step is crucial, as it often affects your budget and can impact the overall logistics of your trip.

If you’re planning to travel by air, start by researching flights to your destination. Use flight comparison websites or online travel agencies to find the best deals and compare prices. Consider factors such as flight duration, layovers, and airline reputation.

Flexibility in your travel dates can help you find cheaper flights. Consider flying during off-peak seasons or on weekdays, as prices tend to be lower during these times. Be sure to book your flights well in advance to secure the best rates.

If you’re traveling by other means of transportation, such as trains, buses, or ferries, research the schedules, fares, and availability. Look for reliable booking platforms or official websites of transportation providers to make your reservations.

Consider the proximity of your accommodation to the airport or transportation hubs. It’s convenient to choose accommodations that offer easy access to public transportation or provide shuttle services to and from the airport.

When booking your flights or transportation, it’s essential to consider travel insurance. Travel insurance provides coverage for unexpected events such as flight cancellations, delays, or medical emergencies. Consider purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself and your investment.

Before finalizing your bookings, double-check the details to ensure accuracy. Verify the departure and arrival dates, times, and terminals. Make note of any luggage restrictions or additional fees that may apply.

Once your flights or transportation are booked, it’s a good idea to set up travel alerts or notifications to stay updated with any changes or delays. Save electronic copies of your itineraries, e-tickets, or reservation confirmations for easy access during your trip.

Booking your flights or transportation early ensures that you have the best options available and allows you to focus on other aspects of your travel planning.

So, take the time to research and make your bookings, ensuring a smooth and seamless journey to your destination.

Step 6: Find accommodation

Finding suitable accommodation is a crucial step in travel planning as it directly impacts your comfort and overall experience during your trip. Here are some steps to help you find the perfect accommodation.

1. Determine your budget: Set a budget for your accommodation. Consider how much you are willing to spend per night and allocate a portion of your overall trip budget to accommodations.

2. Research the options: Use online travel platforms and booking websites to explore various types of accommodations. Consider factors such as location, amenities, and reviews from previous guests.

3. Consider your preferences: Determine the type of accommodation that suits your needs. Options include hotels, hostels, guesthouses, vacation rentals, or even unconventional options such as homestays or house swaps.

4. Location: Consider the location of the accommodation in relation to your planned activities and attractions. It’s convenient to stay in a central location or near public transportation for easy access to the places you want to visit.

5. Read reviews: Take the time to read reviews from previous guests to get an understanding of the quality and service provided by the accommodation. Look out for any common issues or concerns mentioned in the reviews.

6. Compare prices: Compare prices of different accommodations that fit your criteria. Consider any added charges or fees, such as resort fees or taxes, when comparing prices to ensure you are getting the best value for your money.

7. Book in advance: Once you have found the perfect accommodation, book it as soon as possible to secure your reservation. Popular accommodations can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.

8. Check the cancellation policy: Before making your reservation, carefully read and understand the cancellation policy of the accommodation. This will help you navigate any potential changes or cancellations in your travel plans.

9. Contact the accommodation: If you have any specific requests or questions, reach out to the accommodation directly. This could include inquiries about special amenities, room preferences, or any other concerns you may have.

10. Confirm your booking: After making your reservation, double-check your booking confirmation for accuracy. Take note of any important information, such as check-in and check-out times or any special instructions given by the accommodation.

By following these steps, you can find the perfect accommodation that meets your needs, budget, and preferences, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay during your trip.

So take the time to explore your options and secure your ideal accommodation in advance.

Step 7: Create an itinerary

Creating an itinerary is an essential step in travel planning as it helps you organize your time, prioritize your activities, and make the most out of your trip. Here’s how to create an effective itinerary:

1. Identify your must-see attractions: Make a list of the top attractions or activities you don’t want to miss in your chosen destination. Research their opening hours, ticket prices, and any specific requirements.

2. Consider time and logistics: Take into account the duration of your trip and the time it takes to travel between attractions. Be realistic about how many activities you can fit into each day, allowing for breaks and downtime.

3. Prioritize your interests: Determine your main areas of interest – whether it’s historical sites, museums, outdoor activities, or cultural experiences. Allocate more time for the activities or attractions that align with your interests.

4. Plan for flexibility: While it’s important to have a schedule, leave room for spontaneity and unexpected discoveries. It’s impossible to predict everything, so allow yourself time to explore and embrace new experiences.

5. Group activities by proximity: Cluster activities or attractions that are located close to each other. This will help you maximize your time and reduce travel time between destinations.

6. Consider the local culture: Take into account any cultural or religious practices that may affect the opening hours or availability of certain attractions. Plan your itinerary accordingly to make the most of your visit.

7. Explore local cuisine: Include time for trying local dishes and exploring different dining options. Research popular local foods or restaurants in each area you plan to visit and add them to your itinerary.

8. Pace yourself: Avoid overloading your itinerary with too many activities in a short amount of time. Give yourself time to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Remember, quality experiences are better than rushing through a long list of attractions.

9. Utilize travel apps and resources: Make use of travel apps or websites that offer itinerary planning tools or suggestions for your destination. These resources can help you create a well-structured and efficient itinerary.

10. Be mindful of your energy levels: Take into consideration your own energy levels and travel preferences. Avoid cramming too many strenuous activities in a row, and allow for rest or leisurely exploration.

Remember that an itinerary is a tool to guide you, but it’s okay to deviate from the plan if you discover new opportunities or if unexpected circumstances arise. Flexibility and spontaneity can lead to unexpected joy and memorable experiences.

So, take the time to create a thoughtful and well-balanced itinerary that allows you to fully enjoy your trip and make the most out of your chosen destination.

Step 8: Pack your bags

Packing your bags is a crucial step in travel planning, ensuring that you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable trip. Here’s how to pack efficiently:

1. Make a packing list: Create a comprehensive packing list to ensure you don’t forget any essentials. Include clothing, toiletries, travel documents, electronics, and any other items you may need.

2. Check the weather: Research the weather conditions of your destination during the time of your visit. Pack appropriate clothing and accessories, such as jackets, hats, or sunscreen, to suit the climate.

3. Pack versatile clothing: Opt for clothing items that can be mixed and matched easily. Choose neutral colors and versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down to maximize outfit options while minimizing luggage weight.

4. Consider local customs: Take into account the cultural or dress norms of your destination. Pack appropriate clothing that respects local customs, especially if you plan to visit religious sites or conservative areas.

5. Pack travel-sized toiletries: To save space and comply with carry-on restrictions, transfer your toiletries into travel-sized containers. Remember to adhere to airline regulations regarding liquid quantities.

6. Organize your belongings: Use packing cubes or separate bags to categorize and organize your clothes and belongings. This will not only keep your suitcase tidy but also make it easier to find what you need during your trip.

7. Keep important documents together: Gather all your travel documents, including passports, tickets, accommodation reservations, and any necessary visas. Keep them in a secure and easily accessible place.

