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I’m sitting in a quaint café in Bali, sipping on a fragrant latte, and desperately trying to upload my latest blog post.
The Wi-Fi is spotty, my laptop’s running out of juice, and I’m questioning all my life choices.
Sound familiar? If you’re a travel blogger or dreaming of becoming one, you’ve probably been there too. That’s why finding the right platform for your travel blog is super important for your business.
It can make the difference between pulling your hair out in frustration and smoothly sharing your adventures with the world.
So, what is the best platform for travel blogging? The short answer is: it depends on what you need, but WordPress often comes out on top because it’s so flexible and has powerful features. But don’t worry, we’re going to look at all your options!
I remember when I first started my own blog. I was so excited to share my stories, but I had no clue where to begin. Should I use a free plan? Did I need my own website? What in the world was SEO?
It was really overwhelming. But after years of trying different things (and more than a few face-palm moments) and different website builders and web hosting, I’ve learned a lot about what makes a great travel blogging platform.
In this guide, we’re going to discuss everything about how to start your own blog and what is the best travel blog platform. We’ll look at the good stuff, the not-so-good stuff, and everything in between for each option.
By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of which platform is the best fit for your travel blogging dreams. So grab your pen and get ready to take some notes.
Understanding Travel Blogging Platforms
Before we dive into the details of each platform, let’s talk about what a blogging platform actually is. Think of it as your digital home base. It’s where you’ll write your posts, share your travel photos, and connect with your readers.
A good blogging platform should make it easy for you to create new blog posts, manage your content, make your site look the way you want, grow your audience, and maybe sell things online if you want.
When it comes to travel blogs, there are a few key things you’ll want to look out for:
Easy photo uploads: Because let’s face it, half the fun of travel blogging is showing off those stunning sunset pics!
Mobile-friendly design: Your readers should be able to enjoy your travel stories whether they’re on their phone, tablet, or computer. They should be able to access your travel site from any device.
SEO tools: These help your blog show up in search results, so more people can find and enjoy your content. Apart from creating engaging content, people need to see it to be able to read it and that’s where search engine optimization comes in.
Social media integration: Because sharing is caring, especially in the travel blogging world. Your audience needs to be able to share your blog post with their friends across social media platforms.
Now, you might hear the term “content management system” thrown around a lot. Don’t let it scare you! It’s just a fancy way of saying “the behind-the-scenes stuff that helps you manage your blog.”
Some platforms have more robust systems than others, which can be great if you want more control over your blog site.
When you’re choosing the best blogging platform for your travel blog, you’ll need to think about a few things:
How easy is it to use?
Can you make it look the way you want?
Will it help people find your blog online?
Can you use it on your phone or tablet?
Does it work well with social media?
Can you make money from your blog if you want to?
We’ll look at all these things for each platform we talk about. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best platform for you depends on what you want to do with your travel blog.
What is the Best Platform for Travel Blogging
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff! Here are the top platforms you might want to think about for your travel blog. We will be looking at both free version and paid travel blog platforms that you can choose from:
1. WordPress
WordPress is the most popular blogging platform. It’s super versatile and can handle pretty much anything you throw at it. It’s the platform most successful travel blogs use for their site.
Pros:
Cons:
To start a travel blog with WordPress, you’ll need to choose a web hosting provider and install WordPress.
After you have Installed WordPress, you can pick from thousands of themes to design your travel blog. There are also loads of plugins specifically for travel blogs, like map widgets to show off your routes, as well as both free themes and premium themes.
WordPress is really popular content management system with travel bloggers because it’s so flexible.
You can start with a simple blog and then add more features as you grow.
For example, you could add a shop to sell your travel photos or create a membership area with exclusive content for your biggest fans.
One of the best things about WordPress is the community. There are tons of other travel bloggers using WordPress, so it’s easy to find help and advice when you need it.
The WordPress community is always creating new free themes and plugins, so there’s always something new to try on your blog site.
