In February 2015 when we were invited as a speaker for the “Travel Blogging” session at Social Media Week, Bangalore, we were stoked to see that people were more curious to know how to earn money from blogging and making it a full-time profession.
Monetizing our blog never crossed our mind as we are not full-time bloggers, traveling was always our passion and blogging just happened. So, last year after the session, we thought of giving it a shot.
We know there are so many bloggers making a living from their blog and it has always been very inspiring to see people ditching their 9-5 job and living their dream life. But it could have been an outrageously foolish thing to just take a plunge looking at someone else’s life. You never know if something that works for others it might not work for you. It is always good to be practical and work hard to achieve your dreams with open eyes than regret later.
But one year down and having tasted both the waters, we can happily say that yes it is pretty much possible to earn a pretty decent income from blogging and to travel the world for (Not Exactly ) free. 😉
Having said that, we would also like to add that it is not a cakewalk as it sounds, at times it is more demanding than a 9-5 job, and travel is no more the same. But if you love it then this is the best job in the world.
This post is for all newbies who are planning to make it a full-time profession and have loads of queries on how to earn money from blogging.
Our Journey…
We started this blog on WordPress in 2013 just to share our travel tales but we were never that serious about the whole blogging thing back then. It was when we moved to our own domain ( http://thetalesofatraveler.com) in the month of October 2014, we dived into the world of blogging with all seriousness and gave it all the attention it always deserved. We are happy to reach where we are now, slowly and steadily learning from our mistakes and improving ourselves over the years.
Be it changing the website layout, content presentation, and writing ( PS: We are not amazing writers but yes like all of us we too are – Work in progress.
“Every human being is a work in progress that is slowly but inexorably moving toward perfection. We are each an unfinished work of art both waiting and striving to be completed. God deals with each of us separately because humanity is a fine art of skilled penmanship where every single dot is equally important for the entire picture.”
― Elif Shafak, The Forty Rules of Love
We started monetizing our blog last year on an experimental basis. Since we both have to manage our day jobs and have to keep our blog running, we kept our remuneration for blog posts and social media campaigns pretty high. Unfortunately, most of the PR/ Brands in India don’t pay that high, but, we were fortunate to get loads of emails from PR agencies based out of London, US, and Singapore for digital campaigns and sponsored posts.
Here we share our experience and a few ways that worked for us:
– Affiliate Marketing –
This is one of the best ways to earn and we have been seeing a constant growth in our income from this. The affiliate programs that we are currently part of are Flipkart, Amazon, Booking.com, and Cuelinks .
Joining an affiliate program is pretty easy and anyone can join it for free. But remember this won’t pay you huge from day one, it will slowly grow and if you have considerable traffic then VOILA you might see income flowing from day one.

Our Luxury Suite at Oberoi Cecil Shimla
– Sponsored/Paid Post –
This has been the major source of income for our blog. We were pretty fortunate to work with various brands, review some amazing products, and were paid really well.

A trip to Penang, Cameron Highland & Ipoh, Malaysia w/ Malaysia Tourism
Sponsored/ Paid posts are the posts you write about a specific brand or service. You are paid for selling a spot on your blog. It is that simple. The company pays for the blog post and social media updates. At times, the post is entirely written by the brand and you just have to post it on your site and get paid 😀 😀
We always shared the ones which were written well and was about travel. We had to say “No” to too many requests — who wanted to sell a flat on our blog or write a post on Scotch Whiskey 😉 and the list goes on …
When it comes to a sponsored post, we have always been honest with our readers while considering any collaboration and had to reject/ ignore many. We always kept our reader’s best interests in mind while accepting sponsored posts.

http://textasimage.com
– Digital Campaigns –
We were part of numerous digital campaigns for which we were paid.
For the campaigns, we were generally asked to share a post/ update/ participate in a contest on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. The amount varied depending on the number, duration, and brand reach. There were brands that paid really good.

Hampi with our American Tourister Backpack
Some sponsored posts
- Lufthansa Campaign
- American Tourister India ( You can check details about all the brands we have worked so far HERE )

Seychelles Trip – All thanks to Air Seychelles and CSIA Mumbai
You can signup on below portal for digital campaigns:
Join FB Groups –
– Selling Ad Space –
If you have good traffic then you can definitely give it a shot. We did sell a few ad spaces in the past. The pay was good.
So, well the choice is yours. Choose what works for you and make sure the placement is perfect.
– Writing Assignments –
There was two major writing assignment that came our way. One was a contract we signed for a leading travel website, it used to be a constant source of income every month of more than $ 800 for more than a year.
We have few invite emails in our mailbox to write for magazines but unfortunately, we don’t have the time nor the so-called amazing writing skills. Maybe this year we can give it a shot, but we know we are not great with words. We just love traveling and sharing our experiences.