8. Pack essential electronics: Bring along the necessary electronics for your trip, such as smartphones, cameras, chargers, and adapters. Consider the voltage requirements of your destination and pack the appropriate adapters.

9. Don’t forget medication and first aid: If you take any prescription medications, ensure that you have an ample supply for the duration of your trip. Pack a basic first aid kit with essentials like band-aids, pain relievers, and any necessary medications.

10. Travel with essential valuables: Keep your valuable items, such as cash, credit cards, and jewelry, in a secure bag or pouch that you can carry with you at all times. Consider using a money belt or a hidden travel wallet for added security.

Remember to pack light and avoid overpacking, as it can be cumbersome and may incur additional luggage fees. Consider doing a trial pack beforehand to ensure that everything fits and that your luggage is within weight restrictions.

By following these packing tips, you’ll be well-prepared for your trip, ensuring that you have everything you need while avoiding the stress of overpacking. So, pack smart and travel with convenience and peace of mind.

Step 9: Plan your meals and dining options

Planning your meals and dining options is an important step in travel planning, especially if you’re a food lover or have specific dietary requirements. Here’s how to make the most of your culinary experiences during your trip:

1. Research local cuisine: Familiarize yourself with the local cuisine of your destination. Look for signature dishes, traditional specialties, and popular food markets or street food scenes. Researching local cuisine beforehand allows you to anticipate and embrace the flavors of your chosen destination.

2. Make a dining wish list: Create a list of restaurants, cafes, or food stalls that you’re interested in trying. Read reviews, consult travel guides, or seek recommendations from locals and fellow travelers. Prioritize your list based on your preferences and budget.

3. Consider dietary restrictions: If you have specific dietary restrictions or allergies, research restaurants or eateries that cater to your needs. Look for places with gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan options, and ensure that you communicate your dietary requirements clearly when ordering.

4. Explore local markets: Visit local markets or supermarkets to immerse yourself in the food culture of your destination. Purchase fresh ingredients, local produce, or unique snacks to enjoy during your trip. It’s a great way to experience the local lifestyle and culinary offerings.

5. Learn basic phrases: If you’re traveling to a destination with a different language, learn basic phrases related to dining, such as “hello,” “thank you,” and “menu.” This will help you communicate your preferences and dietary needs to restaurant staff.

6. Embrace street food: Street food can offer some of the most authentic and delicious culinary experiences. Research popular street food markets or vendors in your destination. Follow local recommendations and observe cleanliness and hygiene practices when selecting street food options.

7. Be open to culinary adventures: Don’t be afraid to try new dishes or flavors. Push yourself outside your comfort zone and embrace new culinary experiences. You may discover unexpected favorites and create memorable food memories.

8. Consider meal timings: Take into account local dining customs and meal timings. Some cultures have specific meal times, such as a siesta or late-night dining. Adjust your plans accordingly to ensure you don’t miss out on local dining experiences.

9. Allow for spontaneity: While it’s good to have a plan, allow room for spontaneous dining experiences. Leave a few empty meal slots or explore local recommendations from friendly locals or fellow travelers you meet along the way.

10. Stay hydrated and practice food safety: Drink plenty of water, especially in warmer climates, and be mindful of food safety practices. Wash your hands regularly, opt for bottled water in areas with unsafe tap water, and choose restaurants or street food vendors with a good reputation for cleanliness.

By planning your meals and dining options in advance, you can truly savor the flavors and culinary delights of your destination. So, research, embrace, and indulge in the local food scene during your trip.

Step 10: Prepare necessary travel documents

Preparing the necessary travel documents is a crucial step in ensuring a smooth and hassle-free trip. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Check your passport: Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned travel dates. If it’s expiring soon, renew it well in advance to avoid any last-minute complications.

2. Apply for visas: Research the visa requirements of your destination country. Check if you need a visa and apply for it early to allow sufficient processing time. Follow the instructions provided by the consulate or embassy and submit all required documents.

3. Organize travel insurance: Travel insurance provides crucial coverage in case of medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost belongings. Research and purchase a travel insurance policy that suits your needs and provides adequate coverage for the duration of your trip.

4. Make copies of important documents: Make photocopies or take pictures of your passport, visa, travel insurance, and other important documents. Leave copies with a trusted person at home and keep digital copies accessible while traveling.

5. Check entry requirements: Research and familiarize yourself with the entry requirements of your destination. Check if you need to present return tickets, proof of accommodation, or other supporting documents upon arrival.

6. Research health and vaccination requirements: Check if there are any specific health requirements or vaccination recommendations for your destination. Consult your healthcare provider or a travel clinic to ensure that you are up to date on any necessary vaccinations.

7. Register with your embassy: Consider registering with your home country’s embassy or consulate at your destination. This allows them to provide assistance or contact you in case of emergencies or unexpected situations.

8. Check travel advisories: Stay updated with any travel advisories or warnings issued by your government for your destination. Adjust your travel plans accordingly and be aware of any safety or security concerns.

9. Prepare a travel wallet: Organize all your travel documents in a secure travel wallet or folder. This makes it easy to access them when needed and helps keep them safe and organized throughout your journey.

10. Share your itinerary: Inform a trusted family member or friend about your travel plans. Share your itinerary, contact details, and any important information with them. In case of emergencies, they will know how to reach you and provide necessary assistance.

By preparing and ensuring that you have all the necessary travel documents in order, you can travel with peace of mind and avoid any potential complications or delays. So, take the time to check and organize your travel documents prior to your departure.

Step 11: Make necessary reservations and bookings

Making necessary reservations and bookings is an important step in travel planning to secure accommodations, activities, and transportation during your trip. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Book accommodations: Based on your research and preferences, make reservations for your accommodations in advance. Consider factors such as location, amenities, and budget. Popular accommodations can fill up quickly, so ensure you book early to secure your desired options.

2. Reserve transportation: If you plan to use public transportation or rent a car at your destination, make any necessary reservations in advance. Look for deals or discounts and ensure your transportation arrangements align with your itinerary.

3. Purchase attraction tickets: For popular attractions, consider purchasing tickets in advance to skip the long lines and secure your entry. Many attractions offer timed entry or online ticket options that allow for a more seamless experience.

4. Arrange for guided tours: If you’re interested in guided tours or activities, book them in advance to secure your spot. This allows you to plan your itinerary more effectively and ensures availability for popular tours or experiences.

5. Reserve dining options: If you have specific restaurants or dining experiences in mind, make reservations ahead of time, especially for popular or highly sought-after establishments. Booking in advance guarantees you a table and avoids disappointment.

6. Consider transportation between locations: If you plan to visit multiple destinations during your trip, book transportation tickets or passes between locations. This could include flights, train tickets, or intercity bus passes.

7. Research and book special experiences: If you’re interested in unique experiences such as cooking classes, adventure activities, or cultural performances, research and make the necessary bookings in advance. These experiences often have limited availability.

