It’s January 2026, and if you’re reading this, you survived the “SEO Apocalypse.”
I’ve been a travel blogger for over eight years, serving more than 10 million readers and earning features in major media outlets. But let’s be real: none of those accolades saved me when the HCU (Helpful Content Update) and the brutal Core Updates of 2024 decimated the industry. I watched my dashboard turn red overnight. I saw years of hard work vanish from Page 1.
But I didn’t quit. Instead, I treated my blog like a laboratory. I spent the last two years dissecting exactly what Google and other search engines (Bing, Yahoo, DuckDuckGo) wants in this new era. The result? My traffic didn’t just return…it’s stronger now than it was in the “golden age” of 2022.
If you are looking for a roadmap to get into Google’s good graces in 2026, you’ll want to read these tips carefully. These are the 15 battle-tested strategies I used to rebuild my business, future-proof my traffic, and thrive in a post-AI world.
The Reality of Blogging in 2026: From HCU to AI Overviews
In late 2023, Google rolled out the Helpful Content Update (HCU)—a seismic shift that sent shockwaves through the travel blogging community. The stated goal was noble: prioritize “people-first” content and crush robotic, SEO-engineered articles. But the execution was messy. Even seasoned creators with original photography and years of expertise saw their rankings nosedive overnight.
But that was just the beginning.
The March 2024 Core Update added fuel to the fire, followed by a relentless series of Core and Spam Updates throughout 2024 and 2025. Google doubled down on “authority signals,” effectively punishing small and medium-sized publishers while boosting giant corporate forums and media outlets. Many independent blogs were unfairly lumped in with mass-produced content farms, burying honest, experience-based advice beneath Reddit threads and corporate listicles.
The New Threat: Zero-Click AI Overviews
Now, in January 2026, we face an even bigger challenge: Google’s AI Overviews (AIOs).
With AI now scraping answers and displaying them directly at the top of search results, the “zero-click” era is here. If your blog post simply lists facts—like opening hours or ticket prices—Google’s AI will summarize that information, and users will never click through to your site.
So, how do you survive when Google tries to answer the user’s question before they even visit your blog?
You provide what the AI can’t: Perspective.
The good news is that while AI can summarize facts, it cannot replicate taste, opinion, or lived experience. If you want to get into Google’s good graces in 2026 and reclaim your traffic, you must pivot away from being an “information provider” and become a “trusted guide.” The following 15 tips are designed to help you build a moat around your content that no algorithm update or AI summary can cross.
For more travel blogging content, read also:
- My Favorite Travel Bloggers to Follow Right Now
- Tips for Starting a Travel Blog from Scratch
- How to Choose a Travel Blogging Name
- How Much You Can Earn as a Blogger
- The Most Successful Travel Bloggers in 2026
- Top Hosting Providers for Travel Blogs
- The Coolest Travel Sites to Use Right Now
My top 5 travel blogging tips for sites hit by HCU at a glance
Don’t have time to read the full post? Here are my absolute most important tips and takeaways for travel bloggers in 2026.
1. Be personal, not polished.
Google’s HCU update favors real experiences over generic fluff. Mention exact dates, emotions, mistakes, and what you actually did.
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👉 Send me cheap 2026 flights2. Focus on firsthand info.
Include details you can’t find on ChatGPT or TripAdvisor — prices you paid, best times to go, local tips from people you met.
3. Avoid listicle bloat.
Instead of “57 Things to Do in Rome,” write “What I’d Actually Do With 3 Days in Rome.”
4. Prioritize clarity over SEO stuffing.
Keywords still matter…but your writing should sound like a friend talking, not a robot optimizing.
5. Add original media.
Use your own photos, Google Maps embeds, and screenshots. Google can tell when your content is lived, not scraped.
Why travel blogging matters
Travel blogging matters because it brings the world closer…one personal story at a time. It goes beyond glossy tourism ads, offering real experiences, honest tips, and hidden gems that guidebooks miss. For readers, it’s a source of inspiration and practical advice. For creators, it’s a way to turn passion into purpose, helping others travel smarter, deeper, and more meaningfully.
