Finding guest blogging opportunities in travel is something I’m super passionate about! For me, as a writer with a serious case of wanderlust, guest blogging in the travel niche is absolutely essential. It’s not just about getting my name out there; it’s about establishing myself as an authority, connecting with a wider audience, and ultimately, building a sustainable writing career.
I’ve learned that in this crowded digital landscape, simply wishing for opportunities won’t make them appear. So, I’ve put together this comprehensive guide for you. It’s packed with practical strategies and detailed insights that I’ve used to unearth and secure the most valuable guest blogging positions in the travel industry. My goal is to help you transform your aspirations into tangible success, just like I have.
Why Guest Blogging Matters So Much in Travel
Before we dive into the “how,” let me tell you why I think guest blogging in travel is so crucial. It offers unique advantages. Unlike other niches, travel evokes so much emotion, inspiration, and fosters a strong sense of community. By contributing to established travel blogs, I’ve found that I leverage their existing readership, gain credibility through association, and tap into a powerful referral network.
For me, it’s not just about getting backlinks; it’s about showcasing my voice, my unique perspective, and my expertise to an engaged audience who are actively seeking travel insights, tips, and inspiration. It’s truly a fundamental pillar of audience expansion and personal brand building that I swear by.
Phase 1: Strategic Research – Finding the BEST Opportunities
The foundation of successful guest blogging, in my experience, is meticulous research. I never just cast a wide net hoping for the best. Instead, I identify targets that really align with my niche, writing style, and audience goals.
1. Defining My Niche Within Travel
“Travel” is such a vast ecosystem. To find the best opportunities, I’ve learned I have to narrow my focus. Am I an expert in budget backpacking, luxury travel, family adventures, solo female travel, sustainable tourism, specific regional travel (like Southeast Asia or European road trips), culinary travel, adventure sports, or cultural immersion?
Here’s what I do: I create a list of my top 3-5 travel sub-niches. This clarity really guides my search and makes my pitches so much more targeted and compelling.
For example: Instead of just “travel,” I’ll specify something like “budget travel for millennials in Eastern Europe” or “sustainable luxury travel in Scandinavian countries.” This specificity is key!
2. Identifying Potential Host Blogs: Beyond Just Google
While doing a direct Google search for “travel guest post” might give you some results, I’ve found that many of the best opportunities won’t be explicitly advertised. You really need to dig deeper.
a. Targeted Keyword Searches:
I expand my Google search queries beyond the obvious. I combine my niche keywords with terms that indicate guest post interest.
"[My Niche] + "write for us""[My Niche] + "guest post""[My Niche] + "submit an article""[My Niche] + "contribute""[My Niche] + "guest writer""[My Niche] + "guest submission guidelines""[My Niche] + "blog contributor"
For example: Instead of just “budget travel guest post,” I’ll try “budget backpacking Europe write for us” or “sustainable travel tips submit an article.”
b. Competitor Analysis: Learning from Others
I always analyze blogs that consistently feature guest posts or blogs that I really admire. While tools can help identify their backlink profiles, revealing where they’ve guest posted themselves, I find a manual and more effective approach is to simply read the blogs. I look for:
- Author Bios: Do they mention other publications?
- “Guest Post by” Tags: Are there clear indicators that external creators are contributing?
- Categories/Tags related to “Contributors”: Some blogs have dedicated sections.
- Frequent Guest Contributors: I make a note of names that appear often and then research their blogs to see who features them. It’s like a fun detective game!
What I do: I identify 5-10 travel blogs that align with my niche and appear to accept guest posts. Then, I follow their content and subscribe to their newsletters.
c. Social Media Reconnaissance:
LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook groups are absolute goldmines for me.
- LinkedIn: I search for “travel blog editor,” “travel content manager,” or “guest post opportunities travel.” I connect with these individuals and observe their posts. Many will share calls for contributors.