2. Wix
Wix is another popular travel blogging platform that you can use for your travel blog. It is like that friend who’s always there to lend a helping hand. It’s super user-friendly and great for beginners.
Pros:
Cons:
Wix has some great travel-specific templates that can get you up and running quickly, I will say it’s also a very good platform for a travel blogger.
It’s a good choice if you want something simple and don’t mind a bit less flexibility.
With Wix, you can create a travel blog that looks really professional without needing to know any code or have any technical knowledge.
One of the best things about Wix is how easy it is to use.
It has a popular website builder that you can drag and drop elements around your page to get it to look just how you want.
This is great for travel bloggers who want to focus on sharing their stories and photos, rather than fiddling with technical stuff.
Wix also offers some nice features for travel bloggers. For example, you can easily create photo galleries to showcase your travel pics or add a map to show where you’ve been. They also have a mobile editor, so you can make sure your blog looks great on phones and tablets.
3. Squarespace
When it comes to beautiful designs, Squarespace is like the cool kid in school. It’s sleek, and stylish, and makes everything look good. You know as a travel blog, you need your site to be beautiful to match with photos you take.
Pros:
Cons:
Squarespace is great if you want your travel blog to look super polished right from the start. It’s also good if you plan to sell things on your blog, like travel guides or photography prints.
Squarespace is known for its beautiful designs, which can really make your travel pictures pop.
One of the best things about Squarespace is that everything is included. You don’t need to worry about finding separate hosting platforms or figuring out how to install WordPress. It’s all there, ready for you to use.
Other bloggers who are more experienced could blogging platforms like WordPress but Squarespace can be a big relief if you’re new to blogging and just want to get started sharing your travel stories.
Squarespace also has some features that are great for travel bloggers. For example, you can easily create photo galleries to showcase your best travel shots. They also have good social media integration, so it’s easy to share your posts and grow your audience.
4. Medium
Medium is like the coffee shop of the internet. It’s a place where people come to read and share ideas. So they have already built-in audience who might be interested in what you have to say.
Pros:
Cons:
Medium might be the perfect platform if you’re more interested in writing than designing a website. It’s easy to start writing right away, and you might find it easier to build an audience.
Medium has a built-in community of readers, so people might discover your travel stories even if they weren’t specifically looking for a travel blog.
One of the best things about Medium is how clean and simple it is. There’s no clutter, no ads, just your words and photos.
This can be really nice for both you as a writer and for your readers.
Medium also has some cool features for writers. For example, they have stats that show you how many people are reading your stories and how long they’re spending on them.
These are good marketing tools to help you understand what kinds of travel stories your readers like best.
5. Blogger
Blogger is like that reliable old car that just keeps running.
It’s been around for ages and is still going strong. I won’t say it’s the best travel blog platform, but I have to include it here since it’s free to use and also has some cool basic blogging tools especially if you’re a beginner.
Pros:
Cons:
Blogger is a good choice if you want to start a travel blog but need something simple and free.
It’s especially handy if you already use a lot of Google services. Blogger is owned by Google, so it works really well with things like Google Photos and Google Analytics.
One of the best things about Blogger is how easy it is to get started.
You can have a basic travel blog up and running in just a few minutes. It’s also totally free, which is great if you’re just starting out and not sure if you want to invest money in your blog yet.
Blogger might not have all the cool advanced features of some other blogging platforms, but it’s a solid choice for a simple travel blog.
It’s especially good if you just want to share your travel stories with friends and family, without worrying too much about making money blogging or growing a big audience.
6. Ghost
Ghost is like the cool, mysterious newcomer. It was created with bloggers in mind.
Some bloggers refer to it as the best travel blog platform because it’s sleek, fast, and focused on publishing. Now let’s look at the pros and cons of using Ghost as your travel blog platform.
Pros:
Cons:
Ghost is great if you’re serious about turning your travel blog into a business. Its membership features make it easy to offer premium content to paying subscribers.
