The Travelista

  • Home
  • About
    • Collaborations
    • Press
    • FAQ
    • Contact
  • Travel
    • Destinations by World Map
    • Hotels
    • Airlines
    • Restaurants
    • Itineraries
  • Life
    • Yorkshire
    • Style
  • Motherhood
  • Inspire Me
    • Adventure
    • Beach
    • City
    • Culture
    • Mountain
    • Tropical
  • Shop
    • E-mail
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

Travel Blogging with a Full Time Job

19/08/13 ᛫ 22 Comments

I have a confession to make. I’m a fraud. Not the kind of fraud who hacks your bank account and jets off for a month in St Tropez. But over the past few months a few people have got the impression I am a full time blogger. Not the case. Yes, I am a travel blogger. Yes, I am a freelance travel writer for a luxury publication. Yes, I get sent on some rather fabulous press trips. But I also have a 9-5 job. (9-5.30 if we’re going to be precise).

The reason I want to share this all with you is because a lot of people get a false impression that all travel bloggers make a living purely from jetting off around the world and writing about it. Whilst, for a select few, this is the reality, most of us also work a secure job to ensure we bring home some dough every month. I think it’s important for any aspiring travel writers to realise this.

But it’s not all bad. In fact, it’s pretty damn marvellous. Because I love my full time job as much as I love freelancing and running The Travelista (well, almost). I work as a Digital Content Executive for a British travel company which is part of the Cox and Kings group. My job includes writing for the company blog, managing the social media channels, writing inspiring content for the website and generally thinking up exciting ways to inspire people to book a holiday!

Sea Karts Mauritius

Working in travel has allowed me to see places and have experiences around the world I never even dreamt of – here’s me about to drive a Sea Kart in Mauritius

Working for a travel company has incredible perks, and I often get to travel through my full time job as well as through my blog and freelancing work. I get sent on familiarisation trips (known as ‘fam trips’ in the biz) to experience one of our hotels or products. My next fam trip is to Northern Ireland where I will spend a week doing crazy adventure activities such as whale watching, shark angling and learning to surf – wet suit permitting! (I know I couldn’t quite believe all that was possible in Ireland either when I found out – but I’m excited!). I’m also going to Amsterdam to present and shoot a city guide for our You Tube channel and website. But as well as all this excitement, I also spend a lot time in the office chained to my desk, just like millions of other people in the world. Being a travel writer still requires you to put in the man hours and actually produce the content you’re sent on these trips for.

In amongst all that, I run my dear little bloggy wog The Travelista. Everything I write for The Travelista is unique content for my lovely readers, all of which is written in my spare time. When I jet off on a freelance press trip, I write an article about it for a print magazine publication and will also write about my travel experience on this ‘ere blog. Going on a press trip means I have to take annual leave from my full time job, so I am essentially taking time off from one job to do another! But the travel experiences are incredible and are a great way to meet fellow travel journos – we always have a great time! My next press trip is to Sardinia at the end of August.

You can read my story about how I got into freelance travel writing here

La Reunion

Here’s me (right) and my lovely fellow journos on a press trip to La Reunion in the Indian Ocean after a 3 hour trek!

So for those wanting to get into travel writing full time, I would wholeheartedly suggest working for a travel company to begin with along side running your blog (read my tips on how to start a travel blog here). Try to set up your blog before you go for a job with a travel company as it will be a huge attribute to your CV and will demonstrate your passion for the industry. I say this because we recently hired a girl into our Digital Content team and she pipped her other candidates as she had set up her own travel blog and showed initiative by bringing some sample blog posts to her interview. She is now my colleague!

Try and find a creative / marketing / writing role within the company. It’s amazing how much you will learn about the travel industry and you’ll pick up some great contacts along the way. Heck, you might even get sent on fam trips too like me, which will provide you with some awesome content for your blog. All easier said than done but the jobs are out there, and somebody’s got to do them! Why shouldn’t it be you?

So a day in the life of this little travel blogger is pretty crazy. I often find it hard to switch off and I am constantly drafting up new blog posts in my head on my commute to work or in the gym. I’m pretty addicted to my iPhone, my laptop and my blog. With my finger in so many different pies, I often spend over 50 hours a week working and writing, glued to the monitor of a PC or my laptop. It’s a lot of hard work, but it also the perks in travel are indescribable and worth every moment of overtime. I wake up thinking about travel and I go to sleep thinking about travel –but why wouldn’t I? It’s my passion, and if you love what you do, work often doesn’t feel like work at all. So I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Travelista sailing Greece

Once a blogger – always a blogger! I am forever taking photos, writing notes and questioning locals about the places I visit – even when I am actually on HOLIDAY !