- Twitter: I follow prominent travel bloggers, digital PR agencies specializing in travel, and travel publications. I monitor hashtags like
#guestpost,#writeforus,#travelwriting,#bloggerswanted. I also try to participate in relevant Twitter chats. - Facebook Groups: I join active groups for travel bloggers, digital nomads, or travel writers. So many members share guest post opportunities or ask for contributors themselves. The key here is to be active and helpful; don’t just passively lurk.
Example: I’ll search LinkedIn for “editor travel magazine” and reach out to establish a connection, not a pitch, initially. In Facebook groups, instead of just saying “anyone need a guest post?”, I’ll offer a comment on a post about a destination I know well, which helps establish my expertise.
d. Reverse Image Search (A Little Trick I Use):
If I really admire a specific travel writer’s style, I’ll sometimes find an article they’ve written on another site. Then, I right-click on their author photo (if they have one) and select “Search Google for Image” (or something similar). This can sometimes reveal other sites where they have contributed, giving me even more targets. It’s less common, but it can uncover some hidden gems.
3. Assessing Suitability: It’s Not Just About Acceptance
Just because a blog accepts guest posts doesn’t mean it’s the right opportunity for me. I’ve learned that quality over quantity is paramount.
a. Relevance to My Niche:
Does the blog consistently publish content related to my specific travel niche? A general travel blog is fine, but a highly niche-specific one is usually better for targeted authority.
For example: If I write about accessible travel, a blog solely focused on extreme adventure sports might not be the best fit, even if it’s a “travel” blog.
b. Audience Engagement:
I always look at comments, social media shares, and how the blog owner interacts with their community. A highly engaged audience means my post is more likely to be read, shared, and valued.
What I do: I check comment sections for active discussions. I also look at the number of shares on individual posts.
c. Content Quality and Style:
I read several articles. Is the writing high-quality, well-researched, and engaging? Does their tone align with mine, or can I adapt? I want my work to appear alongside excellence.
For example: If my style is light and humorous, a blog with a strictly academic or serious tone might be a mismatch – I’ve learned to recognize that.
d. Domain Authority (DA) and Traffic (Helpful, but Not Everything):
While not the sole deciding factor, a higher DA (Moz metric) or traffic can indicate a stronger, more influential blog. I sometimes use free tools like MozBar (a browser extension) to get a quick DA check. But remember, a smaller, highly targeted blog can still be incredibly valuable for reaching a specific audience.
My take: I prioritize engagement and relevance over just DA. A DA 30 blog with a passionate, relevant audience is often better than a DA 60 general travel blog with low engagement.
e. Clear Guidelines:
Do they have a “write for us” page with clear, detailed guidelines? This indicates professionalism and a structured approach to guest contributions. Blogs with no guidelines or vague instructions can often be time sinks, and I try to avoid those.
What I do: I create a spreadsheet or document to track potential opportunities. I include columns for: Blog Name, URL, Niche Relevance, Audience Engagement, Content Quality, Guidelines Link, My Pitched Idea (once I have one), and Status (pitched, accepted, rejected, follow-up date). This organization is crucial for my sanity!
Phase 2: Crafting the Irresistible Pitch – Standing Out
Once I have my target list, the real work begins: crafting a pitch that gets noticed and accepted. For me, this is more than just an email; it’s a strategically constructed argument for why I am the perfect fit for their blog.
1. Personalization is Paramount: No Generic Emails, Ever
Generic, templated emails are immediately deleted – I know because I’ve sent them and learned my lesson! I always make sure to show I’ve done my homework.
- Address Them by Name: I always try to find the editor’s or blog owner’s name. A quick LinkedIn search or a look at their “About Us” page usually reveals this.
- Reference Specific Content: I mention a recent article they published that resonated with me or that I found particularly insightful. This proves I’m a genuine reader, not just someone spamming.
For example: “Hi [Editor Name], I’ve been a long-time admirer of [Blog Name]’s commitment to responsible travel education, especially your recent piece on ‘Navigating Ethical Wildlife Encounters in Southeast Asia.'”
2. The Subject Line: My First Impression
I make it concise, professional, and intrigue-generating.
