15 Successful Travel Blogs (and How They Make Money)

Travel blogging offers a thrilling opportunity to document your journeys, inspire others, and even earn a sustainable income while exploring the world. Whether you’re backpacking through Europe, road-tripping across the U.S., or island-hopping in Southeast Asia, your stories can turn into a profitable online venture—especially when you know how to start a travel blog the right way.

One of the best ways to fast-track your success is by learning from those who’ve already made it. In this post, we’ll highlight 15 successful travel blogs, explore the strategies behind their growth, and identify the common traits that helped them stand out.

If you’re ready to begin your own journey, be sure to explore travel blog name ideas to craft a brand that fits your style, and don’t miss how travel blogs make money for tips on turning your passion into profit.

By the end of this post, you’ll have the inspiration—and the tools—you need to start a successful travel blog that stands out wherever your adventures take you.

Important Note: Please note that metrics like traffic, income, number of posts, and DA can change over time. Websites may also be acquired, rebranded, or even shut down. While we strive to keep this content updated, we cannot guarantee complete accuracy at all times. We recommend verifying details directly from the sources if they are very important in your use case.

In This Article, We’ve Covered

15 Examples of Travel Blogs
Common success attributes among these blogs
How to start a similar blog in steps

15 Examples of Successful Travel Blogs

Give me an overview of each of these blogs and towards the end give me examples of 5 blog posts published in them.

Nomadic Matt
The Blonde Abroad
Expert Vagabond
Be My Travel Muse
Adventurous Kate
Dan Flying Solo
Wandering Earl
Bucket List Journey
A Broken Backpack
Hand Luggage Only
Legal Nomads
Goats on the Road
Y Travel Blog
Travel + Leisure
The Culture Trip

[1]. Nomadic Matt

Niche: Budget travel

Overview: Founded by Matt Kepnes, Nomadic Matt is one of the most popular travel blogs focusing on budget travel tips, helping travelers explore the world without breaking the bank. Focuses on budget travel, offering detailed guides on how to travel cheaply, find deals, and travel the world on a shoestring budget.

His content is highly practical, making travel accessible to more people.

Content Types: Budget travel guides, destination-specific tips, travel hacks, and travel industry insights.

Unique Features: Matt provides detailed budget breakdowns, cost-saving tips, and travel resources, making his blog a go-to for those looking to travel affordably.

Blog’s Insights

Founder: Matt Kepnes
Link: Nomadic Matt
Monthly Traffic: 1.5 million visits
Estimated Monthly Income: $50,000
Monetization: Affiliate marketing, eBooks, travel courses, ads
Number of Posts: 1,400+
DA: 79
Contact: [email protected]
Blog Age: 16 years (Founded in 2008)

Other Related Posts:

[2]. The Blonde Abroad

Niche Focus: Solo female travel and lifestyle

Overview: Kiersten Rich’s The Blonde Abroad caters to solo female travelers, offering a mix of travel guides, fashion, photography, and lifestyle tips for women on the move. She also shares stories from her experiences traveling to over 70 countries.

Content Types: Solo travel guides, packing tips, photography tutorials, and destination highlights.

Unique Features: The blog’s focus on empowering women to travel solo, combined with its stylish and visually appealing photography, makes it stand out.

Blog’s Insights

Founder: Kiersten Rich
Link: The Blonde Abroad
Monthly Traffic: 800,000 visits
Estimated Monthly Income: $30,000
Monetization: Affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, social media collaborations, travel photography
Number of Posts: 600+
DA: 68
Contact: [email protected]
Blog Age: 12 years (Founded in 2012)

How to start a travel blog similar to

[3]. Expert Vagabond

Niche: Adventure travel and photography

Overview: Run by Matthew Karsten, Expert Vagabond focuses on adventure travel, off-the-beaten-path destinations, and photography.

Content Types: Adventure travel guides, photography tips, gear reviews, and travel stories.

Unique Features: The blog’s emphasis on adventure travel and its stunning photography set it apart, offering inspiration for thrill-seekers and explorers.

Blog’s Insights

Founder: Matthew Karsten
Link: Expert Vagabond
Monthly Traffic: 700,000 visits
Estimated Monthly Income: $20,000
Monetization: Affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, photography
Number of Posts: 500+
DA: 63
Contact: [email protected]
Blog Age: 13 years (Founded in 2011)

How to start a successful blog like “Expert Vagabond”

[4]. Be My Travel Muse

Niche Focus: Solo female adventure travel

Overview: Kristin Addis runs Be My Travel Muse, a blog centered around solo female travel, with a focus on adventure and authentic, transformative experiences.