In a world of AI-generated fluff and corporate content, authentic travel blogs still cut through the noise with firsthand insights and human connection. Whether it’s sharing local food spots, solo travel lessons, or cultural deep-dives, travel blogging keeps the spirit of curiosity alive. It makes the world feel a little smaller, friendlier, and more accessible to everyone, which is why it’s one of the best travel jobs out there!
The benefits of travel blogging
Have you ever returned from a trip feeling energized and inspired, only to feel the post-travel blues kick in a few days later? If so, you’re not alone. But what if we told you that travel blogging could help prolong that post-travel high and bring even more benefits to your life? Here are just a few of the many benefits of travel blogging:
1. It helps you process your experiences
Traveling can be an overwhelming experience, with so many new sights, sounds, and sensations to take in. Writing about your experiences can help you process what you’ve seen and experienced, and make sense of your emotions. By putting your experiences into words, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.
2. Travel blogging boosts your creativity
Travel blogging is not just about writing; it’s also about creativity. From taking photos to designing your website, travel blogging requires you to tap into your creative side. This can help boost your overall creativity, leading to more ideas and inspiration in other areas of your life.
3. It connects you with like-minded people
Travel blogging can help you connect with other travelers who share your passion for adventure. By sharing your experiences and insights, you can build a community of like-minded people who can inspire, support, and challenge you to grow.
4. It helps you build your skills
Travel blogging requires a range of skills, from writing and photography to social media management and marketing. By working on your blog, you can develop and refine these skills, which can be valuable in both your personal and professional life.
5. Travel blogging can lead to new opportunities
As mentioned earlier, travel blogging can open doors to new opportunities, whether that’s through sponsorships, partnerships, or career opportunities. Yes, you can actually make lots of money travel blogging. Last month, I made $40k…anybody can do it. By sharing your adventures with the world, you never know what doors might open up for you.
So there you have it – just a few of the many benefits of travel blogging. Not only is it a way to document your adventures, but it’s also a way to boost your creativity, connect with others, build your skills, and even open up new opportunities. Now, without further ado, here are the travel blogger tips you should know about.
15 tips for travel bloggers in 2026
Ready to take your travel blog success to the next level? Here’s my guide on travel blogging for beginners. Let’s get after it!
1. Find your niche
The first step to creating a successful travel blog is finding your niche. What makes your blog unique? Are you an expert in luxury travel, budget travel, adventure travel, or something else? Finding your niche will help you stand out in a crowded market and attract readers who are interested in your specific topic.
From there, I recommend finding a hosting provider and starting your travel blog ASAP. Reserving a website domain is cheap and easy to do. Get started with Bluehost for just $2.95 per month (75% off) using my discount link. It costs $9.99 per month, but I get a special discount for my readers – one of the many perks of being an established travel blogger!
Read next: Tips for Choosing the Best Travel Blog Name
2. Create engaging content
Once you’ve found your niche, it’s time to start creating engaging content. Your blog should be more than just a travel diary. It should offer value to your readers by providing helpful tips, insider knowledge, and unique perspectives.
To create engaging content, think about what sets your experiences apart. Did you discover a hidden gem that most tourists don’t know about? Did you have a life-changing moment while traveling? These are the types of stories that will captivate your audience and keep them coming back for more.
3. Use high-quality images
Travel is a visual experience, and your blog should reflect that. Use high-quality images to showcase your adventures and make your blog more appealing. You don’t need a professional camera to take great photos; a smartphone camera can do the trick. Just make sure to take photos in good lighting and experiment with different angles to get the perfect shot.
For some travel photography tips, read next: Best Photography Tips that Every Blogger Should Know
4. Optimize for “Information Gain
Old school SEO was about finding a keyword like “Best things to do in Paris” and writing a post that looked exactly like the top ranking result. In 2026, that is a death sentence. Google’s algorithms now prioritize Information Gain.