- Good: “Guest Post Idea for [Blog Name]: [My Proposed Title]”
- Better: “Guest Post Pitch: Sustainable Backpacking Tips for Europe” (if my niche is clear)
- My best (with personalization): “Inspired by Your [Specific Article], a Guest Post Idea for [Blog Name]”
My advice: Test different subject lines. Aim for clarity and a hint of your value proposition.
3. The Body of the Pitch: Structure for Success
I always keep it concise, scannable, and packed with value.
a. Introduction (The Hook):
I reiterate my personalization. Briefly introduce myself and my connection to their blog.
Example: “My name is [My Name], and I’m a travel writer specializing in [My specific niche]. I recently read your excellent article on [specific article topic] and was particularly struck by [specific point].”
b. Establish Credibility (Briefly):
Without bragging, I show them why I’m qualified. I mention my niche expertise, relevant travel experiences, or where else I’ve been published (if applicable).
Example: “As an avid solo female traveler who has navigated over 30 countries on a shoestring budget, I’ve gathered unique insights into practical, safe, and enriching travel experiences.”
c. The Proposed Post Ideas (The Core):
This is where I pitch my value. I never just offer one idea; I provide 2-3 well-defined, unique, and highly relevant article titles with a brief summary for each. These ideas HAVE to align with the blog’s content and audience needs.
- Focus on the “So What?”: How will this post benefit their readers? Will it solve a problem, inspire, or provide actionable advice?
- Keyword Consideration: If I’ve done keyword research for their blog, I subtly integrate a high-volume, low-competition keyword for their specific audience.
- Originality: I make sure my ideas haven’t been extensively covered by them already.
Example (for a budget travel blog):
“I’ve brainstormed a few ideas that I believe would resonate strongly with your adventurous and financially-savvy readers:
- “Beyond Hostels: 7 Creative Ways to Slash Accommodation Costs in [Specific Region]” (Focus: Unique accommodation hacks, perhaps even specific examples for a region they often cover like Central America, going beyond common advice.)
- Why it’s a fit: Addresses a universal budget travel pain point, offers actionable, less-common solutions.
- “The Digital Nomad’s Guide to Stretching Your Dollars in [Specific City/Country]” (Focus: Specific cost-saving for a digital nomad, e.g., co-working spaces, local markets, transportation apps.)
- Why it’s a fit: Taps into the growing digital nomad demographic, provides hyper-specific area knowledge.
- “Mastering the Local Market: How to Eat Well and Save Big While Traveling [Specific Destination]” (Focus: A deep dive into culinary budget travel, embracing local cuisine, safety, and cultural etiquette.)
- Why it’s a fit: Connects food and budget, a popular combination for travelers seeking authentic experiences.”
d. Call to Action:
I keep it simple and direct. “Let me know if any of these ideas pique your interest, or if you have any other topics in mind that you think would be a good fit.”
e. Signature:
I always include my name, my website/blog URL (if I have one), and a link to my portfolio or relevant writing samples (ideally 2-3 strong pieces, travel-related if possible).
Example:
Best regards,
[My Name]
[My Website/Blog URL (optional but recommended)]
[Link to my writing portfolio/relevant samples]
4. The Writing Sample: Quality Over Everything
My writing samples are crucial. They demonstrate my writing ability, my voice, and my ability to craft engaging, well-structured content.
- Relevance: Ideally, samples should be travel-related.
- Quality: Flawless grammar, compelling storytelling, clear structure.
- Variety (if applicable): If I can showcase different styles (e.g., informative, narrative), even better.
- Accessibility: I make sure links are live and lead directly to the content.
My advice: Before pitching, ensure your writing samples are polished and ready. If you don’t have published travel pieces, create 2-3 mock blog posts on your own blog or a Google Doc to demonstrate your capabilities.
5. Timing and Follow-Up: Persistence Without Annoyance
- When to Send: Weekdays, during business hours for their timezone, are generally best. Avoid weekends or holidays.
- Follow-Up: If I don’t hear back within 7-10 business days, I send a polite, brief follow-up email. I reiterate my interest and offer to provide more ideas if needed. I really try to avoid more than one follow-up unless they specifically request it.
