How to Blog While Traveling: An Easy Guide for Female Solo Travelers

Hi there, fellow travelers! 🌍✈️

I’m Miss Simplitty, your friendly travel and lifestyle blogger. I love solo travel, and have degrees in Tourism and IT. I’ve been a tour guide in Turkey and now I’m chasing my dream of becoming a digital nomad. Today, I’ll share how to blog while traveling, especially for women going solo.

Why Blog While Traveling?

Look, I get it. You’re on vacation – why would you want to work? But trust me, blogging while traveling is like having your baklava and eating it too. Here’s why:

1. It’s your personal time machine. Years from now, you’ll thank yourself for documenting all those crazy adventures.
2. You’ll make friends all over the world. The travel blogging community is seriously awesome.
3. Cha-ching! Yeah, you might actually make some money doing this.
4. You could inspire someone to take that leap and book their dream trip.

Fun fact: Booking.com did this study that found “well over half (57%) of travelers feel ‘main character energy’ on their travels, with these performers empowered to be the stars of their own life.” So by sharing your experiences, you’re basically a confidence-boosting superhero. How cool is that?

I started my blog, Simplitty.com, back in April 2023. It’s still a baby in blog years, but it’s already changed my life in ways I never expected. Whether I’m geeking out over some ancient ruins in Istanbul or trying to figure out how to pack a month’s worth of outfits into a carry-on, my blog has become my digital home.

Planning Your Travel and Blog

Picking Great Places to Visit

I love history and city life. When I choose where to go, I think about:

• Places with cool stories to tell.
• Spots with unique local culture.
• Pretty locations for nice photos.
• Special events happening at certain times.

For example, I worked as a tour guide in Turkey for four years. I know lots of hidden gems there, like the cute town of Şirince near Ephesus.

Balancing Travel and Blogging

It’s important to enjoy your trip while still creating content. Here’s what I usually do each day:

• Morning: Explore a new place or take a tour.
• Afternoon: Find a café with WiFi to write and edit photos.
• Evening: Try local food and take pictures for posts.

Remember, your blog should make your trip better, not worse. Find a schedule that works for you. Every blogger, even a beginner can achieve a balance and happiness.

Knowing What Your Readers Like

Use tools like Google Analytics to see what posts your readers enjoy most. For example, I found out my readers love tips on staying safe while traveling alone and how to pack light.

Tools You Need for Travel Blogging

Here’s what I use to blog on the go:

Hardware:

• Laptop: MacBook Air M2 (2023) – it’s light and works well.
• Camera: iPhone 14 pro – takes great photos and isn’t too big.
• Phone: iPhone 14 pro – for quick photos and as a backup internet.
• Portable Charger: Baseus 140W – keeps everything charged.

Software and Apps:

• WordPress: To run my blog. I use a self-hosted wordpress.org which gives me a lot of freedom. For me it’s the best blogging platform with easy to use website builder. In my opinion it’s user-friendly.
• Grammarly: To check my spelling and grammar.
• Canva: To make pretty graphics.
• Notion: To plan my blog posts. And all other things.
• Tailwind: To post on social media.
• Google Drive and iCloud Drive: To store files online.

A recent study found that 72% of bloggers update their blogs from mobile devices [First Site Guide, 2020]. These tools help you create content from anywhere.

Staying Safe as a Female Solo Traveler

Safety is super important when you’re traveling alone. Here are my top tips:

1. Research your destination: Learn about local customs and safety issues.
2. Share your plans: Let someone you trust know where you’ll be.
3. Choose safe places to stay: Pick hotels or Airbnbs with good reviews from solo female travelers.
4. Be careful what you share online: Don’t post your exact location in real-time.
5. Trust your gut: If something feels wrong, leave.
6. Learn some self-defense: It can make you feel more confident.
7. Be smart about transportation: Use official taxis or trusted ride-sharing apps.
8. Keep copies of important documents: Store digital copies of your passport and visa online.

If you’re from the U.S., sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). It’s free and you’ll get safety updates about where you’re going.