Are you an aspiring travel writer? Are you a current travel blogger who also works full time? If this post has inspired you or you can relate in some way, leave me a comment in the box below! I would love to hear from you x

And Just in case you were wondering…

What is a ‘Press Trip’? A press trip usually coordinated by the PR Company of a hotel or tourist board. The PR agency invites journalists to experience the hotel / destination, all free of charge. The journalist then writes an article about their experience for their relevant publication, providing publicity for the hotel or tourist board.

What is a ‘familiarisation trip’? A familiarisation trip is when members of a travel company or agency are invited to experience a hotel or product that that company sells. Whilst Press Trips are to ensure publicity, fam trips are to ensure travel professionals are clued up a particular product, with the belief that if you can talk about something personally you are more likely to be able to sell it to a customer.

22 Comments

Related Posts

  • 13 Fearless Female Travel Bloggers to Follow in 2018
  • The Travelista Featured in Marie Claire, October 2017
  • 5 Inspiring Women to Follow in 2016
« The Penthouse Suite at The Grand Hotel York
Livin’ La Dolce Vita in Sardinia »

Comments

  1. Miquel says

    12th August 2014 at 12:21 pm

    I just found your blog and am really enjoying your advice! I recently started meaningofmomentum.com in hopes of creating my own portfolio and hopefully breaking into a communications career eventually. I still have a long way to go and a lot to learn! Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
  2. mecopybird says

    15th July 2014 at 9:09 pm

    Music to my ears! I’m a freelance write, single mum and brand new travel writer/blogger. I am OBSESSED with my blog: travelcandy.net

    It is my baby, but I am finding it hard to switch off, esp as it’s a new kid on the travel block and I’m building an audience.

    If it wasn’t for gin, I don’t know how I’d cope 😉

    Cxx

    Reply
    • thetravelistablog says

      16th July 2014 at 10:04 am

      Thanks for your comment! Great to hear you’ve got a real passion for your blog, many don’t understand how it can become an obsession before they throw themselves into it. I couldn’t imagine life without mine! Keep up the good work as it’s slow to get traffic coming in at first. Try to see it purely as a hobby at first as that’s the way you’ll get genuine followers. Going to follow you now! 🙂 XX

      Reply
      • mecopybird says

        16th July 2014 at 1:18 pm

        THANK YOU!!!! I am a massive admirer of your work and blog, so feel bloody honoured that you’ll follow me!!! Big blog-to-blog high five!

        Ps: any shout outs – as my 12-year-old calls them – on twitter, etc will be hugely appreciated too! Will buy you a G&T one day 🙂
        Cxx

        Reply
  3. Jo says

    8th October 2013 at 11:33 pm

    Hey Jess! I just started following your blog and it is a really great read 🙂 I have just launched my travel blog and I also work a 9-5 job in telecommunications which is hella boring but pays the bills! Its pretty exhuasting getting home from work and then working on the blog but seeing my articles come to life is so worth it. http://www.dirtypawsblog.com

    Reply
  4. akilme says

    7th September 2013 at 12:44 am

    I am really over whelmed with your blogs seriously and I wish I can make a career just like yours its a dream of mine. For this I would need your guidance.

    Reply
    • thetravelistablog says

      7th September 2013 at 4:46 pm

      Hi Akilme – thank you for your comment. I am so pleased that you like my blogs. I write posts like this to inspire people like you to do the same and set up your own blog! This can be the first step to pursuing a career in travel writing. So take that leap of faith and go for it ! 🙂

      Reply
      • Travelogue Asia says

        26th September 2013 at 5:21 am

        Hey Jess, thanks again for the inspiration. I have made a first start about my travel stories. Please do check out my blog about a recent travel to Hongkong. I was really excited about this story and wanted to share it with you. Please do come up with suggestions as they would really be valuable for me. http://akilme.wordpress.com/

        Reply
        • thetravelistablog says

          2nd October 2013 at 7:08 am

          Hi Travelogue Asia – you’re very welcome! Just checked out your post about HongKong – amazing story! Just a little tip – you’ve got some incredible photos in your blog but they’re all very small and aligned to the left of your post. Make the more of your photos by making them larger and centralising them. Photos can add so much to a blog post, especially ones as good as yours! Keep blogging and I’ll keep reading 🙂

          Jess x

          Reply
          • Travelogue Asia says

            3rd October 2013 at 4:57 am

            Hey Jess thanks so much for taking time to read it. It’s definitely inspiring to see your comments. I am gonna take a note of the tips and implement them in my next posts. Thanks so much

          • thetravelistablog says

            3rd October 2013 at 5:13 pm

            You’re very welcome 🙂

  5. Beth | Besudesu Abroad says

    29th August 2013 at 12:42 pm

    I’ve got to agree– as a travel blogger, it’s definitely hard to switch off sometimes!

