5 Unique Ways to Build a Business Around Your Travel Content 💸

When I first started creating travel content, I’ll admit - I was solely focused on likes and followers.

After all, that’s what everyone talks about, right? But over time, I realised those numbers don’t pay the bills.

The real game-changer was learning how to turn my passion for travel into actual income.

And the best part? With solid idea & content strategy, you don’t actually need millions of followers or a massive budget to get started.

Here are five of my favourite low-barrier business ideas for travel content creators.

1. Travel Guides for Niche-Specific Locations 🗺️

One of the best ways to monetize your travel knowledge is by creating hyper-specific travel guides.

There are plenty of big travel sites that cover everything, but they often lack depth and personal touch.

How it works:

• Choose a Niche: Focus on something you know like the back of your hand, for example, a destination, activity or travel style you're passionate about.

• Create Your Guide: Build a detailed, visually appealing guide using a tool like Canva. You can make it a downloadable PDF, an eBook or even a pinned Google map.

• Content Marketing: Create valuable content such as blog posts, videos or Pinterest pins related to your niche to help establish your expertise and drive traffic to your guide.

• Community Engagement: Participate in travel forums, Facebook groups, or Reddit communities related to your niche, providing value and subtly promoting your guide when appropriate.

2. Niche Specific Content Creation Agency 📹

Have you mastered capturing epic drone shots, taking beautiful lifestyle photos or creating engaging short-form travel content?

Many businesses haven't, so why not turn those skills into a business yourself?

Offering specialized services like hotel virtual tours or aerial videography can help you land high-value clients.

How it works:

• Specialize: Decide on a niche, like virtual tours for boutique hotels or aerial photography for travel brands.

• Build a Portfolio: Create sample work and case studies that highlight the value of your services (you can use free templates on website builders like Framer to do this relatively easily).

• Package Deal: Create a recurring service package, such as monthly content creation or quarterly updates, to secure long-term clients and build a sustainable income stream.

• Outreach Strategy: Research businesses that need what you offer and pitch them with personalized emails or DMs - or better still a pitch deck or personalised video recording.

3. Custom Travel Planning Service 📝

If you're an experienced traveller, you probably have a good idea of how to put together a great trip and find the best prices - but not everyone does!

Travelers who want unique, stress-free experiences will pay for a planner who gets it right.

How it works:

• Understand Your Audience: Are you targeting families, luxury travellers or adventure seekers? Define your niche.

• Build a Pricing Structure: Offer packages based on complexity, from basic itineraries to fully-booked experiences.

• Content Marketing: Create blog posts, social media content and videos showcasing your expertise in travel planning. Share tips, destination highlights and itineraries while you promote your service.

• Affiliate Marketing: You could promote hotels, tours and travel products within your content to generate additional revenue through platforms like Travelpayouts.

4. Print-on-Demand Unique Travel Designs 🖼️

People will always want art for their homes and workspaces, if you’re creative with a camera or have an eye for design, you can turn your visuals into physical products like travel-themed posters or wall-art.

How it works:

• Create Unique Designs: Use your best photos to design wall art, minimalist maps or themed travel poster collections - Canva makes this super easy even if you're not a designer!

• Choose a Platform: Use print-on-demand services like Printful to handle the printing and shipping on your behalf.

• Optimize for Locations: Research what's trending on Etsy or Pinterest to create designs that resonate, then create variations for as many locations as possible to maximize your reach.

• Leverage third-party traffic: Leverage Etsy's large user base and built-in traffic. Optimize your listings with relevant keywords and eye-catching thumbnails to stand out in searches.

• Utilize Pinterest: Create pins showcasing your prints and link them to your Etsy shop. Use targeted keywords to reach users actively searching for travel-inspired art and decor.

5. Organizing Group Trips ✈️

One of the most fulfilling ways to make money as a travel creator is by organizing group trips.

People often dream of traveling to incredible places but feel overwhelmed by the planning or simply don’t have anyone to travel with.

By organizing and hosting trips, you’re solving their problem while building a community around your brand.

How it works:

• Pick a Niche: Choose a focus that aligns with your travel expertise. Think adventure trips for hikers, foodie tours, cultural immersion experiences or even photography retreats.

• Create a Standout Itinerary: Don’t just follow the tourist trail - offer unique activities that people can’t easily organize themselves. Leverage your local knowledge and connections to make the experience unforgettable.

• Set Transparent Pricing: Factor in all costs - accommodations, activities, transport and meals, then add your fee for organizing and hosting.

• Market the Experience: Utilize channels like travel-focused Facebook groups, forums and social media content to attract participants. Plan far enough in advance to give yourself enough time to assemble your group.

The key is to start small, stay consistent and lean into the idea that excites you the most.

You’ve already got the skills - now it’s time to turn them into a thriving business.

Until next time, keep creating.

Rory, a travel creator 🤘