Creating Great Content While Traveling

Making good blog posts while traveling can be tough, but it’s doable. Here’s how I do it:

1. Plan ahead: Think of blog post ideas before your trip.
2. Take lots of notes and photos: Use your phone to jot down ideas throughout the day.
3. Set aside time to write: I usually write for an hour each evening.
4. Use travel time wisely: Write drafts or edit photos on planes and trains.
5. Edit when you have good WiFi: Do a final check of your post when you have a stable internet connection.
6. Share local insights: Don’t just describe what you see. Talk about the culture and history too.
7. Keep your writing style consistent: Whether I’m writing about old buildings in Rome or fashion in Paris, I always sound like me.

Remember, it’s better to write one really good post than several rushed ones. A study found that “bloggers who spend 6+ hours on a typical article report “strong results.”” [Orbit Media Studios].

Making Money from Your Travel Blog

It takes time to earn money from your blog, but it’s possible. Here’s what can works for you:

1. Affiliate Marketing: Recommend products you use and love, like comfy walking shoes.
2. Sponsored Content: Hotels or travel companies might pay you to write about them.
3. Digital Products: You can sell e-books and online courses about travel.
4. Freelance Writing: I sometimes write for other travel websites.
5. Ads: Once your blog gets popular, you can put ads on it.
6. Travel Planning Services: I help people plan their trips to Turkey.

Always be honest with your readers about how you make money. Tell them when you’re using affiliate links or writing sponsored posts.

Running Your Blog Like a Business

There’s more to blogging than just writing. Here’s how I manage the business side:

1. Manage Your Time: I use the Pomodoro Technique to stay focused.
2. Use Financial Tools: I use apps and mobile apps like Revolut to handle money.
3. Know About Taxes: Keep track of your income and expenses. Talk to a tax expert if you need help.
4. Understand Legal Stuff: Use proper disclaimers and privacy policy on your site. Get help from a lawyer if needed.
5. Work With Brands: Always use contracts when working with companies.
6. Get Insurance: Protect yourself and your gear with travel and liability insurance.
7. Network: Go to blogging events and join online groups for travel bloggers. It’s a great way to create a valuable connections.

Balancing Fun and Work (Without Going Crazy)

Here’s the million-dollar question: How do you enjoy your travels while still creating content? It’s a balancing act, but here’s what works for me:

1. Set work hours: Decide when you’ll work and when you’ll explore. Stick to it.
2. Be present: When you’re out exploring, focus on the experience. The content can wait.
3. Take days off: You’re traveling! Enjoy it! Take days where you don’t even think about your blogging on the go.
4. Work smart: Use rainy days or long travel days to get work done. It’s easier to write a new blog post in a rainy day.
5. Involve your audience: Ask your followers for ideas. It takes some pressure off you and they love being involved.

Remember, if you’re not having fun, it’ll show in your writing. So make sure you’re enjoying your travels!

Staying Safe Online

As a travel blogger, you need to protect yourself online. Here’s how:

1. Use a VPN: This keeps your internet connection safe on public WiFi. I use SurfSahrk VPN which has never disappointed me.
2. Use Two-Factor Authentication: This adds extra security to your accounts.
3. Use a Password Manager: This helps you create and remember strong passwords.
4. Back Up Your Work: Save copies of your blog posts and photos in multiple places.
5. Keep Everything Updated: Always update your devices and apps.
6. Be Careful on Public Computers: Avoid using them for important stuff if you can.
7. Secure Your Devices: Use strong passwords or fingerprints to lock your phone and laptop.
8. Learn About Online Safety: Keep up with new ways to stay safe online.

Being Respectful in Your Content

As travelers, we should respect the places and cultures we visit. Here’s how:

1. Learn About Local Customs: Know what’s okay and what’s not before you visit.
2. Ask Before Taking Photos: Especially of people or in religious places.
3. Dress Appropriately: Follow local dress codes, especially at religious sites.
4. Learn Some Local Words: Even just “hello” and “thank you” can go a long way.
5. Avoid Stereotypes: Try to show a true picture of the places you visit.
6. Include Local Voices: Talk to local people and share their stories.
7. Be Careful With Political Topics: Try to be fair and neutral if you discuss local issues.
8. Respect Sacred Places: Follow all rules when visiting important cultural or religious sites.

By being respectful, we can help our readers understand and appreciate different cultures.

Using Social Media to Grow Your Blog

Social media can help more people find your blog. Here’s how I use different platforms:

1. Instagram: Share pretty travel photos and short tips.
2. Pinterest: Make eye-catching images that link to your blog posts.
3. Twitter: Share quick tips and links to your blog posts.
4. Facebook: Join travel and blogging groups to share your content and meet other travelers.
5. YouTube: If you like making videos, this can be a great way to show your travels.
6. TikTok: Short, fun videos can help you reach younger travelers.