Redang Island, Terengganu on the invite of Terengganu Tourism

Squid Jigging Festival w/ Terengganu Tourism
So, if you have a flair for writing, then do pitch to travel magazines or newspaper and try your luck earning from that.

Stay at Ramada Resort Goa ( PS: Our stay was hosted )

Ladakh w/ Hotel Grand Dragon Ladakh
– Sell –
Yes, selling products or photographs is also one of the best ways to earn money. But we do lack some serious dedication here. If you want we can share an entire list of apps and websites where you can start posting pictures and get paid really good. The income from this source has not been much as we were not that active but it did add a bit to our travel fund. There are apps that pay starting from 100-500$ for just one photograph.

Afternoon Tea at Landmark London ( PS: We were invited )
You could also sell postcard prints of your travel photographs or ebooks on Amazon.

At Le Meridien Piccadilly ( PS: Our stay was hosted )
There are many other modes and one of the most popular is Google AdSense from which you can earn money. But, we always wanted an uncluttered layout so we never gave any thought about earning from Google Adsense. But yes there is no harm in trying, but be careful don’t go overboard on this, and place numerous ads all over your website. A misplaced advertisement can be distracting and can annoy your readers too.

Asus Phone Review

Flying Business Class from Bangalore to London ( c/o: British Airways )
I hope you could take some cue from our post and earn pretty awesome. We still have a long way to go and this year we are planning to try many other ways. We will keep you posted if any of those works. Keep checking this space for more details and our new blogging series.
Happy Blogging & Traveling !!!
Do you have any other questions? Do post in the comment box below, we will be more than happy to reply back.
Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Youtube | Google+ for more travel stories, ideas, and photos from around the world.
Join us for travel stories, contest, and tips:
64 Comments
Amrita
July 8, 2016 at 1:15 pmSwati.. awesome post.. so very helpful. I know I have been going back and forth on the idea of getting a pro blog, but this one is really inspiring me know. Thanks a lot for the inspiration..
The Tales of a Traveler
July 15, 2016 at 2:47 pmHigh time for you to finalize a kick-ass blog name and start blogging babe 😉 :*
Shrinidhi Hande
July 8, 2016 at 1:41 pmVery informative
The Tales of a Traveler
July 15, 2016 at 2:46 pmThanks a lot 😀
Prasad Np
July 8, 2016 at 1:48 pmGood hai jee.. good to know you are making money from your blog… 🙂 While doing what you enjoy.. All the best…
The Tales of a Traveler
July 15, 2016 at 2:46 pmDhanyabad ji … aap jaise banna hai 🙂 🙂
Deepika
July 8, 2016 at 1:53 pmLove the honesty in this post. I think the most important thing a writer can do for his reader is not about having the writing flair but the honesty in his/her writing. Some very useful tips 🙂
The Tales of a Traveler
July 15, 2016 at 2:45 pmThank a ton Deepika, your comments always brings a smile 🙂
Vidya Sury
July 8, 2016 at 2:27 pmLovely post, Swati! 🙂 May you grow and grow! Hugs! Wishing you many many wonderful assignments! No greater joy than doing something you really enjoy!
The Tales of a Traveler
July 15, 2016 at 2:44 pmThank you so very much … made my day !!!! Virtual Bear hug to you 🙂
You are such an inspiration …. can’t wait for the day when my blog turns 13 like yours 🙂 🙂
Alok Singhal
July 8, 2016 at 3:05 pmVery interesting. I earn a bit from sponsored work, but not too much yet.
Happy blogging and traveling ?
The Tales of a Traveler
July 15, 2016 at 2:42 pmYou will surely earn much more Alok , cheers to blogging and traveling !!
Karthika
July 8, 2016 at 5:06 pmHi,
That’s a great post. I would like to know the apps and website to sell my photographs
Thanks
The Tales of a Traveler
July 15, 2016 at 2:42 pmWe will be sharing soon 🙂
docdivatraveller
July 8, 2016 at 7:51 pmReally awesome post! I am a big fan of you two!
http://www.docdivatraveller.com
The Tales of a Traveler
July 15, 2016 at 2:41 pmAww … thank you so much dear.. sending a virtual hug 🙂 😉
Jenny
July 8, 2016 at 10:11 pmReally interesting to hear how you have done it. I have always wanted to earn a little extra income from my blog. Enough to pay for some travel would be enough. You provided some good and honest tips here. Thank you and good luck with your next year!
The Tales of a Traveler
July 15, 2016 at 2:40 pmThank you so much Jenny 🙂 and ya Extra income doesn’t hurt 😀
Laurie
July 9, 2016 at 12:52 amA great post! I am new at blogging as well. I have my own travel agency and website which I am trying to grow. I agree with not putting on Google Adsense. Makes it cluttered. I would be interested in knowing apps as you suggested for selling photos or postcards. Good luck and happy travels!
The Tales of a Traveler