8. Check cancellation policies: Before finalizing any bookings, make sure to review the cancellation policies. Life is unpredictable, and having flexibility in your reservations can be beneficial in case of any unforeseen changes in your travel plans.

9. Stay organized: Keep a record of all your reservations, confirmations, and receipts in a centralized place for easy reference. This helps ensure a smooth travel experience and allows you to stay organized throughout your trip.

10. Double-check details: Before your departure, double-check all your reservations and bookings to ensure accuracy. Confirm dates, times, and any specific instructions provided by the service providers.

By making necessary reservations and bookings in advance, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your important travel components are secured, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip to the fullest.

So take the time to plan and make your necessary reservations, ensuring a well-prepared and smooth travel experience.

Step 12: Plan for transportation at your destination

Planning for transportation at your destination is an important step in travel planning to ensure smooth and convenient travel within the area. Here’s how to navigate transportation options effectively:

1. Research transportation options: Familiarize yourself with the available transportation options at your destination. This may include public transportation systems such as buses, trains, or trams, as well as taxi services, ridesharing apps, or bike-sharing programs.

2. Learn about local public transportation: Understand the local public transportation system, including routes, schedules, and fares. Study maps of subway or bus routes and identify key stops or interchanges that will be relevant to your itinerary.

3. Consider purchasing travel passes or cards: Depending on your length of stay and anticipated usage, determine if it’s worth purchasing travel passes or cards that offer unlimited or discounted rides on public transportation. These passes can save you time and money.

4. Plan for airport transfers: If you’re arriving at an airport, research and decide on the most convenient mode of transportation to your accommodation. Options may include airport shuttles, public transit, or pre-arranged private transfers.

5. Check for ridesharing or taxi services: If you prefer more flexibility or convenience, look into ridesharing apps or taxi services available at your destination. Check if they are widely used and reliable for getting around.

6. Consider walking or cycling: Depending on the location and infrastructure, walking or cycling may be a feasible and enjoyable mode of transportation for shorter distances. Research pedestrian-friendly areas and bike rental options if applicable.

7. Navigate driving regulations: If you plan to rent a car at your destination, familiarize yourself with local driving regulations, including license requirements, traffic rules, and parking availability. Research and book car rentals in advance to secure the best rates.

8. Stay informed about disruptions or closures: Check for any planned closures or disruptions to public transportation routes or services during your travel dates. Stay updated through official transport authority websites or mobile apps to avoid any inconvenience.

9. Embrace local culture and etiquette: Be respectful of the local culture and etiquette when using public transportation. Familiarize yourself with any unwritten rules, such as offering seats to elderly or pregnant passengers, and follow local customs for purchasing tickets or validating passes.

10. Stay safe and be aware of scams: Use trusted transportation services and be cautious of potential scams. Avoid unlicensed taxis, be mindful of your belongings, and stay vigilant while using public transportation, especially in crowded areas.

By planning for transportation at your destination, you’ll be able to navigate the area efficiently and maximize your time exploring the attractions. So, research your options, consider convenience and cost-effectiveness, and choose the transportation modes that best suit your needs.

Step 13: Research local customs and etiquette

Researching the local customs and etiquette of your destination is an important step in travel planning. Understanding and respecting the cultural norms of the place you’re visiting can enhance your travel experience and help you connect with the local community. Here’s what you should do:

1. Learn basic greetings: Familiarize yourself with common greetings and phrases in the local language. Learning to say “hello,” “thank you,” and “excuse me” shows respect and can help break the ice in your interactions with locals.

2. Dress appropriately: Respect the local dress code and customs. In some cultures, modest attire is expected, especially when visiting religious sites or conservative areas. Research the clothing norms and pack accordingly to avoid any unintended cultural offense.

3. Respect religious customs: If your destination has religious traditions, familiarize yourself with the customs and practices related to them. Follow any dress codes or guidelines when visiting religious sites, and be mindful of appropriate behavior and photography restrictions.

4. Observe local customs and traditions: Familiarize yourself with local customs and traditions, such as greetings, gestures, or table manners. Understanding and respecting these cultural nuances can enrich your interactions with locals and demonstrate your appreciation for their way of life.

5. Be aware of gestures and body language: Gestures and body language can vary across cultures and may have different meanings or interpretations. Research common gestures to avoid any unintentional misunderstandings or offense. When in doubt, observe and follow the lead of locals.

6. Respect personal space: Different countries and cultures have varying concepts of personal space. Be mindful of personal boundaries and avoid unnecessary physical contact unless it’s customary or welcomed in the local culture.

7. Follow local dining etiquette: If you plan to dine at local restaurants or with locals, be aware of proper dining etiquette. Pay attention to table manners, serving customs, and any specific traditions, such as tasting a dish before adding seasoning.

8. Know appropriate tipping practices: Research the tipping customs of your destination. In some countries, tipping is expected, while in others, it may not be common practice. Understand the appropriate amount and the preferred method of giving tips.

9. Respect local customs and traditions: Be mindful of and respect local customs, festivals, and traditions. Familiarize yourself with any practices or events happening during your visit, and observe them respectfully, even if you don’t fully understand them.

10. Smile and be polite: A friendly demeanor, a smile, and basic politeness can go a long way in any culture. Approach interactions with locals with an open and respectful attitude, and be open to learning from their customs and traditions.

By researching and embracing the local customs and etiquette, you can show respect for the local culture, connect with the community, and create meaningful experiences during your trip.

So take the time to learn and appreciate the customs of your destination, and enjoy your journey with cultural sensitivity and understanding.

Step 14: Make a checklist of essentials to bring

Making a checklist of essentials to bring is a crucial step in travel planning to ensure you have everything you need for a comfortable and stress-free trip. Here’s how to create a comprehensive checklist:

1. Travel documents: Include your passport, visa, travel insurance documents, identification cards, and any necessary permits or licenses for your destination.

2. Money and cards: Bring sufficient cash in the local currency and consider carrying a mix of payment options, such as credit cards, debit cards, or a travel money card. Don’t forget to notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any issues with your cards.

3. Medications and prescriptions: Pack any necessary medications, along with copies of prescriptions or doctor’s notes. If you have specific medical conditions, consider wearing a medical ID bracelet or carrying relevant medical information in case of emergencies.

4. First aid kit: Include a basic first aid kit with items such as adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, antihistamines, and any special prescriptions or medical supplies you may need.

5. Clothing and accessories: Pack clothing suitable for the climate and activities at your destination. Include underwear, socks, comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate attire, swimwear, and any specialized gear required for activities such as hiking or skiing.

6. Toiletries and personal care items: Bring travel-sized toiletries, including toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, soap or body wash, moisturizer, sunscreen, and any essential personal care items you use on a daily basis.

7. Electronics and chargers: Don’t forget your essential electronics, such as phone, laptop or tablet, camera, chargers, adapters, and power banks. Consider bringing a portable Wi-Fi device or SIM card if you need internet access on the go.