If your post repeats the same facts as the top 10 results, an AI Overview will simply summarize those facts and ignore you. To rank, you must add something new to the internet’s knowledge graph. This means:
- Entity-Based SEO: Don’t just stuff keywords. Google understands “Entities” (People, Places, Things). Connect your destination to specific, real-world entities like local chefs, specific historic dates, or unique architectural styles.
- The “Hidden Gem” Factor: Include one tip that cannot be found on the first page of Google.
- Video Schema: Embed your own vertical video and mark it up with Schema.org code so Google displays it in the “Perspectives” feed.
5. Promote your blog on social media
Social media is a powerful tool for promoting your blog and growing your audience. Share your blog posts on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest to reach a wider audience. Use hashtags to make your content more discoverable, and engage with your followers to build a community around your blog.
6. Collaborate with other travel bloggers
Collaborating with other travel bloggers is a great way to expand your reach and gain new followers. You can collaborate by guest posting on each other’s blogs, cross-promoting each other’s content on social media, or even organizing a group trip together. Not only will this help you reach new readers, but it can also provide valuable networking opportunities.
7. Monetize your blog
Once you’ve built a loyal following, you can start monetizing your blog. There are many ways to make money from a travel blog, including:
- Sponsored content: You can partner with brands and companies to create sponsored content that promotes their products or services.
- Affiliate marketing: You can earn a commission by promoting products or services through affiliate links on your blog.
- Advertising: You can sell advertising space on your blog to companies that want to reach your audience.
- Product sales: You can create and sell your own products, such as ebooks, courses, or travel guides.
8. Stay authentic
Finally, it’s important to stay authentic and true to yourself when creating content for your travel blog. Don’t try to be someone you’re not, and don’t compromise your values for the sake of monetization. Your readers will appreciate your authenticity
9. Engage with your audience
One of the best ways to grow your travel blog is by engaging with your audience. Respond to comments on your blog and social media channels, ask for feedback, and create polls or surveys to get to know your readers better. By building a relationship with your audience, you can create a loyal following and gain valuable insights into what they want to see from your blog.
10. Be consistent
Consistency is key when it comes to blogging. Make a schedule and stick to it, whether that means posting once a week or once a month. Your readers will come to expect new content from you, and consistency can help you build a following.
11. Use storytelling techniques
Travel blogging is all about telling stories. Use storytelling techniques to make your content more engaging and memorable. Start with a hook that grabs your reader’s attention, use descriptive language to create a sense of place, and end with a satisfying conclusion that leaves your reader wanting more.
12. Invest in your blog
Investing time and money in your blog can help you take it to the next level. Consider taking courses or attending conferences to improve your writing or photography skills, investing in a professional website design, or hiring a virtual assistant to help with tasks like social media management or editing.
13. Stay up-to-date with industry trends
The travel blogging industry is constantly evolving, and it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices. Follow other travel bloggers and influencers, join online communities, and read industry publications to stay in the know.
14. Take advantage of video content
Video content is becoming increasingly popular, and it can be a powerful tool for travel bloggers. Consider creating travel vlogs or short videos that showcase your adventures and provide a different perspective on your experiences.
For some inspiration on how to make beautiful and inspiring travel videos, follow me on Instagram: @Global.Viewpoint.
15. Don’t give up
Building a successful travel blog takes time and effort. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Keep creating content, engaging with your audience, and refining your strategies. With persistence and determination, you can achieve your goals and create a thriving travel blog.
Common mistakes to avoid in travel blogging
As a travel blogger, it’s essential to avoid some common mistakes that can hinder your success in this industry. Here are some insightful and interesting tips on what to avoid when starting your travel blog:
1. Not having a clear niche:
A common mistake many travel bloggers make is not having a clear niche. A niche can help you stand out in a crowded field and attract a more targeted audience. Instead of trying to cover all aspects of travel, focus on a specific area like budget travel, adventure travel, or luxury travel.
2. Ignoring SEO:
Search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial for getting your blog noticed by search engines like Google. Neglecting SEO can lead to poor visibility in search results, and your blog may not reach its full potential audience. Learn about SEO and implement it in your content creation process.
