Can You Really Earn a Living from Travel Blogging? The Truth About Making Money in 2025
I’m diving into the world of travel blogging. Mostly because I’ve been to Sri Lanka enough times to consider it my second home and figured, why not share the love (and the coconut curries)? After stumbling across a bunch of travel blogs, I thought, “Hey, if they can do it, why not me?”. So, here I am, looking for guidance, support, and maybe a few extra pennies along the way. If you’ve got tips or just want to laugh at my beginner mistakes, I’m all ears! The big question for me and many others in a similar situation, is whether it’s truly possible to really earn a living from travel blogging. Let’s dive into this:
Why Travel Blogging? The Decision to Pursue a Passion
“Sri Lanka has always fascinated me—its beautiful landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Choosing it as the heart of my travel blog felt like a natural fit.”
I’ve always had an insatiable love for travel. The excitement of discovering new places, immersing myself in different cultures, and the thrill of new adventures has always been a part of me. But like many others, my work commitments meant that travel was often limited to just a couple of weeks each year. Every time I’d return home, I would already be planning my next adventure before even unpacking my suitcase. The cycle of short trips, followed by the inevitable post-trip blues, left me feeling like I was missing something bigger.
For years, I dreamed of a life that allowed me to travel more freely. Spending months instead of just weeks in the places I loved. The idea of having the flexibility to explore the world at my own pace was always in the back of my mind. But I didn’t know how to make it a reality.
The Turning Point in My Travel Blogging Journey
Then, I stumbled upon the world of travel blogging. I realized I could share my passion for travel with others. I could also provide valuable insights to both first-time long-haul travelers and seasoned adventurers looking for insider tips and unique itineraries. It was an exciting prospect to not only explore new places but to share those experiences with like-minded people. Sri Lanka, which has become one of my absolute favorite destinations, was the perfect place to start. Its beauty, culture, and charm had captured my heart, and I wanted to share it with the world.
While I’m still not in a position to give up my job completely. I still have bills to pay and travel expenses to cover—I have made significant changes. I’ve reduced my hours so I can focus more on developing my travel blog. Building this site, and of course, spending more time in Sri Lanka, soaking in its magic. Now, I’m fortunate enough to be able to travel for a month at a time, a couple of times a year. Obviously, I would love to stay longer, but I’m heading in the right direction.
From Wanderlust to Travel Blog: My Journey Begins in Sri Lanka
I’ve been lucky enough to visit so many incredible countries. Thailand, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Borneo, Costa Rica, Cambodia, and, of course, Sri Lanka. But it’s Sri Lanka that has truly captured my heart and inspired me to dive deeper into the world of travel blogging. This blog isn’t just a passion project for me. It’s a way to turn my love for travel into something meaningful. Something that can help others as they plan their own journeys. And if I can earn a living from travel blogging and make it my full time job, it’s a win-win for everyone.
This is just the beginning, and I’m excited to see where it all goes. My hope is to inspire others to embrace travel. Whether it’s a short getaway or a long-term adventure, and to share the beauty of Sri Lanka with those who are ready to explore it.
The Challenges of Starting My Travel Blog
Starting a travel blog was a decision I made with so much excitement. But I quickly realized just how much work was actually involved. I launched my Sri Lanka travel blog in January 2025. While I’ve only made $12 to date from the booking.com affiliate program, I can honestly say that I am incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved so far. Every small victory feels huge because it’s a reflection of my hard work, dedication, and determination. If your interested the hotel that made me money was ‘Paradise Beach Club‘ in Mirissa (click link to book), you can find out more in my blog Discover the Best of Mirissa, Sri Lanka: Ultimate Travel Guide.
When I first made the decision to dive into the world of travel blogging. I had this naïve belief that all I had to do was set up a WordPress site, write a few posts, and—tada—everything else would magically fall into place. Oh, how wrong was I. The reality hit me like a ton of bricks. I was overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information needed to learn and still need to learn. Building a website from scratch, navigating WordPress, SEO, social media strategies, building an audience, choosing the right affiliate programs. There was so much to figure out.
Ready to Travel and Blog? Here’s How to Begin!