You don’t need to use all of these. Pick the ones you enjoy most and where your readers are most active.

Promoting Responsible Travel

As travel bloggers, we should encourage responsible travel. Here’s how:

1. Highlight Eco-Friendly Options: Recommend hotels and tours that care about the environment.
2. Teach Your Readers: Share tips on how to travel without harming local communities or nature.
3. Promote Off-Season Travel: Encourage people to visit popular places when they’re less crowded.
4. Show Less-Known Places: This can help spread tourism benefits to more communities.
5. Be Honest About Sponsorships: Always tell your readers if a company paid you to write about them.
6. Set a Good Example: Share how you try to travel responsibly.

Wrap-Up: Start Your Journey

Blogging while traveling solo as a woman is an amazing adventure. It’s not always easy, but it’s so rewarding. Remember:

• Stay safe.
• Use good tools.
• Create helpful content and optimize it for SEO (search engine optimization).
• Build a community of readers.
• Treat your blog like a business, but don’t forget to enjoy your travels.
• Keep learning from every place you visit.
• Respect the places and cultures you encounter.

From busy Istanbul to beautiful Turkish beaches, I’ve had so many great experiences as a travel blogger. It takes time to succeed, but with passion and hard work, you can do it!

Ready to start your travel blog? Grab your passport and laptop, and let’s go! The world is waiting to hear your stories. Your voice matters, and you might inspire someone else to follow their dreams.

As we say in Turkish, “Yolun açık olsun!” May your path be clear!

Safe travels and happy blogging!

Love, Miss Simplitty

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P.S. Want more travel blogging tips? Check out my other posts:

Great Places for Women Traveling Alone

What to Pack When You’re Always on the Move

How to Look Stylish While Traveling

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FAQ

1. Is it safe for women to travel solo and blog about their experiences?

Yes, solo female travel can be safe with proper precautions. Research your destination thoroughly, share your plans with a trusted contact, choose accommodations with positive reviews from solo female travelers, and trust your instincts. When blogging, be cautious about sharing real-time locations and use a VPN for online safety. Remember, your experiences can inspire and empower other women to travel confidently.

2. What essential tools do I need to start a travel blog?

To start a travel blog, you’ll need:

• A lightweight laptop (e.g., MacBook Air)
• A good camera or smartphone for photos (e.g., iPhone 14 Pro)
• A portable charger
• Blogging software (e.g., WordPress)
• Photo editing tools (e.g., Canva)
• Writing aids (e.g., Grammarly)
• Planning tools (e.g., Notion)
• Cloud storage (e.g., Google Drive)

These tools will help you create and manage content efficiently while on the go.

3. How can I balance enjoying my travels with creating content for my blog?

Balancing travel enjoyment and content creation is crucial. Set specific work hours, such as writing in the evenings or during travel times. Be present during your explorations and focus on the experience. Take regular days off from blogging to fully immerse yourself in your destination. Use tools like the Pomodoro Technique to manage your time effectively. Remember, authentic enjoyment of your travels will reflect positively in your content.

4. Can I make money from travel blogging, and if so, how?

Yes, it’s possible to earn money from travel blogging, though it takes time and effort. Some ways to monetize your blog include:

• Affiliate marketing (recommending products you use and trust)
• Sponsored content (partnering with travel brands)
• Creating and selling digital products (e.g., e-books, online courses)
• Freelance writing for other travel websites
• Displaying ads on your blog once you have significant traffic
• Offering travel planning services

Always be transparent with your readers about sponsored content and affiliate links.

5. How do I create engaging content while traveling?

To create engaging content while traveling:

• Plan blog post ideas before your trip
• Take detailed notes and plenty of photos throughout your day
• Set aside dedicated time for writing, such as an hour each evening
• Use travel time (e.g., on planes or trains) to draft posts or edit photos
• Share unique local insights and cultural observations
• Maintain a consistent writing style that reflects your personality
• Focus on quality over quantity – it’s better to publish one well-crafted post than several rushed ones

Remember to optimize your content for SEO by including relevant keywords, using descriptive headings, and writing compelling meta descriptions.