3. Focusing only on the destination:
While it’s essential to write about the places you visit, it’s also important to create content that goes beyond the destination. Consider writing about travel tips, cultural insights, and personal experiences. This can help make your blog more relatable to your audience.
4. Neglecting social media:
Social media can be an excellent platform for promoting your blog and reaching a broader audience. However, many bloggers neglect this aspect of their blog. Ensure you have a strong presence on social media, and consistently share your content with your followers.
5. Poor quality photos:
High-quality images are essential for any travel blog. Poor quality photos can make your blog look unprofessional and reduce the engagement of your readers. Invest in a good camera and take the time to learn about photography.
6. Lack of consistency:
Consistency is crucial in the blogging world. Blogging irregularly can lead to a decrease in readership and engagement. Develop a schedule and stick to it to ensure your readers know when to expect new content.
7. Not engaging with your audience:
Engaging with your audience can help build a loyal following and increase engagement on your blog. Respond to comments, answer questions, and show appreciation for your readers’ support.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can set yourself up for success as a travel blogger and create a blog that stands out in a crowded industry.
How to measure the success of your travel blog
Travel writing tips are great and all, but it’s equally important to quantify how you’re doing.
Measuring the success of your travel blog is essential to understand how your blog is performing and how it can be improved. Here are some tips to measure the success of your travel blog:
- Track your website traffic: Keep an eye on your website traffic by using tools such as Google Analytics. It will give you insights into the number of visitors to your site, which pages they visit, and how long they spend on your site.
- Monitor your social media engagement: Social media is a great way to drive traffic to your blog. Track the engagement on your social media posts by monitoring likes, comments, and shares.
- Measure your email list growth: Email marketing is an excellent way to promote your blog and connect with your audience. Keep track of the growth of your email list by monitoring the number of subscribers and their engagement with your emails.
- Analyze your affiliate marketing earnings: If you monetize your blog through affiliate marketing, track your earnings to understand which products and services are performing well.
- Keep an eye on your search engine rankings: Use tools like Google Search Console to monitor your search engine rankings and track the keywords that are driving traffic to your site.
By consistently measuring and analyzing these metrics, you can gain valuable insights into the performance of your travel blog and take actionable steps to improve its success.
The future of travel blogging
The future of travel blogging is looking bright and exciting! With the rise of new technologies, social media platforms, and travel trends, there are endless opportunities for travel bloggers to innovate and grow.
One trend that’s likely to continue is the focus on experiential travel. More and more travelers are seeking out unique experiences, and travel bloggers have the perfect opportunity to showcase these experiences and provide valuable insights and tips for their readers.
Another trend to watch out for is the use of virtual and augmented reality. As technology continues to advance, travel bloggers can use these tools to create immersive experiences for their readers. Imagine being able to virtually explore a destination before even setting foot there!
Of course, social media will continue to play a major role in the future of travel blogging. With the rise of new platforms and features, there are more ways than ever to connect with and grow your audience. Travel bloggers will need to stay on top of these trends and adapt to the ever-changing social media landscape.
Overall, the future of travel blogging is exciting and full of possibilities. By staying up-to-date with the latest trends and continuing to provide valuable content and insights, travel bloggers can thrive and grow in the years to come.
Travel blogging resources and tools to help you succeed
If you want to take your travel blog to the next level, you need a 2026 tech stack. Forget generic advice…these are the specific tools high-traffic bloggers are using right now.
For Content & Editing: Static images aren’t enough anymore. You need to be video-first. CapCut Desktop is essential for editing vertical video for both social and embedding into your blog posts. For photos, Adobe Lightroom remains the gold standard for that “professional” look.
For Monetization (Beyond Amazon): While Amazon Associates is okay for gear, the commissions on travel are low. In 2026, smart bloggers use Travelpayouts. It aggregates high-paying affiliate programs like Booking.com, GetYourGuide, and Viator into one dashboard.