I dedicated countless hours to researching, watching tutorials, and reading blog posts, only to be overwhelmed by a flood of conflicting advice. One moment I’d read about a tactic that seemed like the right move, and then the next thing I’d come across would tell me the complete opposite. I soon found myself feeling confused, thinking, “This was supposed to be easy, wasn’t it?”
Why Scale Your Travel Blog Was a Game-Changer for My Blogging Journey
Thank goodness I found Scale Your Travel Blog (click here for more info about the course and sign up). Laura’s step-by-step guidance has been a game-changer for me. Laura has helped me understand exactly what needs to be done. From the technical side of setting up my site to the strategic elements of building a brand and driving traffic. And along the way, she has thrown in a few extra tips and tricks that I never would have discovered on my own. Its not the cheapest course out there. But I feel that the continued support and regualy updated content have been invaluable.
The course also offers additional options depending on how hands-on you’d like to be. You can choose to have Laura’s team build your website. Offer one-on-one tutorials/ coaching, and even review your site as you progress with your blog. While these add-ons come at an extra cost, they can be a great choice if you’re not particularly tech-savvy (like me). Click here to sign up for the course & coaching.
There is also an amazing Facebook community support group. With other course members sharing their progress and tips that will help to turn your blogging dream into reality.
The journey hasn’t been without its frustrations, but with Laura’s help, I feel more confident in the direction I’m heading. I now know it’s a marathon, not a sprint. While I may not be earning big bucks yet, every bit of progress I make feels like a victory. Click here to read more about the course and sign up for a free
The Learning Curve of Travel Blogging: Resources and Realities
If you are looking for more of a helpful checklist- then read this free article on growing your travel blog (click here). You will be asked to sign up, but you will get access to lots of free useful content.
If you’re thinking of starting your own travel blog, know that it’s going to be a learning curve, and there will be moments of doubt and confusion. But with the right guidance, a clear plan, and persistence, you can definitely make it work. And no matter how small the wins may seem, they are all part of the journey toward something bigger. I hope to share my wins along the way.
The Reality of Earning a Living from Travel Blogging
When I started my travel blog, I had big dreams of turning it into a source of income. But I quickly learned that monetizing a blog isn’t as simple as just writing a post and waiting for the money to roll in. Travel bloggers typically make money through methods like affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and ads. But building a consistent income stream takes time, effort, and a solid amount of patience. I found this free workshop very helpful. It’s called The 3 Secrets To Exponentially Grow Your Travel Blog. (Click link to view)
Over the past three months, I’ve dipped my toes into affiliate marketing. Primarily by recommending accommodations in my blog posts. Like the ones I wrote about in Galle & Mirissa (click on link to read the blog). To date, I’ve made $12 from those recommendations. It’s not a fortune by any means, but it’s a start . It gives me hope that maybe it is possible to earn a living from travel blogging! Every day feels like a new learning opportunity, and I know that once I build up my blog’s authority with Google, I can expect steady growth.
Pro Tip – Here are a couple of other travel related affiliate programs that are worth a look. They are great for keeping all the different company affiliate earnings in one place.
Stay22 (click here to explore & start earning) Great program to access booking.com, Expedia & Getyourguide affiliate programs.
TravelPayouts (click here to start earning). Loads of really useful affiliate programs which will help your reader book a great trip.
Starting a Travel Blog: Embrace the Challenges and Celebrate the Wins
I remind myself that this is a long-term game. While it’s not yet generating a full-time income, I’m seeing small, but meaningful progress. The key is patience and perseverance. So, instead of focusing on what I haven’t yet achieved, I celebrate every little win along the way.
I’ve set myself a goal over the next 12 months to see if you really can earn a living from travel blogging. I want my blog to cover the cost of my first trip in 2026. It may seem like a big goal. But I’m optimistic that with consistent effort and continuous learning, I can get there. I’ll be sharing monthly updates on my progress, including both the wins and the fails, on my Instagram. So, if you want to be part of my journey and cheer me on, feel free to give me a follow on my instagram page!
My Travel Blogging Experience in Sri Lanka: What I’ve Learned So Far
Sri Lanka is one of those places that gets under your skin in the best way possible. From the ancient temples of Anuradhapura to the stunning beaches of Mirissa. This island is a dream come true for nature lovers, foodies, and adventure seekers alike. Honestly, I could spend months just eating my way through Sri Lanka’s street food (don’t even get me started on hoppers). I’m constantly amazed by how much there is to see and do. Whether it’s trekking up Sigiriya Rock or getting lost in the lush tea plantations of Kandy.