This could be a good option if you’re thinking about creating very long-form engaging content like in-depth travel guides or offering travel planning services.
One of the best things about Ghost is how fast it is. Your blog will load quickly, which is great for readers and also good for search engine optimization. Ghost also has a really clean, distraction-free writing interface so you can focus on your blog’s content.
This can be great when you’re trying to write about your travel experiences without getting bogged down in formatting or design.
Ghost is a bit more technical than some other blogging platforms, so it might not be the best choice if you’re a complete beginner. But if you’re tech savvy or comfortable with technology and want a powerful, professional platform for your travel blog, Ghost could be a great choice.
7. Tumblr
Tumblr is like the quirky art student of blogging platforms. It’s fun, social, and great for sharing all types of content which makes it a perfect choice if you want to create a travel blog.
Pros:
Cons:
If you love sharing photos and short updates from your travels, Tumblr could be perfect for travel blogs.
It’s especially popular with younger audiences. Tumblr is great for sharing a mix of content – you can easily post text, photos, quotes, links, and even audio and video.
One of the best things about Tumblr is how social it is. It’s easy to reblog and share other people’s content, and for them to share yours.
This can help you build a community around your travel blog pretty quickly.
Tumblr might not be the best choice if you want to write really long, detailed travel guides. But if you want to start your own travel blog to share lots of photos and quick updates from your travels, it could be perfect.
It’s also totally free, which is great if you’re just starting out.
8. Weebly
Weebly is not that popular but it’s a very good website builder for creating your travel website. It’s like a friendly neighbor who’s always ready to help.
It’s easy to use and has some nice features for beginners.
Pros:
Cons:
If you want to build a successful travel blog but want something easy to use that still gives you a professional-looking site then Weebly is a solid choice.
Its mobile app is especially handy for travel bloggers who want to update on the road. You can easily create posts or upload photos right from your phone.
One of the best things about Weebly is how easy it is to use. Like Wix, it has a drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy to design your blog without needing to know any code.
This can be great for travel bloggers who want to focus on building a successful blog and sharing their stories rather than fiddling with technical details.
Weebly also has some good e-commerce features.
So if you’re thinking about selling things on your travel website – like ebooks, travel guides, or even physical products – Weebly makes it pretty easy to set up a shop.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Travel Blogging Platform
Now that we’ve looked at some of the best travel blog platforms, let’s talk about what you should think about when choosing your platform:
1. Ease of Use:
How tech-savvy are you? If you’re not confident with technology, you might want a simpler platform like Wix or Weebly.
These platforms have drag-and-drop interfaces that make it easy to design your travel site without needing to know any code.
On the other hand, if you’re comfortable with technology and want more control, a platform like WordPress might be a better fit. There are no hard and fast rules.
2. Customization Options:
Do you want total control over how your site looks and works? WordPress offers the most flexibility with lots of free and premium themes, while platforms like Medium give you less control.
Think about how important it is to you to have a unique design.
If you want your own travel blog to stand out, you might want a platform that offers more customization options.
3. SEO Capabilities:
If you want your blog to show up in search results, look for a platform with good SEO tools.
WordPress is a standout here, with lots of plugins that can help improve your search engine rankings. But other platforms like Wix and Squarespace also have built-in SEO features that can be helpful.
4. Mobile Responsiveness:
Your site should look good on phones and tablets, it should be mobile-friendly.
Most modern platforms handle this well, but it’s worth checking.
Remember, a lot of people will probably read your travel blog on their phones, so it’s super important that your blog looks good and works well on mobile devices.
5. Social Media Integration:
You should look for easy ways to share your content on social media platforms and embed social posts in your blog.
Successful travel blogs utilize social media platforms, so you want a platform that makes it easy to connect your blog with your social media accounts.
6. Monetization Opportunities:
If you want to make money from your blog, some platforms make this easier than others.