For Selling Itineraries: Don’t just give advice—sell it. Apps like Thatch or TrovaTrip allow you to turn your blog posts into buyable maps and hosted group trips. This is often more lucrative than ad revenue for creators with smaller, loyal audiences.
- Read also: My Favorite Travel Tools and Resources
FAQs on travel blogging tips for success
Here are some top tips on the different ways to become a successful travel blogger in 2026.
Is it hard being a travel blogger?
It can be challenging, but it’s also an exciting and rewarding experience. As with any job, there are ups and downs. However, if you love travel and writing, it’s definitely worth a try!
How much do travel bloggers make?
Well, that’s a bit like asking how long a piece of string is – it really depends! Some travel bloggers make a comfortable living off their blog through sponsored content, advertising, and affiliate marketing, while others may not make much at all. It all comes down to factors like your niche, the size of your audience, and how you monetize your blog. But hey, if you love what you do, the money will follow… right?
For an in-depth analysis of how much money I make as a travel blogger, read next: Travel Blogger Salary Guide
What are the cons of travel blogger?
Being a travel blogger is a dream job for many, but it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. One of the cons of being a travel blogger is that it can be challenging to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Travel bloggers are always on the go, exploring new destinations, meeting new people, and creating content. It can be challenging to take a break from the hustle and bustle of travel blogging and find time for personal relationships, self-care, and downtime. Trust me about this – it’s taken me 6 years to figure it out!
Additionally, travel blogging can be financially unstable, with income depending on collaborations and sponsorships that may not always be consistent. However, for those who are passionate about travel and storytelling, the pros of travel blogging often outweigh the cons.
How do I get sponsors for my travel blog?
Ready to become a travel blogging superstar and score some sweet sponsorships? Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Build a loyal following: Brands want to work with bloggers who have an engaged and dedicated audience.
- Create valuable content: Show off your writing and photography skills by producing high-quality, informative and visually appealing content.
- Pitch like a pro: Reach out to companies that align with your blog’s niche and style, and craft a compelling pitch that highlights the benefits of partnering with you.
- Be professional: Once you secure a sponsorship, be sure to deliver on your promises, meet deadlines, and communicate effectively with the brand.
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to earning those coveted sponsorships and making bank as a travel blogger.
Do travel bloggers write off trips?
Well, the short answer is, it depends. As a travel blogger, you may be able to write off some of your travel expenses as business expenses. However, you need to make sure you meet certain criteria and follow the rules to avoid any issues with the tax authorities.
So, if you’re considering writing off trips, make sure you do your research and seek professional advice to ensure you’re doing it correctly. After all, you don’t want to get in trouble with the taxman, do you?
What does a travel blogger do on a daily basis?
Ah, the life of a travel blogger! It’s not all sunshine and sandy beaches, though you can definitely live life to the fullest. A travel blogger’s daily routine involves more than just packing and jet-setting off to exotic destinations (although that part is pretty sweet).
They’re constantly on the lookout for new and exciting travel opportunities, researching potential destinations, and brainstorming fresh content ideas that will make their readers swoon.
Once they arrive at their destination, they spend their days exploring, taking photos, shooting videos, and of course, indulging in some delicious local cuisine.
But that’s not all – they’re also busy editing and curating their content, writing engaging blog posts, and promoting their work across social media platforms.
It’s a lot of hard work, but for travel bloggers like myself, the adventure and the opportunity to inspire others to travel make it all worth it.
Discovering travel blog tips for aspiring bloggers
Travel blogging is a fun and rewarding way to share your adventures with the world. By finding your niche, creating engaging content, optimizing for information gain, promoting your blog on social media, collaborating with other bloggers, monetizing your blog, and staying authentic, you can create a successful travel blog that resonates with your audience.
By staying consistent, using storytelling techniques, investing in your blog, staying up-to-date with industry trends, taking advantage of video content, and not giving up, you can take your travel blog to the next level and achieve your goals. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start sharing your adventures with the world!
Global Viewpoint is a personal blog. All content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional financial, medical, or legal advice.