July 15, 2016 at 2:39 pmThanks a lot Laurie and wishing you too tons of travel !!!
We will be sharing this highly requested post soon 😀
Dixit
July 9, 2016 at 1:07 amCan you name all the apps that buy photographs.
The Tales of a Traveler
July 15, 2016 at 2:38 pmSure 🙂 Keep checking this space..
Ami
July 9, 2016 at 1:49 amWell done. A good guide for a lot of people and lots of useful tips here. Here’s to many more projects…cheers
The Tales of a Traveler
July 15, 2016 at 2:38 pmThanks Ami 😀 and ya to many more campaigns, on-time payments 😉 and loads of travel !!!!
Destination Infinity
July 9, 2016 at 1:52 amNice work, congrats to both of you. I am experimenting and still struggling with my income, so your post is an inspiration. And thanks for that tip to keep reader’s interests over money. Many bloggers go overboard to please sponsors for paltry amounts!
The Tales of a Traveler
July 15, 2016 at 2:37 pmGlad you liked our post and ya payment on time is still a concern. Having said that since we are not full-time bloggers, money from blogging is just an extra income for us and we never thought of earning it so quick. We hardly put an effort of 5-8 hours a week .. we are grateful to god for all the opportunities.
Mara
July 9, 2016 at 4:06 amGreat post! Very helpful and very informative! Also, I just found you and already like you. I like how your honesty about not being great writers but doing it anyway because you’re doing what you love. Those words are a great source of inspiration for me. Thank you! Can’t wait to read more.
The Tales of a Traveler
July 15, 2016 at 2:33 pmThanks a lot Mara for such a sweet note … Hope you love browsing our site and joining us virtually. Cheers to loads of travel !!!
Rutavi
July 9, 2016 at 5:37 amSwati, Really great post I have seen in a while.. I like the honesty, sharing of knowledge and ideas about how one can make blogging their core interest of income.. Honesty to the readers is the key when it comes to announcing the partnership, which you always do. Photograph selling is something I have never thought of. It would be great to know some apps as you mentioned.Affiliate marketing and quiet few things I haven’t done from here.. Maybe my agenda was different inregards to my space. Super glad about your ideas towards blogging. We should meet soon 🙂
The Tales of a Traveler
July 15, 2016 at 2:31 pmThanks a lot Rutavi… You should definitely take some cue and try , we are damn sure you will do wonders 🙂
Alisa
July 9, 2016 at 6:03 amThanks for this amazing post! I would be happy if you share the list of apps and websites where for posting pictures for money. 🙂
The Tales of a Traveler
July 15, 2016 at 2:28 pmThanks a lot Alisa, list of apps and websites is one highly requested post now, will soon share the list.
Girish palkar
July 9, 2016 at 6:26 amNice ready thanks for sharing 🙂
Will you please tell me the list of apps for selling photos?
The Tales of a Traveler
July 15, 2016 at 2:28 pmSure Girish 🙂
Kalpanaa
July 9, 2016 at 8:11 amWow – I’m so happy for you. Your photos are amazing and so is your generosity in sharing your tips. Thank you 🙂
The Tales of a Traveler
July 15, 2016 at 2:29 pmThanks a bunch Kalpana 🙂 Hope it helps newbies
Niranjan
July 9, 2016 at 9:17 amWonderful post! Quite informative too.
The Tales of a Traveler
July 15, 2016 at 2:29 pmThank you so very much 🙂
rupam { xhobdo }
July 9, 2016 at 2:24 pmGreat informative post 🙂
The Tales of a Traveler
July 15, 2016 at 2:25 pmThanks a lot Rupam 🙂
nidhi rohit joshi
July 13, 2016 at 5:04 amHi Swati and Sam,
We too are a family travel and lifestyle blog. I totally loved reading your article on earning from your blog. Have been toying with the idea of monetizing it, thanks for making the journey a bit easy.
Would love to know more about the apps where we can sell our pictures.
The Tales of a Traveler
July 15, 2016 at 2:25 pmThank you so much guys … will be sharing the list soon 🙂
Ankita Shreeram
July 13, 2016 at 9:04 amThanks for sharing. I’ve realised that I’m not as good as monetising my blog as I am at writing. Writing is my vocation but commercial blogging is a completely different ballgame. There is money, but not enough. I hope I can accomplish earnings of this scale.
The Tales of a Traveler
July 15, 2016 at 1:38 pmAmen to that and wishing you loads of travel, writing and money 😉
Gaurav Bhatnagar
July 13, 2016 at 4:01 pmI came to your blog via one of Anuradha Goyal’s post on a forum. Thanks for the article. I like your down to earth way of telling your story.
What are those apps that you mentioned about selling photos? I guess many people have the same question in comments. 🙂
Gaurav Bhatnagar
July 13, 2016 at 4:03 pmI came on your blog via one of Anuradha Goyal’s post on a forum. Thanks for sharing the wisdom and knowledge. I like your down to earth way to speaking.
What is the app you are talking about to sell photos? I guess many people have the same question in comments 🙂
