Tips for New Travel Bloggers

binoculars and a newspaper

What I’ve Learned in 5 Years of Blogging…Tips for New Travel Bloggers

 

Blogging take A LOT of time.

It is honestly NEVER ENDING!  Just when you think you are done with a piece you start to second guess yourself and change pictures, center comments, change the title, and wonder if you should scrap the whole piece. This does not even count the times you wake up at 3 a.m. and spend an hour or two developing a new piece in your head.

Set a schedule

You wouldn’t walk around blindly at a regular job, so why should blogging be any different? I find I get much more accomplished when I created “days” in my week.  For example, here’s a peek at how I run my week:
Monday: “Planning Day”  Start planning out next blog post and promote the one that just came out.
Tuesday: “Writing Day” Write my blog, edit, and work on SEO.
Wednesday: “Pinterest Day” I schedule posts on Tailwind, create new pins, etc. It is also “Picture Day” where I take pictures and videos.
Thursday:  “Instagram Day” where I schedule pictures, research hashtags, etc.
Friday: “Catch Up Day” Answer all emails, work on fixing/improving things on my blog. I research info for my next blog piece.

Instagram is your best friend

Before blogging I only used Instagram to share pictures with family and friends.  To be honest, I never used a hashtag in my life!  I never knew how instrumental it would be in promoting my blog. You’d be surprised how important Instagram is to hotels and attractions.  It is also a great source of inspiration. (more…)

15 Ultimate Gifts for Women Who Love Travel

Christmas is the time for giving, so let me help you cross some items off your list!  The holiday season can be hectic, so I’ve come to love the ease of online shopping! I can put on my favorite PJ’s, pour a glass of wine, sit by the fire, and avoid the mobs of people at the mall. So, what do you get for that woman on your list that loves travel?

Here are my Top 15 Gifts for Women Travelers:

TRAVEL JOURNAL by THE AMAZING OFFICE

I’ve had a travel journal since I went to Portugal in junior high.  They’ve gotten a bit more sophisticated throughout the year and I’ve gotten rid of the shiny pink one with the heart-shaped lock on it.  Leather journals are my favorite and I fill them with details of my trip as well as a spot to put ticket stubs, postcards, and pictures.  I love looking back on these memories.  This journal is gorgeous, and I love the compass on the front.

TOTE BAG by QOGIR

 The one item I always travel with is a tote bag.  I bring it to the beach, carry one when I’m out shopping, or use it as a laundry bag in the hotel.  I like this one because it is can be changed into three styles so it’s like having three bags in one!

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Logitech Circle 2 Security Camera System Review

Logitech Circle 2 Security Camera System

 

Summers are filled with carefree days and spontaneous road trips. However, it is not completely stress-free.  Burglary rates are 10% higher in June, July, and August.  Since so many Americans vacation during summer months, there are many homes left unattended. So how can you protect your home while you’re away? Here are some tips from personal safety coach, Kathleen Baty:

1.     ASSESS YOUR PARIMETER: It’s time to take a good look at your house and make some safety changes.  From the street, can you see the entrance to your house or are shrubs and plants obscuring your view? Motion sensor lights and well-lit paths may deter anyone from hanging around your home. Also, make sure your front porch lights are working.

2.    JUST SAY NO TO SOCIAL MEDIA: When you’re traveling, don’t announce it to the world on social media since that’s just asking for trouble.  Sometimes you may not even realize you’re doing it, like if you advertise for a pet sitter on a public site.  Be smart and save the news of your trip for after you return.

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10 Best Apps to Use While Traveling

phone

 

Since I’m not lucky enough to have my own personal assistant, I rely on certain apps to help me out while I’m traveling.  Some get me where I need to go and others make it more fun while I’m there.  The following are my top 10 apps I use while traveling:

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10 Best Apps for Planning Your Trip

hone

 

Since so much goes into planning a trip, it is wonderful to get some help. Luckily, help is right at your fingertips.  The following are the top 10 apps that I use when I am planning a trip.

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