Content Types: Solo travel guides, destination-specific tips, adventure travel stories, and photography.

Unique Features: The blog’s focus on solo female travelers, combined with Kristin’s personal, in-depth experiences, makes it a key resource for women looking for empowering travel inspiration.

Blog’s Insights

Founder: Kristin Addis
Link: Be My Travel Muse
Monthly Traffic: 600,000 visits
Estimated Monthly Income: $25,000
Monetization: Affiliate marketing, ads, sponsored posts, travel guides
Number of Posts: 900+
DA: 64
Contact: [email protected]
Blog Age: 10 years (Founded in 2014)

How to start a successful blog like “Be My Travel Muse”

Be My Travel Muse – Specializes in solo female travel and transformative experiences. This blog focuses on spiritual and self-discovery travel, encouraging women to explore places independently.

To start a successful blog like Be My Travel Muse you need to;

Source content ideas from the blog directly or
Or by using an SEO research tool like semrush
You can also source content ideas from our list of more than “300 blog post topics ideas in different travel sub-niches“.

How To Start A Money-making Travel Blog

[5]. Adventurous Kate

Niche Focus: Solo female travel

Overview: Adventurous Kate, created by Kate McCulley, is another leading blog for solo female travelers, offering practical advice, travel inspiration, and safety tips for women exploring the world alone. Kate shares her experiences from traveling to over 80 countries, offering safety tips, destination guides, and personal stories.

Content Types: Solo travel tips, destination guides, personal travel stories, and advice on traveling safely.

Unique Features: Kate’s candid storytelling and focus on solo female travel safety distinguish her blog, making it a trusted resource for women traveling alone.

Blog’s Insights

Founder: Kate McCulley
Link: Adventurous Kate
Monthly Traffic: 500,000 visits
Estimated Monthly Income: $20,000
Monetization: Affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, ads
Number of Posts: 1,000+
DA: 61
Contact: [email protected]
Blog Age: 13 years (Founded in 2011)

How to start a successful blog like “Adventurous Kate”

[6]. Dan Flying Solo

Niche Focus: Travel photography and solo travel

Overview: Dan Flying Solo, founded by Daniel James Clarke, is known for its stunning travel photography and solo travel insights, with a focus on authentic cultural experiences.

Content Types: Destination guides, travel photography, and solo travel stories.

Unique Features: The blog’s captivating travel photography and Dan’s personal experiences give readers a visual and narrative journey through each destination.

Blog’s Insights

Founder: Daniel Clarke
Link: Dan Flying Solo
Monthly Traffic: 300,000 visits
Estimated Monthly Income: $15,000
Monetization: Affiliate marketing, sponsored content, photography
Number of Posts: 400+
DA: 55
Contact: [email protected]
Blog Age: 8 years (Founded in 2016)

How to start a successful blog like “Dan Flying Solo”

[7]. Wandering Earl

Niche: Long-term travel and backpacking

Overview: Earl, the founder of Wandering Earl, has been traveling continuously for over 20 years and shares his experiences as a digital nomad, offering tips for long-term travel and backpacking.

Content Types: Backpacking tips, long-term travel advice, destination guides, and travel lifestyle insights.

Unique Features: Earl’s extensive experience as a long-term traveler gives the blog a wealth of practical advice for aspiring digital nomads and backpackers.

Blog’s Insights

Founder: Earl Baron
Link: Wandering Earl
Monthly Traffic: 400,000 visits
Estimated Monthly Income: $10,000
Monetization: Affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, tours
Number of Posts: 1,200+
DA: 62
Contact: [email protected]
Blog Age: 14 years (Founded in 2010)

How to start a successful blog like “Wandering Earl”

[8]. Bucket List Journey

Niche Focus: Bucket list travel and lifestyle

Overview: Annette White’s Bucket List Journey is centered around checking off bucket-list experiences across the globe, with a focus on unique travel adventures.

Content Types: Bucket-list guides, destination inspiration, and lifestyle tips.

Unique Features: The blog’s bucket-list theme, where Annette documents her quest to complete adventurous and often unconventional experiences, makes it motivational for readers seeking to tick off their own life goals.