The Tales of a Traveler
July 15, 2016 at 1:37 pmThank a lot Gaurav for liking our post … We would be sharing the list soon ..
VJ Sharma
July 14, 2016 at 3:02 amGood to hear that you guys are able to make money through this blog. Over the years, I have also tasted different modes of earning but felt that consistency is important and which is bit difficult with a busy job.
Thanks for this inspiring post !
The Tales of a Traveler
July 15, 2016 at 1:36 pmI second you, on time payment for every assignment is also a myth in the blogging world…But if could crack a long term deal then yes quite possible.
Managing with a day job is also quite hectic 🙁 More the experience , more the responsibility kicks in 🙁 We still are struggling to manage both.
Vishu Saumya
July 14, 2016 at 6:55 amThank you for sharing such an informative post. It will be really be a great help for those bloggers who want to convert their passion into a full time profession.
The Tales of a Traveler
July 15, 2016 at 1:23 pmHope it helps and they earn pretty good , just wanted to share the thought that blogging is not an easy task and it is as demanding as any other job 🙂
Chaitali Patel
July 19, 2016 at 4:27 amGreat post Swati and congratulations on doing so well! I am a better writer than a blogger, so always struggle with that piece. But its important to take my blog to the next level to get to travel more and then end up writing more! 🙂
Manjulika Pramod
July 29, 2016 at 9:53 amAwesome and I am glad some one wrote about earning through blog so confidently. Yes, I earn too and I believe even if my tickets are sponsored to a certain place where I want to go, even that’s my earning.
There is scope for everyone to excel and grow, what is needed that we work honestly.
Now, I am inspired all the more to take up more collaborations and campaigns.
And great wishes to you two to keep shining, to keep inspiring and keep growing bigger an better…
The Tales of a Traveler
August 9, 2016 at 3:49 amThank you so much Manjulika for your generous words and kind wishes. 🙂
Purba Mazumdar
July 30, 2016 at 12:39 pmInspirational post for new bloggers! Although we are also not into travel blogging full-time, but it surely is good to see what can be done in this space. Great going!
The Tales of a Traveler
August 9, 2016 at 3:48 amThank you so much Purba.
Kat
August 23, 2016 at 7:03 amHi there, thanks for sharing the insights of earning money from blogging. I’m also a travel blogger and have started to enjoy earning a small sum of money from creating travel custom guides for a brand, and recently I was approached by a brand for a sponsored post. However, payment was never brought up. What’s the industry rate for a sponsored post (min 500 words) plus social media sharing and promotions? I honestly believe there’s a lot of hard work and efforts in writing and putting a post together, not to mention the sharing & promoting on social media. Unfortunately, the industry is not recognising that especially for bloggers who have smaller number of social media metrics but have excellent writing content. Hope you don’t mind sharing with us. Many thanks. Cheers!
The Tales of a Traveler
August 29, 2016 at 3:07 pmHi kat, Thanks for stopping by ..
Income varies every month. Since we are not full-time bloggers we do charge a bit more for sponsored posts and digital campaigns. We could suggest that you keep writing and money will eventually follow 🙂
Chaitanya
December 27, 2016 at 5:41 pmMany thanks for this blog. Like the honesty in this blog and some very useful tips. I’m not into writing and all, but try clicking some pictures during my travels and of the 100s of pics I click, I usually like just a handful of them. Would be great if I can get more insights on how to make use of the pics in an efficient manner. Looking forward to your suggestions. As I write this message, I’m pining to hit the road in a few hours; perhaps Hampi (also inspired by your blog :-))
Parnashree Devi
July 7, 2017 at 9:39 amWhat honest post. I do earn from my blog, but not that much that I can write a blog post like this. Thanks for sharing the post. Great tips for many. I should start concentrating on monetization as well. It’s quite encouraging.
mayuri patel
July 7, 2017 at 10:23 amthank you for sharing this post,Liked the honesty you put here
It is pathway to newbie like me.
Travel Like We Do
July 7, 2017 at 10:34 amLoved your new post … answered lot many questions for the new bloggers., also like your honesty. We are budget traveler, but have to standardize the blog first before even thinking to earn. Love the way you guys manage work & travel together.
Puru
July 8, 2017 at 7:26 amThis is very informative. I could never learn how to monetize my blog, will need to look at this again 🙂
Raman Bhanot
November 16, 2018 at 11:38 amThanks guys for this post. The detailing is perfect. Didnt knew some of the things you mentioned. Very informative. Good luck. 🙂 🙂