8. Travel accessories: Include a travel adapter, travel pillow, lightweight towel, reusable water bottle, earplugs, eye mask, and any other accessories that enhance your comfort during the journey.

9. Entertainment and reading materials: Pack books, magazines, or e-readers to keep you entertained during travel or downtime. Don’t forget to bring headphones or earphones for listening to music or watching movies.

10. Miscellaneous items: Consider items such as a travel lock, a universal sink plug, a portable umbrella, a reusable shopping bag, a pen and notepad, and any other personal items that you find essential or useful in your day-to-day routine.

Remember to tailor your checklist based on your specific needs, the nature of your trip, and the destination you’re visiting. Keep in mind any restrictions or guidelines in place for carry-on luggage or liquids when packing.

By using a checklist, you can ensure that you have all the essentials you need for a comfortable and organized trip. So take the time to create a comprehensive checklist, double-check it before departure, and enjoy a worry-free journey.

Step 15: Ensure travel safety and security

Ensuring travel safety and security is a vital step in travel planning to protect yourself and your belongings during your trip. Here’s what you should do:

1. Research the destination: Familiarize yourself with local safety and security conditions of your destination. Check travel advisories or warnings issued by your government, stay updated on current events, and be aware of any potential risks or concerns.

2. Secure your accommodations: Choose accommodations in safe areas and research their security measures. Consider factors such as secure locks, in-room safes, and 24/7 reception or security staff.

3. Protect your belongings: Take precautions to protect your belongings from theft or loss. Use luggage locks, carry a theft-proof bag, and be mindful of your surroundings. Avoid displaying expensive items and keep your valuables secured in a hotel safe or a hidden travel wallet.

4. Use reliable transportation: Opt for licensed transportation services and be cautious when using public transportation, especially in unfamiliar areas. Research reputable taxi companies or use ridesharing apps that have a reliable track record.

5. Stay connected: Ensure you have a way to stay connected with family, friends, or emergency contacts during your trip. Share your itinerary with a trusted person and keep them updated about your whereabouts.

6. Register with your embassy: Consider registering with your home country’s embassy or consulate at your destination. By doing so, they can provide you with important updates or assistance in case of emergencies or unexpected situations.

7. Practice caution with strangers: Be cautious when interacting with strangers and avoid sharing personal information or details about your travel plans. Use common sense and trust your instincts when approached by unfamiliar individuals.

8. Use secure Wi-Fi connections: Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi networks, especially for accessing personal accounts or making financial transactions. Whenever possible, connect to secure and password-protected networks or use a trusted virtual private network (VPN) for added security.

9. Stay informed about local laws: Research and familiarize yourself with the local laws and regulations of your destination. Be respectful of local customs, traditions, and social norms to avoid unintentional offenses or legal issues.

10. Purchase travel insurance: Travel insurance is essential for protecting yourself against unforeseen events or emergencies. Make sure your insurance policy provides coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellations, and lost or stolen belongings.

Always prioritize your personal safety and security during your travels. Stay alert, be aware of your surroundings, and take necessary precautions to mitigate risks. Remember, being proactive and prepared can greatly contribute to a safe and enjoyable travel experience.

So, take the time to ensure travel safety and security, and embark on your journey with confidence and peace of mind.

Step 16: Enjoy your trip!

After all the planning and preparations, it’s finally time to embark on your much-awaited trip! Here are some tips to help you make the most of your travel experience:

1. Embrace the adventure: Approach your trip with an open mind and a spirit of adventure. Embrace new experiences, try local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the local culture.

2. Stay flexible: Despite careful planning, unexpected situations may arise. Stay flexible and adapt to any changes or detours that come your way. Sometimes, the most memorable experiences happen when plans change.

3. Engage with the locals: Interact with the locals and learn about their customs, traditions, and way of life. Engaging with the local community can provide unique insights and create meaningful connections.

4. Seek off-the-beaten-path experiences: While popular tourist attractions are worth visiting, don’t be afraid to explore lesser-known places or hidden gems. You may stumble upon hidden treasures and have a more authentic experience.

5. Take breaks and relax: Travel can be exhilarating but also exhausting. Allow yourself time to rest and relax. Take breaks from sightseeing, enjoy leisurely meals, and recharge to fully appreciate your journey.

6. Capture memories: Take photos, keep a travel journal, or create videos to capture the memories of your trip. These mementos will allow you to relive your experiences and share them with others.

7. Try new activities: Step out of your comfort zone and try new activities that are unique to your destination. Whether it’s learning to surf, taking a cooking class, or going on a thrilling adventure, these experiences can create lifelong memories.

8. Stay mindful and respectful: Remember to be respectful of the local customs, traditions, and environment. Practice responsible tourism, minimize your impact on the environment, and leave a positive impression wherever you go.

9. Stay present in the moment: Put away your devices and take time to fully experience your surroundings. Be present in the moment, savor the sights, sounds, and flavors around you, and create meaningful connections with the places you visit.

10. Embrace the unexpected: Travel is full of surprises and the unexpected. Embrace and appreciate the unexpected moments or detours that come your way, as these can often lead to the most incredible and memorable experiences.

Remember, the purpose of your trip is to enjoy, relax, and create lifelong memories. So, be open to new experiences, embrace the unknown, and allow yourself to fully enjoy the journey.

Wishing you a fantastic trip filled with exploration, adventure, and unforgettable moments!

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Turn Your Love of Travel Into a Paycheck: Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Travel Blog

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You love to travel. You also love to tell people about amazing places to visit — where to go, places to avoid, and practical advice on how to make the most of their trip. Basically, you have all the makings of a great travel blogger. 

Check Out: 3 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000

But there’s a problem: You don’t know how to start a travel blog. And do travel bloggers get paid? The good news is that many travel bloggers can and do make thousands of dollars per month from their travel blogs. And most of them, if not all, had the same questions you have right now. Fortunately, we have answers. Here are the steps to becoming a successful travel blogger.

Choose a Niche

It’s a big world out there, and you might think that you need to write about as many destinations and topics as possible to be a successful travel blogger. But that approach could slow your success, said Shelley Marmor, a full-time, professional blogger who has five blogs, including Travel Mexico Solo and Travel Blogging 101, where she teaches blogging courses. “I often hear that people don’t want to pigeonhole themselves, or limit what they write about,” she said.

But if you want financial success in a shorter amount of time, she said sticking to a well-defined niche is the way to go. “Google will eventually see you as an expert in that niche, and start to show you in their search results,” she said. So go ahead, embrace your love of 17th-century cheesemaking, the world’s best train rides or vegetarian restaurants in the South. Chances are if you are interested in it, others are too.