Example Follow-Up:
“Hi [Editor Name],
Just wanted to gently follow up on my email from [Date] regarding potential guest post ideas for [Blog Name].
No worries if now isn’t the right time, but I remain very interested in contributing. Please let me know if any of the previous ideas caught your eye, or if you’re looking for content on a different aspect of [Blog’s Niche].
Thanks for your time,
[My Name]”
Phase 3: Delivering Excellence – Making the Most of It
Getting accepted is just the beginning. The quality of my delivered guest post determines future opportunities and builds my reputation.
1. Adhere to Guidelines Meticulously: No Exceptions
This is non-negotiable. If they specify word count, formatting, image requirements, internal linking, or a specific tone, I follow it to the letter. Failing to do so signals unprofessionalism and creates extra work for the editor.
My advice: Reread their guidelines after acceptance and before you start writing. Keep them open as you draft your article.
2. Craft Compelling, Value-Driven Content
My guest post has to be a standalone, excellent piece.
- Unique Angle: Even if the topic is common, I find a fresh perspective or offer new, actionable insights. I never just regurgitate information already widely available.
- Deep Research: I always back up my claims with factual information, statistics (if relevant), and personal experience.
- Engaging Narrative: Travel writing thrives on storytelling. I weave in personal anecdotes, vivid descriptions, and my strong voice.
- Actionable Advice: For travel, readers often seek practical tips. I provide clear, step-by-step guidance or specific recommendations.
- High-Quality Images (if applicable): If I provide images, I ensure they are high-resolution, compelling, and that I have the rights to use them. And I always follow their image guidelines (size, format, file naming).
Example: Instead of “Top 10 Things to Do in Paris,” I might write “Beyond the Louvre: Unearthing Paris’s Hidden Artistic Gems from a Local’s Perspective” and focus on specific, lesser-known galleries, street art, or interactive art experiences.
3. Optimize for Readability and SEO (Subtly)
While the host blog handles most of the SEO, I contribute where I can.
- Subheadings: I break up my text with H2 and H3 tags.
- Short Paragraphs: These enhance scannability on screens.
- Bullet Points and Numbered Lists: Easier to digest information.
- Internal Links: If they allow it, I naturally integrate links to other relevant articles on their blog. This shows I understand their content and helps with their SEO.
- Strategic Keyword Placement: I use my target keyword naturally in the title, introduction, and throughout the body, but I never keyword stuff. I always focus on natural language.
4. The Author Bio: My Opportunity for Audience Expansion
This is my dedicated space to promote myself.
- Concise: Usually 2-3 sentences.
- Relevant: I highlight my expertise in travel writing or my specific niche.
- Call to Action: I direct readers to my website, blog, or most active social media channel.
- Professional Photo: Often required and helps personalize my contribution.
Example: “[My Name] is an adventurous solo traveler and travel writer specializing in immersive cultural experiences and sustainable tourism. Discover more of her wanderings and practical travel guides at [My Website/Blog URL] or connect with her on [My Preferred Social Media Platform].”
5. Promotion and Engagement: Beyond Publication
My work isn’t done when my post goes live.
- Share Widely: I promote my guest post across all my social media channels, my email newsletter, and even mention it in my next blog post on my own site. I always tag the host blog.
- Engage with Comments: I respond promptly and thoughtfully to comments on my guest post. This shows engagement and appreciation for the host’s audience.
- Thank the Editor: I always send a brief thank-you email after publication. This maintains a positive relationship for future collaborations.
My Conclusion: Your Gateway to Travel Writing Success
Finding guest blogging opportunities in travel is a strategic endeavor, not a random act. It demands meticulous research, personalized pitching, and an unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality content. By consistently applying the detailed strategies I’ve outlined for you here – from defining your niche and uncovering hidden gems to crafting irresistible pitches and exceeding expectations with your content – you will not only secure guest posts but cultivate invaluable relationships within the travel industry.
Each successful guest post, for me, is a stepping stone. It builds my authority, expands my reach, and ultimately, solidifies my position as a credible voice in the exhilarating world of travel writing. Embrace this journey, and watch your audience grow.