Blog’s Insights

Founder: Annette White
Link: Bucket List Journey
Monthly Traffic: 350,000 visits
Estimated Monthly Income: $15,000
Monetization: Affiliate marketing, ads, sponsored content
Number of Posts: 600+
DA: 58
Contact: [email protected]
Blog Age: 10 years (Founded in 2014)

How to start a successful blog like “Bucket List Journey”

[9]. A Broken Backpack

Niche Focus: Budget travel and digital nomad lifestyle

Overview: Melissa Giroux runs A Broken Backpack, which offers insights into budget travel, working remotely, and the digital nomad lifestyle.

Content Types: Budget travel guides, digital nomad tips, and destination guides.

Unique Features: The blog’s blend of budget travel advice and resources for becoming a digital nomad resonates with readers looking to combine work and travel.

Blog’s Insights

Founder: Melissa Giroux
Link: A Broken Backpack
Monthly Traffic: 250,000 visits
Estimated Monthly Income: $10,000
Monetization: Affiliate marketing, ads, sponsored content
Number of Posts: 400+
DA: 54
Contact: [email protected]
Blog Age: 8 years (Founded in 2016)

How to start a successful blog like “A Broken Backpack”

[10]. Hand Luggage Only

Niche Focus: Travel and lifestyle

Overview: Run by Yaya and Lloyd, Hand Luggage Only offers comprehensive travel guides, lifestyle tips, and food-related content for travelers.

Content Types: Travel guides, photography, food reviews, and lifestyle tips.

Unique Features: The blog’s vibrant photography and engaging content, paired with its casual, friendly tone, appeal to a broad audience of travelers.

Blog’s Insights

Founders: Yaya & Lloyd
Link: Hand Luggage Only
Monthly Traffic: 800,000 visits
Estimated Monthly Income: $40,000
Monetization: Affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, ads
Number of Posts: 1,500+
DA: 70
Contact: [email protected]
Blog Age: 9 years (Founded in 2015)

How to start a successful blog like “Hand Luggage Only”

[11]. Legal Nomads

Niche Focus: Food, travel, and chronic illness

Overview: Legal Nomads, created by Jodi Ettenberg, initially started as a food and travel blog but has evolved to include content on living with chronic illness.

Content Types: Destination food guides, personal travel stories, and chronic illness management.

Unique Features: Jodi’s unique blend of travel, food, and health challenges gives the blog a personal and informative touch, with a focus on storytelling and food cultures.

Blog’s Insights

Founder: Jodi Ettenberg
Link: Legal Nomads
Monthly Traffic: 300,000 visits
Estimated Monthly Income: $15,000
Monetization: Affiliate marketing, ads, eBooks, courses
Number of Posts: 500+
DA: 64
Contact: [email protected]
Blog Age: 16 years (Founded in 2008)

How to start a successful blog like “Legal Nomads”

[12]. Goats on the Road

Niche Focus: Long-term travel, remote work, and financial independence

Overview: Run by Nick and Dariece, Goats on the Road is focused on helping travelers achieve financial independence through remote work and long-term travel.

Content Types: Digital nomad tips, travel guides, work-from-anywhere strategies, and personal finance advice.

Unique Features: The blog’s focus on making money while traveling and achieving financial independence through remote work makes it highly practical for aspiring long-term travelers.

Blog’s Insights

Founders: Nick & Dariece
Link: Goats on the Road
Monthly Traffic: 700,000 visits
Estimated Monthly Income: $30,000
Monetization: Affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, courses
Number of Posts: 1,000+
DA: 66
Contact: [email protected]
Blog Age: 11 years (Founded in 2013)

How to start a successful blog like “Goats on the Road”

[13]. Y Travel Blog

Niche Focus: Family travel

Overview: Caz and Craig Makepeace run Y Travel Blog, focusing on family-friendly travel experiences and tips for traveling with kids.

Content Types: Family travel guides, destination tips, road trip advice,

and budget travel tips.

Unique Features: The blog offers valuable insights for families looking to travel together, with practical tips on how to make travel with kids more accessible and enjoyable.

Blog’s Insights

Founders: Caz & Craig Makepeace
Link: Y Travel Blog
Monthly Traffic: 600,000 visits
Estimated Monthly Income: $25,000
Monetization: Affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, ads, travel guides
Number of Posts: 1,200+
DA: 67
Contact: [email protected]
Blog Age: 12 years (Founded in 2012)

How to start a successful blog like “Y Travel Blog”

[14]. Travel + Leisure

Niche Focus: Luxury and leisure travel

Overview: Travel + Leisure is a well-known travel publication and blog that covers luxury travel, lifestyle, and destination inspiration around the world.

