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BLOGGING RESOURCES
Now if you are on this site because you love travel, but also feel the urge to blog about it too then you have come to the right place.
I started this blog at the end of 2016 as a creative outlet for my writing and photography. It has now turned into something much more than that and I am so glad I took that leap of faith back in the day.
I remember when I first looked into entering the blogging world that it was all very overwhelming and I had no idea where to start. When setting up your blog there are a few vital steps you need to take to ensure you are on the right track. I put together a complete step by step guide recently on how to start your own blog. If you are considering delving into the blogging world then I recommend to start by reading that post.
If you aren’t quite ready for that level of commitment and you just want to get an idea of where to start then here are some quick go to recommendations to get your blogging career started.
Blogging Course
If you are hoping to become a professional travel blogger and work remotely while you travel full time then I highly recommend completing Nomadic Matt’s Superstar Blogging Course. Even if you just want to run a blog for your own personal and creative achievements then it is still an excellent course for anyone wanting to start their own blog or website.
The course takes you through each and every step you need to setup your blog and have it functioning and performing the way you want. It has helped me make my blogging dreams a reality. The exclusive Facebook group you become a member of as part of the course is also an ongoing source of assistance, reassurance and encouragement. I highly recommend it!
Travel Writing Course
If you want to up your professional, creative and freelance writing game then you should also consider signing up for Nomadic Matt’s Travel Writing Course. This was the second course I purchased after starting my blogging career and I have found it to be invaluable.
There is an endless amount of assistance, guidance and useful information that will improve your writing skills for your own blog. The course is very interactive, with a lot of support and mentorship, which is fairly unique in comparison to a lot of other online writing courses that pertain to the travel writing industry. The course also teaches you how to be a freelance travel writer and journalist, and shows you how to obtain and maintain a career as a freelance travel writer if that is the direction you would prefer to take.
Hosting and Domain
When I first started by blog, I shopped around to find the right hosting for my needs. After reading quite a few blogs I worked out that I needed to follow three basic steps to get my blog off the ground. I needed to purchase hosting, choose and purchase my domain name and then set up WordPress.
I decided to go with Bluehost for my hosting service. In all of my research they reviewed well, were reputable and offered a free domain name and email address with the purchase, as well as ongoing support and updates. I then opted for the paid version of WordPress to ensure I had the full functionality of WordPress available, and that I wouldn’t have any issues down the track.
Now, just over one year since I made that initial purchase I am very confident in recommending Bluehost as my preferred hosting service. They are user friendly, allowed me to setup my blog quickly and easily and have been there to assist me at any point in time when I needed them to.
If you are at the stage where you would like to start your blog or website then head over to my step by step guide for further details!
Travel Resources
Do you want to travel, but have no idea where to start or what steps you need to take to ensure smooth sailing? This section of my blog is here to help!
Over the years I have tried and tested a lot of methods, applications, third party companies and processes to make travel a little easier. The following are sites and companies I would recommend using when planning travel and while on the road. If you have already booked a trip but want to know what steps you should be taking to prepare yourself for overseas travel then check out this post. There is even a downloadable checklist to make sure you don’t forget any of the important steps.
Otherwise, continue reading for details about the companies I use when travelling.
Travel Insurance
You can buy and claim online, even after you’ve left home. Travel insurance from WorldNomads.com is available to people from 140 countries. It’s designed for adventurous travellers with cover for overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and a range of adventure sports and activities.
7 things you should know about travel insurance from WorldNomads.com
- Trusted reliable underwriters
WorldNomads.com is backed by a suite of strong, secure, specialist travel insurers who provide you with great cover, 24 hour emergency assistance and the highest levels of support and claims management when you need it most. - Value for money with the cover you need
WorldNomads.com provides cover for what’s important for travellers from 140 countries. By focusing on what you need and leaving out what you don’t, World Nomads prices are some of the most competitive online. - Flexibility when you need it most
Had a change of plans? You can buy more cover or claim online while you are still away. You can even buy a World Nomads policy if you’re already travelling. - Cover for a range of adventure activities
From skiing & snowboarding in New Zealand to whitewater rafting in Colorado, WorldNomads.com covers a range of adventure activities, giving you peace of mind to get the most from your travels. - World Nomads keeps you travelling safely
All WorldNomads.com members have access to up-to-date travel safety alerts, as well as travel safety advice and tips online through the World Nomads Travel Safety Hub. - More than just great value travel insurance
All WorldNomads.com members can learn the local lingo through a series of iPod & iPhone Language Guides and can stay in touch with family and friends with an online travel journal. - Commitment to exceptional customer service
We want to make sure you get the most from WorldNomads.com. You can find out more about why travel insurance is important for your trip. If you have any questions about your travel insurance or travel safety in general, please contact WorldNomads.com directly.
Personal Experience
After extensive research and comparisons between policy coverage, price and policy limitations I decided to go with World Nomads for my six month trip to South America this year. It covered me for all of my adventure and high-risk activities, had very minimal ‘loop-holes’ with regards to exclusions and it gave me the opportunity to extend while I was overseas.
While I didn’t experience any medical emergencies or major cancellations, I did have to claim for accidental damage to my very expensive mirrorless camera and my brand new iPhone. Making travel insurance claims can often be a nightmare, but I was pleasantly surprised by how easy the process was and how friendly the staff were who assisted me in making my claim online. Both claims went through without issue and I would definitely highly recommend booking your travel insurance through them.
Accommodation
While on my six month trip through South America, I used a mixture of Hostelworld and Booking.com to make my hostel bookings. Not long into my trip it became clear that Booking.com would end up being my preferred site to book all of my accommodation through. In addition to being user friendly, it also offered me excellent rewards the more I booked with them. If you are a regular traveller, then you will appreciate these benefits as much as I did. Hostelworld on the other hand offered me no discounts or rewards for regular reservations, which was a little disappointing considering the number of times I booked through them.
When I’m back home and am going away for the weekend, I always use Booking.com to reserve my hotels and weekends getaways. Why not have a quick look and see what’s on offer for your next destination.
If you have any questions, then please let me know in the comments section below. Happy travels and blogging!
--Girl Seeking Purpose