Choose a Name for Your Blog

This is a choice that can get first-time travel bloggers hung up for days, if not weeks. But believe it or not, said Marmor, your blog’s name is far less important than you think. “While many people will rack their brains to come up with a cool, funny or clever name, I personally think direct blog names work best,” she said. For instance, her blog that covers Tulum, Mexico, is simply named Tulum Travel Secrets. The name is simple and descriptive, and it took only a few minutes to come up with. Stick to this formula, she said, and Google will know what your blog is about immediately, leading to better search results for you.

Here are three important things Marmor suggested you keep in mind when naming your blog:

• Leave your name out of the blog title, because if you ever sell your travel blog, you’ll have to sell it with your name attached.
• Make sure you can grow with the blog. For instance, stay away from names like 20-Something Travels or Traveling With Two Kids, because eventually you will be 30, and you might have a third child.
• Don’t get too clever and cross into confusing. Tell someone who doesn’t know you well and see if they get your name without an explanation.

Consider Taking a Blogging Course

If you have never written professionally or created a website, you might want to take a course on blogging or travel blogging. It is by no means necessary; however, it can help. In fact, Marmor, who was a professional journalist before starting her blog, took a travel blogging course herself when she was starting out and said it was one of the best moves she made. “There is a formula that works when it comes to profitable blogging, and you either know it or you don’t,” she said.

Many people are under the false belief that search engine optimization involves merely finding keywords that launch their site to the top of Google’s list, or at least on it. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. SEO is very complex, involving not only keywords but site organization, loading speed and a host of other elements.

Learning SEO, at least at a fundamental level, is important to your blog’s success. “I believe that SEO is vital to blogging, and I’m pretty sure the vast majority of bloggers would agree,” said Marmor. “If you want to get free traffic from Google and other search engines, then you need to learn the language search engines speak, and that’s SEO.”

Decide on a Length for Your Blog Posts

This might seem arbitrary and unimportant. And to some extent, your blog posts can be any length. The important thing is that each post fully answers the reader’s questions about a destination or activity. While there is no exact agreed-upon or even recommended length for travel blog articles, Google tends to favor long-form content that thoroughly answers the user’s query, said Marmor, whose own blog posts tend to run 2,500 to 4,000 words.

Choose a Hosting Platform for Your Travel Blog

This is another area in which a new blogger could easily find themselves falling down a rabbit hole. Do a search on Google and there will be a vast array of advice, each seemingly suggesting a different list of the best hosting platforms for travel bloggers.

But, said Marmor, don’t sweat this too much. Just make sure you choose a reputable provider that makes building your travel blog easy. Remember, you want most of your energy going into writing. “As long as you aren’t choosing a bottom-of-the-barrel host, you’re fine,” she said. “No hosts that I know of are specific to travel blogs, so just read reviews before choosing,” she said.

Decide on Your Blog’s Cadence and Write Posts Consistently

This is your blog, so you get to decide how often you write a new post. But in today’s world, more is usually more. So a good rule of thumb is to write as often as you can, without burning yourself out, said Marmor.

“When you burn out you’ll quit, so if your life doesn’t allow it right now, don’t set an unrealistic expectation that you’ll write and publish 15 blogs per week,” she said. Instead, she advised, concentrate on making each and every blog high quality. “If you can get one high-quality blog done per week without burnout, that’s great. If you can get five done per week without burnout, even better,” she said.

Add Photos and Videos to Your Travel Blog

Much of the attraction of travel is seeing the sights, so photos and videos are great additions to your blog. They enhance the user experience and keep readers engaged and coming back.

But, said Marmor, when you are starting out, you might want to keep your vlogging in check. “Doing both [blogging and vlogging] can expand your reach and your audience, but doing both well is like having two full-time jobs,” she said. “When you’re making enough in passive income from one, you can start thinking about starting the other.”

Promote Your Travel Blog

The good news is that in today’s world, self-promotion is fairly easy to do, thanks to the vast social media landscape. The bad news is that that landscape is absolutely littered with noise that makes breaking through difficult. So while outlets such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter, might seem like a necessity, Marmor warned that they can also become a drain on your time. “I do zero social media, and have no interest in ever doing it,” she said. “If the day comes when I feel I need it for my business, I will hire out.” She believes that no platform benefits a blogger more than spending more time traveling and blogging.

Incorporate Affiliate Marketing Into Your Travel Blog

Affiliate marketing is a marketing model in which you, the travel blogger, incorporate links and promotions for goods and services on your website. When one of your readers clicks through and makes a purchase, you are rewarded, usually in cash. If done well, it can be extremely lucrative. In fact, said Marmor, about half of her monthly income is from affiliate marketing.

Marmor, who writes about and teaches classes on affiliate marketing, said that different affiliate marketing programs have different criteria. When you have a sufficient amount of blog posts live on your site — at least 10, she said — you can apply to these.

Partner With Brands You Love

Another monetization opportunity is partnerships with companies, where they pay you to promote their products and services. These take time and readership, however, because companies will want strong metrics showing that many people visit your site each month, said Marmor. “It will take time to build that up to a number which will make companies take notice, and be willing to pay you to promote them,” she said.

She also cautions to only endorse brands you use yourself and stand behind, as she does. Otherwise, you run the risk of losing the trust of your readers, the worst thing possible for your brand.

Be Patient — Making Money From Your Travel Blog Takes Time

While travel blogging can pay off, don’t expect success to come overnight — or even in a year. Marmor tells new bloggers to expect it to take about two years of consistent work for your blog to make money . “It can take slightly less, but that will really depend on how fast you work, and more importantly, how smart you work,” she said.

Marmor saw success quickly, but she said that’s because she worked full time on her blog with a devotion to becoming her own boss. If family, work or other obligations won’t allow you to devote 40 hours a week to your blog, be patient and keep typing.

Remember the Most Important Rule of Travel Blogging

Sure, you probably want to become a travel blogger so you can turn your passion into a paycheck . But to do that, you need to provide a service. As Marmor so succinctly put it, “No one cares where I’ve been in Mexico — and I’ve been to a lot of places — but they do care about how I can help them have the best vacation ever in those same places.” So, she said, in 2024, it is vital to the success of your travel blog that it helps readers gain valuable information they can use to improve their travel experience. Do that and the cash will come.

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• Everything You Need to Know About the MICHELIN Key for Hotels

In April 2024, the MICHELIN Guide debuts a brand new distinction: the MICHELIN Key. While the MICHELIN Star recognizes the most outstanding restaurants in the world, the MICHELIN Key does the same for outstanding hotels. Here’s everything you need to know about the new distinction.

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1.) What are hotels doing in the MICHELIN Guide?

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2.) Why are you creating the MICHELIN Key distinction?

3.) which hotels are eligible for a michelin key.

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4.) Is the MICHELIN Key the MICHELIN Star for restaurants?

5.) can a hotel earn more than one michelin key, 6.) are michelin key hotels the most expensive in your selection, 7.) do michelin key hotels have michelin star restaurants, 8.) i heard i can book hotels on the michelin guide. is that true.

