by Sharyn McCullum | Last updated Sep 18, 2022 | Travel Blogging/Writing
What do you want to be? A travel writer or travel blogger? Before you decide, consider the 4 main differences between travel writing vs travel blogging. Then you will be able to decide where to focus your efforts.
Travel Writing vs Travel Blogging – the differences
- 1. Travel blogging involves different jobs while travel writing focuses on one
- 2. Travel bloggers must find and connect with an audience while travel writers must find a publication
- 3. Travel bloggers own their own work while travel writers sell the rights to their work
- 4. Travel writers receive one payment per article
1. Travel blogging involves different jobs while travel writing focuses on one
To be a successful travel blogger you must develop an extensive list of skills. These include being a writer, editor, photographer, website/blog designer, social media guru and affiliate marketing whiz. You need to master all of these (or seek help from others who specialise in these areas) to be a successful blogger.
Travel writers on the hand typically focus on the craft of writing. They may take photos to accompany the article and then let the publication they are writing for handle the rest. That would be the editing, website design, social media and marketing.
2. Travel bloggers must find and connect with an audience while travel writers must find a publication
Unless you have secured a staff position at a publication, pitching your ideas is a big part of being a freelance travel writer. Basically, you must pitch your idea to an editor or editors of publications. Then hope they will be interested in what you are offering. In most cases, you must specifically write what the publication wants.
Travel bloggers on the other hand don’t have to worry about finding an editor. This is because travel bloggers write, edit and publish whatever they want. They then use social media to reach their audience.
3. Travel bloggers own their own work while travel writers sell the rights to their work
That’s right, travel bloggers create and own their work. Unless they are blogging for someone else. While travel writers sell the rights to their work for particular areas/regions. This means you might sell one article for the Australian region. Then you could sell it again for the UK market.
4. Travel writers receive one payment per article
Travel writers are paid one amount for their article. Usually based on word count. Travel bloggers make money in a number of ways. Mostly by monetising their blog. Most do this with Google Ads and by joining affiliate programs that they promote. The more promotion or selling of the affiliate program in their blogs the more commission they can make.
Why Not Be Both?
Ultimately, travel bloggers and travel writers are in the same business. That of providing travel information. They just do it in different ways.