One of the most popular hobbies people will talk about when asked is travel. In other words, most people love to travel. There are so many great places to see, with stunning landscapes, invigorating activities, and interesting history.

Often times, finances and obligations prevent us from traveling as much as we would like to, at least for me. When people have the time to travel, they don’t always have the extra funds…or, would like to see family members who don’t live nearby. So, they live their travels through other people, by reading up on their trips, viewing their photos, and watching their videos…and hopefully, someday…well, you know.

I like to read up on travel and the adventures of other people, and I know I’m not the only one who does. If nothing else, it gives people incentive to plan ahead and make plans to travel themselves.

So, if you are fortunate enough to be able to travel, you have the opportunity to turn that travel into a career…because people like me want to read about it.

If this piques your interest, I am going to share with you some basic tips in how you can do it.

1. Create a Quality Website

You could turn your passion for travel into an amazing blog. I was just listening to the Affiliate Buzz, a podcast by James and Arlene Martell. This particular one had Jonathon and Carrie Kraft as their guests. It was intriguing to hear how the Krafts have turned their travels around the world into a career with their blog.

They have traveled to over 30 countries in 20 months, and are able to share their experiences with others through their blog. The reason is because they took the time to create a quality website by developing content that is eye-catching and informative, to draw in and keep visitors coming back.

Proper keywords and keyword phrases can boost your ranking in Google, as long as it’s done in a natural manner. You don’t want to simply stuff them in where they won’t make any sense to the reader. Google won’t look upon your site favorably.

This pertains to both written material, which you can develop on the road, as well as visual…photos.

2. Unique Travels

The more unique places you can travel to, the better. Many people have been to Disney World, or Niagara Falls. While both are great places to visit, they might not be the biggest draw to visitors looking for places to visit.

I am not saying you shouldn’t write about common places. But, I am suggesting that you either find something unique about these common places, or mix them in with more exotic travels.

The more interesting and unique your travels are…the more people will want to read about them.

3. Document, Document, Document

In order to share your story, it’s best to document all that you can, using various methods such as journals, photos, and video.

Carry around a journal to jot down notes and ideas, so you don’t forget them by the time you get back to your room. Or, you might choose to carry around an iPad, since they are conveniently small and lightweight.

Take as many photos as you can, even though you will only use a fraction of them. Although I love photography, I am not a professional…barely amateur, to be honest. However, I do know that the more photos I take, I better my odds of getting a great shot.

The same can be said for video. Start filming and you will most likely get some good footage to share on your blog, or Youtube.com. Jonathon has produced more than 200 videos, and shared a story on this podcast about one in particular. He had posted a video on an all-inclusive getaway they spent time at, and it has had thousands of views. One viewer was the owner of this place and reached out to Jonathon and Carrie to offer them a free stay there again.

4. Stay Safe

When I talk about staying safe, I am referring to your physical well-being, as well as protecting your equipment. Here are some ideas:

• Use credit or debits when possible, to eliminate the need to carry a large amount of cash
• Avoid wearing eye-catching jewelry
• Lock your equipment with tools such as the iPad Security Lock
• Don’t wander off alone
• Keep your family and friends aware of your itinerary
• Trust your instincts
• Study the area before arrival to know where to stay, and not stay

Just be careful and trust your instincts. Jonathon and Carrie have discovered that most people are good, all over the world.

5. Never Hurts to Ask

Ask for favors from friends and family where you will be staying. If they don’t have a place to stay, they can at least offer suggestions of places to visit. People familiar with the area might be full of information that many travel agents might not know about.

This is a good way to take your blog up a notch, by offering the unknown… to those who want to know.

To Sum It Up

If you plan on traveling anyway…or, want to, share your experiences with the world and turn your passion and joy into a career.

About the Author

Working at a freelance writer, Kathy Barber often writes on medical issues, online businesses, and family. Her latest work has been on addiction, home brewing, and even iPad kiosk stands. Kathy was raised in Michigan, which is where she now resides with her husband and son. When not working, she enjoys entertaining, cooking, boating, photography, and a good mystery.