5 Reasons Why You Should Book Hotels With MICHELIN Guide The MICHELIN Guide is more than restaurants. It's also the best place to book the world's best hotels. Here are five reasons why.

Get VIP Treatment at MICHELIN Guide Hotels A Plus membership from the MICHELIN Guide is your ticket to VIP upgrades and amenities at over 1,000 of the world’s best hotels.

MICHELIN Guide Travel Specialists Make All the Difference When you book a hotel with the MICHELIN Guide, you get concierge-level care for every step of your journey.

The MICHELIN Guide App Is a Milestone The free MICHELIN Guide app puts the world’s best restaurants and hotels right in your pocket — and lets you book them.

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Forgot to get solar eclipse glasses? Here's how to DIY a viewer with household items.

By now, everyone has heard that the rare 2024 total solar eclipse is coming – and it's got people excited.

While cities brace for traffic, schools brace for absences and space enthusiasts are planning parties, the glasses that enable safe viewing of the eclipse have become something of a hot commodity.

Peeking directly at the eclipse before it reaches totality without proper eye protection can cause permanent eye damage, experts have warned, making glasses a necessity for safe viewing. But, as the day approaches, they may become harder to find .

Luckily, people who didn't manage to get their hands on glasses are not completely down and out. There are other safe ways to view the eclipse, say experts, and a lot of them only require a little bit of craftiness and items you can find lying around the house.

Here are a few DIY eclipse viewers you can make at home.

As a reminder, none of these options allow you to look directly at the eclipse: you need special eclipse glasses for that.

Solar eclipse guide: When is the 2024 total solar eclipse? Your guide to glasses, forecast, where to watch.

NASA's DIY cereal box viewer

This NASA project uses components you almost certainly already have at home. Using a cereal box, cardboard, foil, paper, scissors and tape or glue, you can put together this projection eclipse viewer.

As always, NASA advises not to look directly into the sun using this tool.

Steps to make the cereal box eclipse viewer:

• Get an empty, clean cereal box.
• Cut a white piece of cardboard that will fit snuggly in the bottom of the box, or secure it permanently by gluing it in place.
• Cut the top of the cereal box, removing both ends and leaving the center intact.
• Put a piece of tape across the center of the top to securely hold it closed.
• Tape a piece of heavy-duty foil or double a single layer for additional strength, covering one of the openings at the top of the cereal box. The other opening will remain open for viewing.
• Using a small nail (approximately 3mm in diameter) push a hole in the foil.
• Cover the entire box with construction paper, leaving the single-viewing opening and the foil uncovered.

How to use the DIY viewer :

• The finished box should be held with the pin-hole side facing the sun. It may take a little practice pointing the box.
• With your back facing the sun, look through the viewing opening. A small image of the sun, about ½ cm in diameter can be seen projected on the white paper inside the box.

Watch the demo here:

The Planetary Society DIY paper viewer

While the Planetary Society also offers instructions for box or projector viewers that are more "fancy," as they put it, it doesn't get easier than their simple pinhole paper projector.

To make it, you only need two index cards (3-by-5 or A6 or A7 size) or small paper plates for each person and basic pushpins. Simply use the pushpin to punch a small hole close to the middle of one of the cards and you're done.

Another super easy version that requires no crafting? A kitchen colander. An ordinary kitchen colander can easily be used to view a solar eclipse in the same way as other projector viewers; the colander's circular holes project crescent images of the sun onto the ground.

To make the "fancier" version, you'll need 2 index cards (larger, 5-by-7 or A5 cards work better for this) or small paper plates for each person, a pencil, pushpins and a towel, sweatshirt, blanket, flattened corrugated cardboard box, carpet, or other soft substrate to place underneath card during pin pushing.

To make the fancier version:

• Draw a simple design on a card. The lines should not be too close together
• Place the card on top of something soft (blanket, towel, etc)
• Using the push pin, make small holes along your design lines. Not too close together – about 5 millimeters (1/4 inch) apart.

To use it, you'll again want to avoid looking directly at the sun:

• Go to your eclipse observing spot and make sure you can see the shadow of your head and shoulders clearly.
• Hold up the card with the hole on top of your shoulder so that you can see the shadow of the card above the shadow of your shoulder.
• Now hold up the other card and make sure you can see its shadow, too.
• Move the second card and watch how its shadow moves. Keeping the card in front of you, move its shadow until the second card's shadow overlaps the first card's shadow.
• Now look at the second card. You should see a dot on the card for every hole you punched. Those dots are actually images of the sun.

Cardboard or paper tube eclipse viewer

Sticking with the theme of using items you can easily find around the house, tube viewers can be made using cardboard tubes from household items like paper towels or toilet paper rolls. You can also use thick cardstock rolled up and taped to make your own tube.

To make one, you'll need a cardboard tube, white paper, aluminum foil, tape and a pushpin or something else sharp to poke a small hole. According to "Let's Talk Science," you can put this viewer together with these steps :

• Trace the opening of the tube on a piece of white paper. Draw a slightly bigger circle around it. Cut around the bigger circle. Cut small slits to the inner circle.
• Cut an opening near one end of the tube to make a viewing window.
• Tape the paper circle to the end of the tube near the viewing window.
• Cut a piece of aluminum foil that is a bit larger than the opening of the tube.
• Poke a small hole in the center of the aluminum foil.
• Tape the aluminum foil over the other opening of the tube.

How to use the viewer:

• With your back to the sun, hold the tube parallel to the path of the sun. Look through the viewing hole. Move the viewer until a small white circle appears on the paper.

See an example below:

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Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 travel guide: 5 tips for navigating crowds and booking affordable getaways

Get ready to make the most of eid-ul-fitr 2024 with our essential travel tips, designed to help you navigate crowds and secure budget-friendly getaways..

It's that time of year again! Muslims will be celebrating Eid al-Fitr on April 10 with much fanfare and excitement after a month of fasting. Millions of people will be travelling to celebrate with friends and family, so it's important to plan ahead and shop around for the best deals to ensure a stress-free holiday . Typically, many of us will be travelling home for this joyous day (called 'mudik' in Indonesian). So, are you one of those making travel arrangements for this Eid ? Travelling during the holidays means more traffic at train stations, airports, etc. While travelling during Eid can be hectic and stressful, you can avoid the airport crowds and enjoy a hassle-free trip if you prepare in advance. (Also read: Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 travel: From Saudi Arabia to Indonesia, 7 top destinations to experience festive vibes )

Travel tips for Eid-ul-Fitr 2024

Here are some insights and recommendations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience during this festive season.

1. Book Your Accommodation in Advance

Extended Eid celebrations are often hectic and packed with activities, with hotels, resorts and other hospitality venues booking up well in advance. We recommend that you book your accommodation as far in advance as possible if you want to be sure that your family will have a place to stay when they come to visit. This will help to avoid disappointment at the hotel of your choice. Similarly, if you are planning to visit another country in the Middle East or further afield, it is essential that you make your reservations well in advance.