WordPress, for example, gives you lots of options for ads, sponsored posts, and selling products. Think about your long-term goals for your travel website.
If you hope to turn it into a business someday, you might want a platform that offers more monetization options.
Advanced Features and Tools for Travel Blogging
Once you’ve got the basics down, you might want to explore some more features:
1. Analytics and Performance Tracking:
Tools like Analytics can help you understand your audience and what content they love.
This is super helpful for figuring out what kinds of travel stories your readers enjoy most. Most blogging platforms either have built-in analytics or make it easy to add Google Analytics to your site.
2. Marketing Automation Tools:
These can help you grow your email list and keep in touch with your readers.
For example, you might want to send out a newsletter with your latest blog posts or travel tips. Look for a blogging platform that integrates well with email marketing services.
3. Third-Party Apps and Integrations:
Look for blogging platforms that play well with other tools you might want to use, like social media schedulers or email marketing services.
The more your blogging platform can connect with other tools, the easier it will be to manage your travel blog as it grows.
Free vs. Paid Plans for Travel Blogging Platforms
| Free Plans | Paid Plans |
|---|---|
| Great for testing out a platform | Offers full access and advanced features |
| Limited features | Includes more tools and customization options |
| Shows ads from the platform | No platform ads |
| Domain like yourblog.platformname.com | Includes a custom domain (e.g., yourblog.com) |
| Good for hobby bloggers or beginners | Ideal for businesses or bloggers wanting to monetize |
| Basic support | Better, premium support options |
Most blogging platforms offer both free and paid plans. Here’s what you need to know:
Free Plans:
Paid Plans:
When do you upgrade? Think about moving to a paid plan when you’re serious about growing your blog and want more professional features.
If you’re starting to get a lot of traffic, or if you want to make money from your blog, a paid plan is usually worth it.
Remember, even if you start with a free plan and free domain, you can always upgrade later.
Many travel bloggers start out with a free plan and then move to a paid plan as their blog grows and they start to take it more seriously.
FAQs
Which platform is best for travel blogs?
The best platform for travel blogs is often WordPress due to its flexibility and features. However, Wix or Squarespace might be better for beginners. Choose based on your skills and needs.
How do I start a travel blog?
To start a travel blog, choose one blogging platform we have listed here, pick a domain name, select a theme, create content, and promote on social media. Consistency and passion are key to growing your blog.
What is the best travel blog?
The best travel blog varies based on personal preferences. Popular ones include Nomadic Matt, The Blonde Abroad, and Expert Vagabond. Find blogs that match your travel interests.
Can travel blogs still make money?
Yes, travel blogs can still make money through various methods like affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and selling products or services. It requires dedication and smart strategies.
How do you get paid for travel blogging?
Travel bloggers get paid through affiliate marketing, sponsored content, display ads, selling digital products, offering services, and partnering with tourism boards.
Is travel blogging hard?
Travel blogging can be challenging like every other venture, requiring skills in writing, photography, SEO, and marketing. It takes time to build an audience, but can be rewarding for those passionate about travel.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the best travel blog platform is a personal decision. It depends on your goals, your technical skills, and how you want your blog to grow.
WordPress is often considered the best overall platform due to its flexibility and powerful features, but it’s not the only option.
If you’re just starting out and want something simple, platforms like Wix or Blogger could be great choices. But, if you’re more focused on writing and less on design, Medium might be perfect.
And if you want a beautiful, professional-looking site without much technical fuss, Squarespace could be the way to go.
The most important thing is to start sharing your travel stories. You can always switch platforms later if you need to. To start a travel blog opens you up to a world of opportunities.
It can help you document your travels, connect with like-minded people around the world, and maybe even learn how to make money travel blogging… which can be extremely awesome…
Whatever platform you choose, the key is to start creating and sharing your unique perspective on the world.
So, what platform are you using for your travel blog? Or if you’re just starting out, which one are you leaning towards? Let me know in the comments below.