    Reply
    • thetravelistablog says

      4th September 2013 at 10:19 pm

      It is indeed Beth! Thanks for your comment. How do you manage to switch off ? If you’re anything like me, you’re on blogger mode even when you’re actually on holiday! Can’t complain though as I do love it 🙂

      Reply
  6. Emily says

    24th August 2013 at 9:51 pm

    Thank you so much for this great post! I’m currently working full-time, writing for my own travel blog and about to start studying for my NCTJ part-time, so it’s pretty full on. I’m trying to get into a similar line of work to you, so fingers crossed it will all be worth it 🙂

    Reply
  7. Anna Roberts says

    21st August 2013 at 12:49 pm

    Your motivation to make all 3 – blog, freelance and 9-5 job – succeed really shows. I blame my full time job on me not doing “what I really want to do” i.e. write, but you’ve just proved me wrong! Thanks for the advice x

    Reply
  8. thetravelistablog says

    19th August 2013 at 5:27 pm

    Thanks for your comment hunnie! I am very grateful for my opportunities! Though I have to admit it can be hard finding the time to juggle my blog along side my full time job, but I often find it quite therapeutic to come home and write a blog post – although I always try and avoid blogging late at night as it makes it harder to switch off and sleep! Hope you continue to follow The Travelista, 🙂 Jess x

    Reply
  9. Taylor Hearts Travel says

    19th August 2013 at 3:27 pm

    Thanks for this post. I’m in the same boat as you – working the 9-5 job (sadly not travel related) and then travel blogging in my spare time. It’s full on, but I agree, it’s fun when you’re writing about something you love. I’m sure Sardinia will be amazing – enjoy!

    Reply
    • thetravelistablog says

      19th August 2013 at 5:30 pm

      Hey lovely, how are you?! Thanks for stopping by again and leaving a comment. Seems like we have lots in common then, and glad you can relate to this post. If I was blogging about anything else I probably would have given up in the first week – but it’s my love of travel that means I have endless topics to talk about! We must stay in touch 🙂 – Look out for lots on Sardinia coming soon! x

      Reply
  10. The Rider says

    19th August 2013 at 12:22 pm

    What a job! And I do enjoy your blog, even if you are only a part timer like me! 🙂

    Reply
    • thetravelistablog says

      19th August 2013 at 4:54 pm

      So pleased to hear you enjoy my blog 🙂 Full time + part time = overtime, but I do love my job! 🙂

      Reply
  11. Kirstie says

    19th August 2013 at 11:44 am

    Thank you for such an informative post. I’m an aspiring travel writer and as I’m just about to start my third year at university, your advice is invaluable. I’d love a role within any company that allows me to write but obviously a travel company is what I’m aiming for, I’ve actually just started my travel blog. Thanks again!

    Reply
    • thetravelistablog says

      19th August 2013 at 4:51 pm

      Hi Kirstie, you’re so welcome. I write these posts exactly for people like you! Very glad to share my advice with you. Keep up your travel blog during your final year of studies and I promise you it will massively help you secure that first writing job in travel! Good luck with everything and stay in touch x Jess

      Reply

Spark a conversation! Cancel reply

Jess is an an award-winning travel blogger based in Yorkshire, navigating the world as a new Mum to baby Theo. Blogging about adventures both local and global.

Read More

Booking.com

Subscribe

Never Miss a Post!

Latest Posts

An Indulgent Escape at Columbia Beach Resort, Cyprus

14 of the most Instagrammable places in Leeds

3 Day Itinerary: A Family Friendly Durham Mini Break

Follow on Instagram

Ad Formal night on board Enchanted Princess 💫 Ad Formal night on board Enchanted Princess 💫

It’s tradition that on every Princess cruise there is at least one formal night, where guests get to dress to impress. There are live bands, dancing, indulgent dinners and lots of fun people watching. I loved seeing how much effort everyone made, with their sparkles, sequins, tuxedos and bow ties. 

TIP: So if you’re heading on a cruise be sure to pack at least one fancy outfit to look the part! 

Did you know about this cruising tradition? It’s such a fun excuse to get dressed up. A nice change to my usual uniform of leggings and a jumper 🤣

@princesscruises 
@traverseevents 
#discoverwithprincess 
#enchantedprincess
Ad I’m not like a regular mom, I’m a cool mom Ad I’m not like a regular mom, I’m a cool mom ✌🏼

Yesterday we hopped off the ship at Rotterdam and spent the day in Amsterdam on a shore excursion with a river cruise and 3 hours free time. We also found the best kept secret in Amsterdam, especially for foodies. Head to my stories to see what we got up to ⚓️

If you’re curious about any aspect of cruising leave a question as a comment and i’ll let you know! 💓

@princesscruises 
@traverseevents 
#discoverwithprincess 
#enchantedprincess
Ad On board and ready to roll! I’m cruising on E Ad On board and ready to roll! I’m cruising on Enchanted Princess for the next 5 nights and will be exploring Bruges, Amsterdam and Guernsey. 