What’s been even more amazing, though, is how blogging has completely transformed my travel experience. It’s not just about seeing the sights—it’s about connecting with the incredible people who call Sri Lanka home. I’ve had the privilege of meeting some of the friendliest locals, from tuk-tuk drivers who’ll give you life advice to hotel owners who treat you like family (even when you’ve just met them!).
These stories, these experiences, are the heart of my blog. Sharing them with my readers feels like I’m opening a little window into the soul of this beautiful island. Plus, it’s given me the perfect excuse to eat even more delicious food and take way too many photos. All in the name of “blog research”—right?
Challenges of Being a New Travel Blogger
Being a new travel blogger has been an adventure in itself—just not the kind I expected! One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced so far is balancing my love for travel with the demands of content creation. There are plenty of days when I’m out exploring stunning beaches or hiking through tea plantations, and all I want to do is enjoy the moment. But instead, I’m trying to snap the perfect Instagram photo or scribbling notes on my phone about how amazing the sunset looks.
It’s a bit of a juggling act, and sometimes it feels like I’m missing out on the pure joy of just being in the moment. And, of course, let’s not forget that Sri Lanka’s remote areas don’t exactly have the best Wi-Fi. Let’s just say, I’ve had some very interesting interactions with the “no internet connection” screen. It’s a struggle, people.
Why Building an Audience Takes Time (and How to Celebrate the Small Wins)
Another challenge? Building an audience. It’s easy to think that once you hit publish on a blog post, the readers will magically come flooding in. And your blog will be ranked in the top 5 of googles search engine. Spoiler alert: they don’t. It’s a slow, sometimes frustrating process, but it’s also a rewarding one. Every new follower, every comment, every share—it’s like a mini celebration in my world. And each blog post brings me closer to understanding if you really can earn a living from travel blogging.
If you’re thinking about starting your own travel blog, my advice is simple. Be consistent, be patient, and don’t get discouraged. The growth is gradual, and it can feel like you’re shouting into the void sometimes. But keep learning. Whether it’s figuring out SEO, refining your writing style, or just experimenting with what works for your audience. It’s a continuous journey of trial and error, and honestly, you’ll never stop learning. Plus, it gives me an excuse to spend even more time in Sri Lanka (or wherever your travels take you). And who doesn’t love that?
The Road Ahead: What’s Next for My Travel Blogging Journey
As I look ahead, I’m filled with excitement about what’s next for my blog and to see if you really can earn a living from travel blogging. There’s still so much to explore and share, especially here in Sri Lanka. My goal over the next year is to dive even deeper into the cultural wonders of this island and see if it is possible to actually earn a living from writing travel blogs.
Sri Lanka has so many hidden gems, and I’m just scratching the surface. I can’t wait to bring you along. As I uncover more about its beautiful landscapes, vibrant festivals, and, of course, the food. I’m basically planning my next post around my next meal. I also want to focus on promoting responsible tourism and building connections with local businesses and tourism boards. To make sure that as travelers, we leave a positive impact on this stunning country.
But it’s not just about Sri Lanka! I’ve got a few more destinations on my radar (cue the wanderlust dreams). So stay tuned for updates as I continue expanding the scope of my travels and blogging. Who knows? My next blog post might just be from the remote beaches of Sri Lanka or the bustling streets of a new destination!
This is only the beginning, and I’d love for you to be part of this journey. If you’re curious about what’s next make sure to follow me on social media. Or drop a comment to let me know what you’d like to see more of. I’d love to hear from you and have you along for the ride. As I take on this whole can you really earn travel blogging adventure.
Useful Resources for New Travel Bloggers (these links can help you earn money from travel blogging)
Just to recap I have listed some useful resources if you are a new travel blogger:
Travel Payouts – (click here to start earning)
Stay 22 – (click here to start earning through hotel bookings)
Scale Your Travel Blog Course & Coaching (click here to sign up and start your dream of becoming a travel blogger)
Scale Your Travel Blog Course Only (click here to sign up and become a full time travel blogger)
Free Workshop can you really earn a living from travel blogging – The 3 Secrets To Exponentially Grow Your Travel Blog. (click here to access the workshop)