2. Take Care of Your Personal Belongings

The Eid holidays offer a welcome break from our daily routines, which often involve long periods away from home. If you are travelling, you may be away from home for several days. Make sure your home is safe. Remember to switch off the oven and secure doors and gates. In order to preserve electricity and avoid short circuits, be sure that certain electronic gadgets are turned off. Do you commute by public transport? No problem. But remember to keep an eye on your belongings. To make sure nothing is left behind or taken by someone else, keep an eye on what you bring with you.

3. Browse For Good Eid al-Fitr Deals

In order to spark interest and draw customers for the Eid al-Fitr holidays, a large number of eateries and lodging options in the United Arab Emirates and the larger Middle Eastern region provide alluring offers and exclusive discounts. Check out your favourite restaurants, entertainment venues and accommodation providers' websites and social media pages for exclusive offers and promotions to maximise your savings.

4. Pack Light

When you are travelling over the Eid holiday, try to pack as little as possible. In addition to saving you time and frustration, packing light can help you avoid paying extra for additional luggage and have more flexibility when on vacation.

5. Purchase Travel Insurance

Remember to consider travel insurance as an important safety precaution when organising your Eid holidays. Travel insurance provides financial security and protection against unforeseen circumstances such as lost luggage, medical problems and trip cancellation. Having travel insurance will give you added peace of mind and the assurance that you are prepared for any unforeseen events that may occur while travelling. When choosing a travel insurance policy, make sure it meets your needs and provides comprehensive coverage for your Eid holidays.

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• North Carolina

North Carolina's Biggest City Is Home to the Largest Human-made Whitewater River

Here’s how to plan a trip to Charlotte, the largest city in North Carolina.

Best Hotels

• Best Things to Do

Best Restaurants

Best shopping, best time to visit, neighborhoods to visit, how to get there, how to get around.

Sean Pavone/Getty Images

If you regularly travel the East Coast, there’s a good chance you’ve had a layover or two in Charlotte. To understand the vibrance and dynamic nature of North Carolina’s most populous city, though, you’ll need to make your way out of the airport terminals and into the neighborhoods that comprise the bustling metropolis and surrounding areas.

“Charlotte has many different cultures, and their influence can be seen and experienced throughout the city,” explains Andres Kaifer, the executive chef and owner of Customshop . From its robust culinary scene — it regularly boasts James Beard Award nominees — to its art galleries, esteemed museums, and appreciation of green spaces and public parks, the Queen City repeatedly proves its role as a financial center is just part of its larger narrative. Yes, Bank of America’s headquarters are located in Uptown Charlotte, but the city is also the home of NASCAR , the Carolina Panthers, and the Charlotte Hornets. As Ashley Creft, co-founder of Charlotte Black-Owned (@ cltblackowned ), shares, Charlotte is “very diverse, and there are lots of opportunities to connect with locally-owned and BIPOC-owned businesses in the city,” many of which you’ll discover below. 

Scroll on to read Travel + Leisure ’s guide to Charlotte, North Carolina.

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Book a five-star stay at The Ritz Carlton, Charlotte, which recently completed a multimillion-dollar renovation.
• Root for the Carolina Panthers, the Charlotte Hornets, Charlotte FC, or the Charlotte Knights while on their home turf. 
• Take a tasting tour of some of Charlotte’s best breweries — The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, Divine Barrel Brewing, and Resident Culture Brewing among them. 
• Fill up on Southern fare at Jimmy Pearls. 
• Plan your trip in the spring or fall to experience Charlotte’s best weather (and fewer crowds).

The Ritz Carlton, Charlotte

The Ritz Carlton, Charlotte comes recommended by Kaifer, who credits its “easy accessibility to the light rail” and newly renovated wellness amenities as top reasons to book a stay. With a pool, steam room, hot tub, and sauna, the Uptown hotel’s spa is the perfect place to relax after a travel day — or before a big night out in Charlotte. 

The Ivey's Hotel

Another Uptown favorite, The Ivey’s Hotel has 47 rooms decorated to give off a “Parisian-style elegance with modern luxury” vibe. In its past life, the building functioned as The Ivey's Department Store (which opened in 1924). Today, it offers guests a range of comfortable rooms and amenities, including a 1,500-square-foot fitness center, the cozy Library Lounge, and a daily complimentary wine social.

The Ballantyne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Charlotte

Courtesy of The Ballantyne

As the name suggests, The Ballantyne, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Charlotte is located in the upscale Ballantyne neighborhood, 20 minutes south of Uptown. Ideal for travelers who want to be away from the city center (or closer to The Amp Ballantyne ), it’s the type of hotel where you’re more than happy to spend time relaxing on the property — there’s even an outdoor pool, indoor pool, and spa.

Grand Bohemian Hotel Charlotte, Autograph Collection

“For mainstream hotel folks, I think the Grand Bohemian has the most character,” says Corri Smith, owner of Black Wednesday . She shares that its “stellar location in Uptown” is also a plus, but the inside of the property is unexpectedly artistic and bohemian, a contrast from the more buttoned-up look of the neighborhood. 

Best Things to Do 

Elizabeth W. Kearley/Getty Images

Raft the largest human-made whitewater river in the world.

If everyone in your party is eight years old and above, you can book a guided whitewater rafting experience at the U.S. National Whitewater Center . “The Whitewater Center is incredibly unique and special… [and] it has a wild amount of activities and events,” says Smith — and that includes things to do on dry land. “My favorite things are the Thursday night live music shows ( River Jam ) as well as free outdoor yoga.” According to Kaifer, there’s also the option to “enjoy a nice hike through one of their many trails.”

Explore Charlotte’s art scene.

“Art has become a more honored part of our culture,” says Smith, who recommends checking out a number of local Charlotte artists, including Grace Stott , Kathryn Godwin , Saloan Dunlap , Davita Galloway , and Matt Moore (take a look at their Instagrams or websites to see where their work is on display). Alternatively, travelers can add several of the city’s art museums and galleries to their list;  The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art , the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture , and the Mint Museum are some of the most popular. “ Goodyear Arts is a modern art gallery with a residency program that supports under-the-radar artists,” adds Smith. 

Sip on some local brews at any one of Charlotte’s numerous breweries. 

Like many major U.S. cities, Charlotte has an ever-growing craft beer scene; in fact, the Queen City has more than four dozen breweries to choose from. Once you’ve chosen your designated driver — or booked with City Brew Tours , Trolley Pub Charlotte , or Brew Ha-Ha Tours — visit some of the breweries that catch your eye. Don't know where to start? Stop by Sycamore Brewing , The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery , Birdsong Brewing Co. , Divine Barrel Brewing , and Resident Culture Brewing .

Cheer on Charlotte’s professional sports teams.

