How to Become a Travel Blogger
I just got back from a week on Maui to celebrate the launch of City Living Network’s latest city, Maui Makai. The party was everything. It had leis, a DJ, and barefooted tango to Hawaiian tunes… obviously.
That said, every time I travel I take my readers with me.
Even though I run a publication focused specifically on Laguna Beach, I know my community wants to know what to do, where to stay, and how to play when they’re vacationing themselves.
In fact, press trips are one of my very favorite perks of running a publication.
WHY INCLUDE A TRAVEL SECTION ON YOUR BLOG?
When you have a hyperlocal blog, your primary focus is on your city, however, adding a TRAVEL category can greatly enhance your blog’s appeal and provide your readers with exciting new content. Also, it's a total blast to get wined and dined, capture beautiful photos, and share a fun article about your experience!
REAL-LIFE TRAVEL BLOG EXAMPLES:
At Laguna Beach Living, I have a dedicated STAY section where I share my media trip experiences. Here are a few highlights:
Eating and Drinking Through the Santa Ynez Valley
I rode horses, did yoga in a vineyard, and drank my way through about 100,000,000 wineries.
Catalina Island: The Amalfi Coast of Orange County
I toured the famous casino, rode a hummer around the island, and had my fair share of Buffalo Milks. (And yes, I’ve also been to the Catalina Wine Mixer a few times.)
A Local’s Staycation at Laguna Cliffs’ Marriott Resort & Spa
I got a massage and facial, went to the harbor, and tried out all their restaurants.
Huntington Beach’s Pasea is an Ocean Paradise
I had an oceanfront room, brought my two pups, and ran on the boardwalk each morning.
In fact, while in Maui for the launch party this past week, I stayed in a luxury suite at Wailea’s Fairmont Kea Lani, one of the nicest hotels on the island. This was in exchange for an article I published on Laguna Beach Living highlighting my stay.
SOUNDS LIKE A DREAM, RIGHT?
HERE’S HOW TO GET INVITED ON PRESS TRIPS
Identify Potential Partners:
Reach out to local hotels, resorts, and travel destinations that may be interested in hosting you in exchange for a feature on your blog. Make sure to include your stats, any past work you’ve done, and a detailed rundown of what you will provide them.
(In the City Living Network course I share the exact emails I send when I’m pitching a new hotel. I also create you a beautiful Media Kit to send to make you look legit AF.)
NOTE: You do NOT have to already be a big creator to get these types of trips. Having a publication focused on your town is enough to get those YESSES rolling in.
Create Engaging Content:
Document your experiences with high-quality photos and engaging stories that will captivate your readers — hire a local photographer to come to the hotel and follow you around for half an hour. (In the course I also share the exact email I use for this as well.)
Promote Your Travel Section:
Use your publication, social media, and newsletter list to offer the hotel a package that will highlight your travel adventures, attract a broader audience, and showcase your beautiful content. (My handy dandy Media Kit includes all of this.)
Check out Laguna Beach Living’s travel articles HERE for inspo and feel free to reach out if you have any q’s!