Content Types: Luxury travel guides, destination highlights, hotel reviews, and travel industry trends.

Unique Features: Known for its high-end focus, Travel + Leisure provides readers with luxury travel ideas, offering insights into top destinations and experiences for discerning travelers.

Blog’s Insights

Founders: Meredith Corporation
Link: Travel + Leisure
Monthly Traffic: 3 million visits
Estimated Monthly Income: $100,000
Monetization: Ads, sponsored content, affiliate marketing
Number of Posts: 2,000+
DA: 85
Contact: [email protected]
Blog Age: 51 years (Founded in 1973)

How to start a successful blog like “Travel + Leisure”

[15]. The Culture Trip

Niche: Cultural travel and local experiences

Overview: The Culture Trip is a travel and lifestyle blog focusing on cultural experiences, local insights, and exploring destinations through the lens of food, art, and history.

Content Types: Destination guides, cultural stories, food, art, and history content.

Unique Features: The blog’s deep dive into cultural experiences and its emphasis on local insights make it a valuable resource for travelers looking to connect with destinations on a more meaningful level.

Blog’s Insights

Founder: Dr. Kris Naudts
Link: The Culture Trip
Monthly Traffic: 1 million visits
Estimated Monthly Income: $70,000
Monetization: Ads, sponsored content, affiliate marketing
Number of Posts: 3,000+
DA: 80
Contact: [email protected]
Blog Age: 10 years (Founded in 2013)

How to start a successful blog like “The Culture Trip”

How to Launch a Money-Making Travel Blog in 4 Steps

Want to create a successful travel blog like the ones you admire? Follow this simple guide to get started today.

Step 1: Choose Your Travel Niche

Focus on a specific angle to stand out:
✔ Travel Style (Luxury, budget, solo, family)
✔ Destinations (Regional, country-specific, hidden gems)
✔ Special Interests (Adventure, food travel, digital nomad)
✔ Trip Types (Road trips, cruises, backpacking)

Step 2: Set Up Your Blog (15 Minutes)

Get Hosting: Start with HostGator (Choose the Baby Plan for unlimited sites)
Pick a Domain (e.g., WanderWithWillow.com)
Install WordPress (1-click setup)
Select a Travel-Friendly Theme (Look for magazine-style layouts)

HostGator’s 30-day money-back guarantee lets you try risk-free.

Step 3: Create Your First 5 Posts

Start with these essential articles:

“[Destination] Travel Guide: What to Know Before You Go”
“How to Travel [Region] on $[Amount] Per Day”
“My [Experience] in [Destination] (Honest Review)”
“[Number] Can’t-Miss [Activity] in [Place]”
“What to Pack for [Type of Trip]”

Step 4: Start Monetizing

Travel blogs earn through:

Affiliate Links (Travel gear, booking sites, insurance)
Sponsored Posts (Tourism boards, hotels)
Display Ads (Once you hit 10k monthly visitors)

Next Steps:

Take high-quality travel photos
Share on Pinterest and Instagram
Network with other travel bloggers

Ready to begin your blogging journey? Start your travel blog today.

Explore Other Examples of Successful Blogs

Specialized Travel Styles

Examples of mom blogs – (Family travel tips and itineraries)

Examples of food blogs – (Culinary tourism and destination dining guides)

Examples of photography blogs – (Travel photography and visual storytelling)

Travel Business & Monetization

Examples of affiliate blogs – Monetizing travel gear and booking links)

Examples of business blogs – (Travel startups and digital nomad income)

Lifestyle & Activities

Examples of lifestyle blogs – (Location independence and slow travel)

Examples of health blogs – (Wellness retreats and active travel)

Examples of sports blogs – (Sports tourism and adventure activities)

Tech & Gear

Examples of tech blogs – (Travel gadgets and apps)

Examples of product review blogs –(Travel gear and luggage reviews)

Other Inspiring Niches

Examples of fashion blogs – (Packing tips and travel style)

Examples of real estate blogs – (International relocation and vacation homes)

Examples of gaming blogs – (Virtual tourism and travel games)

Complete Collections

Examples of successful blogs – (All categories of successful blogs)