Since beginning my travel blogging journey in 2014 at Travel Blog Squad, it has certainly been a learning experience and one that has shaped the way I see the world both for the good and the bad. With the trials and challenges have come new experiences and joys I would have never imagined. If you’re already travel blogging you will be familiar with how it changes your view of the world and how you travel now as opposed to before.
I Look At Destinations Differently
When choosing new destinations to visit I am often influenced by what other bloggers are doing or some amazing press videos I see. Just this past trip, I travelled to the Philippines, not only because it was a FAM trip offered by Tourism Philippines but because this destination had been at the forefront of my mind after seeing some incredible drone footage on Youtube. Apart from choosing destinations – when I actually travel to them, I do see them differently now. I am always thinking about what posts and content I could create when I am in the moment and think about what my readers would benefit from.
I Hide Behind Technology
I find as a travel blogger, I travel with my laptop and phone and spend quite a bit of time behind my devices. When I am out exploring, I am always taking a million photos, making sure I’ve got the right angle and position and making sure I have a Pinterest-worthy image. Sometimes this can be a bad thing though, because I don’t take the time to stop and enjoy my surroudings. I don’t appreciate the scenery as much to capture pictures in my mind as I do behind my camera.
I Am More Open To New Experiences
Being a blogger, I find I am now more open to new experiences which can only be a good thing right?! I purposely seek out new experiences, not only because they can make great posts but because I think I am more inspired than I have ever been. Seeing others’ adventures and experiences, whether it is travelling to the bucket list destination of Antarctica like Ashlyn or cliff diving in the Philippines, it has definitely encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone and make the most of my opportunities. And this year I did go cliff diving in the Philippines (and ATV-ing and even mermaiding for the day!).
I Have Learned There Are More Good Than Bad People In The World
Another amazing part of travel blogging is all the incredible friends I have made along the way, especially in Facebook groups. It wasn’t until six months into my blogging journey that I uncovered a goldmine of supportive Facebook groups for travel bloggers. These groups can be a mecca for advice on anything you could possibly think of to do with blogging, from pitching comped stays to how to set up the tech on your WordPress site. If I ever need advice and I can’t find the answer on Google, this is where I go. People have been so generous with their time if I ever have a complicated issue and need a solution for. It has certainly made me realize there are more good people than bad in this world.
Not only do these groups provide solid advice from people who have struggled through exactly what I have, they are also great for support and meet ups. I have even met a few people from my hometown of Brisbane, Australia. The other great thing about Facebook groups is they often have follow, re-pin or comment threads to help get your content out there in front of the world. If you are looking for a group to join, I have just kicked off threads on my new Facebook group Travel Blog Squad. We’d love to have you!
Bio
Sally is a Brisvegas (Brisbane, Australia) born travel blogger and founder of Travel Blog Squad, an online community for travel bloggers. Among many other experiences, she has skied down the Austrian Alps on Christmas day, gone for a ride in an army tank through the mud in Slovakia, woken up before dawn to see the sunrise over Angkor Wat and attended university in Mexico. Hola! Her non-travel-related interests include tea (of any and every kind), TED Talks and running at her local Parkrun. Check her out on Facebook and Pinterest.
