Travel Blogging Made Simple: Lessons from My First 6 Months

Back in mid-May of this year, I posted my first blog post to Jet Out of Here! Six months into travel blogging, it’s been an interesting journey filled with unexpected lessons and personal growth. Blogging about travel was not something I envisioned doing even a year ago, but now I’m committed to staying consistent for years to come.

For those who don’t know me, I’m Tom—a 22-year-old from the UK with a passion for exploring the world. When I started Jet Out of Here, my initial goals were simple: to document my travels and help others with theirs. While those goals still hold true, I’ve found that travel blogging has become more than just a hobby. It’s taught me how to articulate my thoughts, see things from others’ perspectives, and grow both creatively and personally.

If you’re considering starting a travel blog, keep reading. I’ll share the lessons I’ve learned over the last six months to help you on your own journey!

Starting Out – The First Steps

Key Lesson: It’s okay not to know everything at the start.

At the start of 2024, I found myself diving into learning Python out of sheer curiosity. It was during this journey into coding and website creation that I had a light bulb moment—why not combine my interest in websites with my passion for travel? Thus, the idea for my blog, jetoutofhere.com, was born.

The early days were all about planning and setting the groundwork. I settled on Bluehost for hosting my domain after it came highly recommended across multiple blogs and forums. So far, it’s been a reliable choice that I’d recommend to others starting out.

Designing the website, however, was a steeper learning curve. I spent hours on YouTube tutorials and exploring design options on Theme Forest to find a theme that suited my vision. Using Elementor to customise the site was frustrating at times—small tweaks often took far longer than expected. But persistence paid off, and on 13 May 2024, I published my first blog post.

Even now, six months later, I look back at that post and smile at how far I’ve come. It’s a reminder that the process of starting something new doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to begin.

Advice:

Build a Strong Foundation: Before diving in, take the time to learn the basics of blogging and website design. A great starting point is the Udemy course I used, which covers everything from SEO to creating engaging content.

Just Start: Don’t wait for everything to be perfect before launching. My early posts were far from polished, but each one taught me something new. You’ll improve as you go.

Finding Your Voice and Style

Key Lesson: Authenticity beats perfection.

When I first started travel blogging, I wasn’t sure how to approach my writing. Should I sound formal and professional? Or relaxed and conversational? Over time, I realised that my most engaging posts came from writing honestly about my own experiences.

Take my Egypt Guide, for example. It wasn’t just a list of places to visit; it was a reflection of my own journey, including what I loved about each site and the practical lessons I picked up along the way. Sharing my personal perspective gave the guide a unique touch, making it more relatable for readers planning their trips.

It wasn’t always easy to find this balance. At first, I worried about being too informal or revealing too much about myself. But I came to realise that blogging isn’t just about sharing tips—it’s about connecting with your audience. By being genuine, I’ve been able to create content that feels true to me while also resonating with others.

Advice:

Write as You Speak: Imagine you’re talking to a friend. This will make your writing feel natural and approachable.

Experiment with Formats: Try different types of posts—like lists, narratives, or guides—and see what feels most comfortable.

Seek Feedback: If you’re unsure about your style, ask friends or readers for their thoughts. Their input can help you refine your voice over time.

Embrace Imperfections: Your writing doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to reflect your unique perspective.

Finding your voice takes time, but it’s worth the effort. Authenticity not only helps you connect with readers but also makes the writing process more enjoyable.

Consistency is Key (and Challenging!!!)

Key Lesson: Showing up matters the most.

When I first started blogging, my enthusiasm carried me through the initial posts. But as the weeks went on, I realised that motivation alone wasn’t enough to sustain the momentum. That’s when discipline came into play.

My goal has always been to publish one blog post a week. While I haven’t hit every single week, I’ve managed 24 posts in 29 weeks—a consistency rate I’m proud of. The weeks I missed were due to travelling or taking a much-needed break, but staying committed over the long term has been the real challenge.

What keeps me going is knowing that blogging is a long game. Results aren’t instant, and building something worthwhile takes time. In the meantime, I’ve found that the process itself is rewarding. Writing regularly has improved my skills, taught me discipline, and even provided a sense of accomplishment when I hit “publish” on a new post.

Advice:

Set Clear Goals: Whether it’s posting once a week or once a month, having a specific target keeps you accountable.

Create a Routine: Dedicate certain days or times to writing, editing, or brainstorming. Consistency starts with a solid routine.

