5 Ways to Monetize Your Passion as a Travel Creator Entrepreneur

Chris Mitchell published a travel blog because he was sick of telling the same stories to his family and friends. Seven years later, he turned it into a full-time content business known as Traveling Mitch.

The booming travel industry may be worth over $800B (yes, billion) by 2028. If you’re a content creator, now is a terrific time to turn your passion for travel into a profitable business like Chris.

You are perfectly situated in a market eager for your honest, experience-driven content. A recent study by McKinsey (registration required) revealed four important themes among a wealth of other information helpful to travel content entrepreneurs):

1. Most people travel domestically or near their homes.
2. Travelers and tourists want custom experiences tailored to their wants/needs.
3. The meaning of “luxury travel” is shifting.
4. Destinations will need to adapt to accommodate more and more tourists.

However, with a large market comes a large interest in becoming a travel content entrepreneur. The increasingly competitive space requires creativity and strategy to stand out and build sustainable revenue streams. Here are five practical revenue streams to turn your adventures into a successful business.

1. Offer premium travel guides 

Your travel expertise is invaluable. Whether you’re interested in discovering hidden gems in cities or creating comprehensive itineraries for niche travelers, packaging your insights in printed travel guides or journals is a proven way to generate revenue.

Provide exclusive tips and curated experiences to entice travelers willing to pay for well-researched recommendations before their next trip. The more specific and niche your travel guides, the better.

2. Launch travel-based workshops or courses 

As an expert in travel — be it budget planning, photography, solo travel, etc. — you can monetize that knowledge by creating workshops or online courses. Teach others to take stunning adventure photos, plan their dream trips, or travel safely.

Platforms like Teachable or Kajabi make building and selling courses simple, and these offerings establish you as an authority. 

Helpful Resource: How To Drive Revenue Through Online Courses

3. Turn experiences into paid memberships 

Loyal fans and followers are often willing to pay for unique content. Membership platforms like Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee allow you to monetize exclusive content, such as behind-the-scenes travel stories, custom itineraries, or travel community groups. A membership model can provide recurring income while building a closer connection with your audience.

Helpful Resource: Memberful Shares 5 Things To Do When Creating Membership Revenue 

4. Publish custom travel books 

Whether it’s a coffee table photo book highlighting breathtaking landscapes, a thoughtfully curated guidebook, or a memoir of your travel experiences, books can build credibility and generate revenue. Having a book establishes your authority by showcasing your knowledge and expertise in a way that sets you apart from others in your field.

With print-on-demand options like Lulu, you can easily sell your travel books without upfront costs or a need to manage fulfillment.

Helpful Resource: Wally Koval Turns Instagram Success Into Bestselling Book, Accidentally Wes Anderson

5. Partner with brands for sponsored content 

Collaborating with travel brands for sponsored posts or campaigns is a tried-and-true revenue source. The key is to partner with companies that align with your values and audience. Highlight how their products or services enhance your adventures while maintaining authenticity to retain trust with your followers (and always disclose paid relationships to your audience).

Helpful Resource: What To Know About Adding Sponsorships to Your Content Business

Diversify your revenue streams

Relying on a single revenue source makes it harder to sustain your brand long-term. Monetization strategies like physical books, memberships, and courses allow you to sustain the business when a stream slows down or algorithms change.

Most importantly, offer products and services your audience wants. That’s the best way to build a long-term, thriving content business.

Hear from these entrepreneurs on how they turned their love for travel into successful content businesses:

• Chris Mitchell, Traveling Mitch
• Patricia Palacios, Spain tourism guides
• Sahara Rose De Vore, The Travel Coach Network
• Christina Riley and Carl Hedinger, NC Tripping
• Matthew and Carla Bailey, Must Do Canada
• Steph and Katie Burlton, Lez Sees the World
• Alex Jimenez, Travel Fashion Girl
• Karen and Sylvester Akpan, The Mom Trotter

The post 5 Ways to Monetize Your Passion as a Travel Creator Entrepreneur appeared first on The Tilt Publishing.