When it comes to athletics, Charlotte does it big. Depending on the exact time of year (and how far ahead you’re planning your trip), you might be able to catch a Charlotte Knights baseball game at Truist Field, watch the Carolina Panthers or Charlotte FC play at the Bank of America Stadium, or see the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center.

Peter Taylor/Restaurant Constance

Restaurant Constance

To narrow down Charlotte’s restaurants to just a handful is tough, but a few specific ones stood out to the Charlotteans we spoke with. Restaurant Constance was one of the first picks from Kaifer: “Chef Sam Diminich does an incredible job of featuring ingredients from local farms and making unique, delicious, and honest food,” he explains. 

Jimmy Pearls

Creft has Jimmy Pearls , the only Charlotte restaurant to receive a nomination in the 2024 James Beard Awards, on her list. Chefs Daryl Cooper and Oscar Johnson are the masterminds behind Jimmy Peals, which is described as an “ode to Virginia soul.” Expect menu items like crispy chicken gizzards, fish sandwiches, and fried shrimp — all made, according to the restaurant, to honor “Virginia’s rich history of Black food.”

Uptown Yolk

Not all meals need to be fancy affairs, especially if you’re in the mood for something casual (but equally tasty). For a “delicious” breakfast, Creft suggests Uptown Yolk . It has all of the classics — scrambled eggs, omelets, and pancakes — as well as some “Yolk Way” favorites, like shrimp and grits with smoked gouda and jerk shrimp and the Belgian waffle with chicken wings.

Menya Daruma

“ Menya [Daruma] is some of the most underrated food in the city, in my opinion,” says Kaifer. “The entire menu is delicious, and they have the best fried chicken sandwich in the city.” If the aforementioned Tori Katsu Sando doesn’t call your name, there’s also the ramen and abura soba (or soup-less ramen) dishes.

Customshop 

Travelers who like to pair a nice atmosphere with their meal should make a reservation at Customshop , a “chef-driven restaurant” in Midtown. “They recently changed ownership and though the chef-owner, Andres Kaifer, has created a giant impact and switched some things up (for the better), it remains one of the city's most beloved restaurants,” says Smith. “It's a spot where you can rely on the consistency of a delicious, creative, and special meal... It's [also] cozy and romantic and feels like a break from reality.”

Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Travelers with an affinity for high-end designer clothes may already know of Capitol , the legendary luxury boutique founded by Laura Vinroot Poole, as well as its sibling property, Poole Shop . The SouthPark stores are known for their expertly curated inventories — expect to see names such as Saint Laurent, Ulla Johnson, Zimmermann, and Carolina Herrera among the racks. 

Along with several large shopping complexes —  SouthPark Mall , Atherton Mill and Market , and Phillips Place — Charlotte has a variety of smaller shops, many of which are frequented by Creft and Smith. “I love stopping by 704 Shop to pick up Charlotte paraphernalia and [The] Brown Sugar Collab to shop products by BIPOC women suppliers,” says Creft. To add to your plant collection, head to Oakdale Greenhouses . “The owner, Bill, is a plant expert and is on-call for plant emergencies and education or tips. It's a family-run shop that is super welcoming,” says Smith. She also adds she regularly visits “ The Jungle [for] gifts and home decor, Boris and Natasha [for] clothing and accessories, and Paper Skyscraper [for] gifts.” 

For a slightly different shopping experience, keep an eye out for pop-ups. “I also do a lot of shopping during pop-up events which are often held at Camp North End or other industrial venues or warehouses,” says Smith. “ VTGCLT happens a few times a year and is a cool way to learn about new and fresh vendors and to scoop up unique antiques/pieces.”

JillLang/Getty Images

“Spring and fall are the prettiest seasons in Charlotte,” says Kaifer, who shares that the weather this time of year is “almost always perfect.” Smith agrees, noting that Charlotte has a “very short spring,” but travelers should aim to visit in April, October, or early November. The shoulder seasons also give way to quite a few festivals and sporting events. In the spring, mark your calendar for the Wells Fargo Championship , Charlotte Wine and Food Week , and the Coca-Cola 600 . Autumn festivities include the Charlotte International Arts Festival , Charlotte Craft Beer Week , and the Festival in the Park . 

Skyhobo/Getty Images

If you’re searching for the city center, or the “downtown,” you’ll need to make your way to Uptown Charlotte. Here, you’ll find the central business district, as well as a plethora of museums and sporting areas. The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture, and the Mint Museum are all located in the neighborhood, as are the Bank of America Stadium, the Spectrum Center, and Truist Field. Uptown Charlotte is also broken down into four wards — within the Second Ward, you’ll find the area that was once known as Brooklyn , which Creft recommends for travelers looking “to learn more about the history of the predominantly Black community that thrived there many years ago.”

Smith adds NoDa, short for North Davidson, to her list of must-experience Charlotte neighborhoods. The city’s arts and entertainment district, NoDa has a wide range of sights and activities to keep you busy. Embark on a self-guided street art tour to see the area’s impressive murals, pop in and out of vintage shops, or check the schedules at Neighborhood Theatre or The Evening Muse to see if any live performances strike your fancy. 

Plaza Midwood

Both Kaifer and Smith share their affinity for Plaza Midwood. Similarly to the NoDa neighborhood, Kaifer says it has a “great variety of retail and great restaurants, and [it’s] also nice to walk around in.” The pedestrian-friendly area is populated with historic homes, consignment shops, boutiques, breweries, and Veterans Park , where you can explore 19 acres of trails, green space, and more. 

Camp North End

Camp North End is technically billed as a “creative hub” versus a full neighborhood, but the 76-acre campus — which once served as Charlotte’s first Ford Motor Company factory — is filled with interesting tenants with stories to tell. “There is a local coffee and [natural] wines shop ( Hex ), a record store ( Hardy Boys Records ), a dairy-free ice cream shop ( Seemingly Overzealous ), a salon ( Explicit ), artist studios, shops , a charcuterie bar , and more,” says Smith. 

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is one of the busiest airports in the country. An American Airlines hub, it’s also served by seven other major airlines — including Delta, Southwest, JetBlue, and United — and offers flights to 180 destinations around the world. Uber or Lyft are readily available at the airport, but travelers can also opt to use the CATS (Charlotte Area Transit System) Sprinter Service . The bus provides rides (which take anywhere from 25 to 35 minutes) between CLT and Uptown Charlotte, and one-way tickets cost $2.20. 

espiegle/Getty Images

Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina, and a car is necessary if you’re going to explore beyond Uptown. Still, there are a few other ways to get around the city center. The LYNX Blue Line light rail line serves 26 stations, and its routes span over 20 miles. One-way, one-day, seven-day, and round-trip tickets can be purchased through the self-service ticket vending machines at the stations or via the CATS-Pass app . If you prefer to tour the city on two wheels, hop on a Charlotte Joy Rides e-bike. A Flash Pass grants you a 30-minute membership for $5, and a $30 Joy Pass gives you bike access for 24 hours. 

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