Batch Your Work: If you’re short on time, try writing multiple posts in one sitting and scheduling them in advance.

Track Your Progress: Use a calendar or tracker to visualise your consistency. Seeing your achievements can motivate you to keep going.

Celebrate Small Wins: Whether it’s finishing a post or hitting a milestone, acknowledging your progress keeps you motivated.

Consistency isn’t about being perfect; it’s about showing up, even on the tough days. Trust the process, and you’ll see growth over time.

Learning the Basics of SEO and Promotion

Key Lesson: Small improvements in SEO and promotion go a long way.

When I first started travel blogging, SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) were just three letters to me. Now, I’ve come to see it as the backbone of growing a blog. Without SEO, your blog is like a hidden gem in the middle of nowhere—beautiful but hard to find. With SEO, it becomes a bustling hotspot where readers can easily discover your work.

One of my favourite resources for getting started with SEO is this YouTube video on the basics:

It’s a fantastic introduction to the core concepts of SEO, explaining how search engines work and the small tweaks that can make a big difference.

Yoast SEO has been my go-to tool for optimising posts. It’s easy to use and helps you improve your writing while boosting your blog’s visibility. From suggesting better keywords to enhancing readability, it’s an invaluable assistant for any new blogger.

Advice:

Start with the Basics: Focus on one aspect of SEO at a time, like improving meta descriptions or using relevant keywords. Small changes can have a big impact.

Optimise for Your Audience: For a travel blogging niche, think about what readers search for, such as “best travel tips” or “budget travel hacks,” and incorporate those phrases naturally into your posts.

Leverage Tools: Tools like Yoast SEO make it easier to track your progress and learn the ropes.

Learn Continuously: SEO isn’t a one-and-done task. Stay updated with trends and adapt your strategies as you grow.

SEO might feel overwhelming at first, but the more you practise, the more it becomes second nature. Start with small steps and watch your efforts pay off over time.

Looking Ahead

Key Lesson: Growth takes time, I’m still finding that out!

Six months into this journey, travel blogging feels like planting a garden. At first, you’re just sowing seeds—figuring out what works, experimenting, and sometimes making mistakes. But with time, care, and patience, it has the potential to grow into something truly fulfilling.

For me, the long-term goal is to build a monetisable blog that helps travellers find the confidence and resources to explore the world. Whether that means sharing itineraries, budgeting tips, or lessons from my own experiences, I want Jet Out of Here to be a go-to resource for adventurers.

So far, I’ve focused on building a solid foundation—learning SEO, staying consistent with posts, and finding my authentic voice. Looking ahead, I’d like to explore opportunities like affiliate marketing, collaborating with travel brands, and even creating more downloadable guides or courses to offer more value.

But it’s not all about the numbers. Travel blogging has already taught me so much about discipline, creativity, and seeing the world through others’ eyes. The blog itself has become an extension of my personality—a space to grow, reflect, and connect with readers who share a love for travel.

Advice:

Think Long-Term: Success in travel blogging doesn’t happen overnight. Focus on building something meaningful, even if it takes time.

Stay Open to New Opportunities: Whether it’s monetisation, partnerships, or new content formats, be willing to adapt and evolve.

Remember Your “Why”: Whenever you feel stuck, remind yourself why you started. For me, it’s the joy of sharing my love for travel and helping others along the way.

As I look to the future, I’m excited to see where Jet Out of Here takes me—and I hope to inspire others to start their own journeys, whether in travel or a creative endeavour.

Conclusion

Six months ago, I took the leap into travel blogging, and it’s been a journey of surprises, challenges, and growth. From learning the basics of website design to finding my voice and navigating the ups and downs of consistency, this experience has been more rewarding than I ever imagined.

The lessons I’ve shared—starting without perfection, staying authentic, and committing to the long haul—are just the beginning. Travel blogging has not only taught me about writing and sharing my story but also about resilience, patience, and the importance of pursuing something you’re passionate about.

If you’re considering starting a travel blog or any creative outlet, my advice is simple: just begin. Don’t worry about knowing everything at the start or having the perfect setup. Like travel itself, blogging is a journey where learning happens along the way.

To anyone reading this, I encourage you to embrace the process. Whether your goal is to document your adventures, connect with like-minded travellers, or build a platform that supports your lifestyle, the first step is what counts. Who knows where it might take you?

Here’s to more stories, more connections, and the chance to share what we love with the world.

Safe travels,
Tom