Follow my trip on stories and see what I’ve been up to so far. ☺️⚓️

@princesscruises 
@traverseevents 
#DiscoverWithPrincess 
#EnchantedPrincess
Hi guys 👋🏼 I’m so excited to share that th Hi guys 👋🏼 I’m so excited to share that this Sunday I’ll be setting sail with @princesscruises for my second ever cruise.

Some of you may remember I experienced a cruise for the first time back in 2018 with Princess Cruises, embarking on an epic 10 day adventure around Russia and Scandinavia (swipe right for throwback photos). 

This time our 5 day cruise will be departing from Southampton and calling at Rotterdam, Bruges and Guernsey. 3 new entirely destinations for me to explore and share. I’m especially excited to see Rotterdam as it’s my Grandma’s home town and the place of my Dutch roots. 🇳🇱 

We also get a “sea day” which gives us time to enjoy all the luxurious facilities on board our ship, #EnchantedPrincess.

I’ll be travelling with some fabulous fellow content creators including @kirstyleannetravels @charliepauly @laurenacliffe @bonnierakhit @joshuanueva. Be sure to give them all a follow to see the same trip from different perspectives. 

Have you ever thought of doing a cruise or are you already a cruise covert? Hope you can all follow along 🚢 💫

(1st photo from my recent Abu Dhabi trip, taken at @beirutsurmer) 

This upcoming trip is a paid campaign so all posts / stories during the trip will be marked as ad. This post is not part of the campaign.
(Ad - press invite) Me and my boy 💓 I hope ever (Ad - press invite) Me and my boy 💓 I hope everyone had a lovely early May bank holiday. Ours has included an incredible meal at @billsrestaurant in York to try out their brand new menu. Swipe for some serious #foodporn 👉🏼

I took Theo and my parents so we were able to sample lots of different dishes (as well as the kids menu) and we were all so impressed with both the quality of the food and also the service. 

The menu is a very international so you can pretty much eat your eat around the world in three courses (or stick to one type of cuisine). But either way there’s definitely something to appeal to everyone around the table

Here are my recommendations from Bill’s new menu;

Starters
✔️ Cheese and truffle fondue with sour dough bread - hands down the best of the 3! Ridiculously good
✔️ Burrata and chargrilled red peppers - insane creaminess in the Burrata, my Dad loved it
✔️ Crispy calamari with roast garlic and basil aioli - a staple starter for me! You cannot go wrong 
✔️ Bill’s sticky duck salad - so light, fresh and flavoursome 

Mains 
✔️ Bill’s sea bass thali - What I ordered. An Indian feast on one plate with so many elements. Loved it!
✔️ Halloumi shawarma - a strong choice from my Mum, I kept stealing her halloumi 
✔️ Miso salmon and aubergine - My Dad raved about this. I was also tempted to order it

Dessert 
✔️ Chocolate and salted caramel tart 
✔️ Eton colada 

The kids menu was also great at £5.95 for two courses and a side, and lots of great / tasty / healthy options beyond the classic kids menu dishes.

Thanks to the team at York Bill’s for such a great experience ✨

Which of the above dishes sound like a bit of you? 🤤🍽
(Ad - press trip) If you’re in search of a luxur (Ad - press trip) If you’re in search of a luxurious family-friendly hotel / holiday this summer, I have a great recommendation for you.

New on the blog is my review of @columbia_beach_resort, which I visited with my family in March with @jet2pics. Find my full review via the link in my bio. 👆🏼#Jet2Cyprus 

Whilst this was a press trip, I researched and selected the hotel myself, and it didn’t disappoint. A few reasons why I chose Columbia Beach Resort:

🍋 It’s part of @smallluxuryhotels 
🍋 Spectacular beach front location
🍋 Beautiful aesthetics whilst also child-friendly
🍋 30 minute transfer from Paphos airport
🍋 Excellent Trip Advisor reviews on food and service
🍋 Kids clubs for babies to age 3 and ages 4-12 (free for 4-12)
🍋 Small play area and shallow children’s pool 

This holiday was part of an Indulgent Escapes package with Jet2Holidays, which come with lots of additional benefits such as:

🌥25kg baggage allowance per person
🌥 Private transfers to and from your hotel
🌥 Priority lane passes through security
🌥 A round of complimentary drinks on board your Jet2 flight (including beer and wine)
🌥 A luxurious gift on arrival at the airport (ours was a beautiful leather travel wallet)

All of these little extras really added up to make our journey so much easier and more enjoyable, especially the priority lane pass at @leeds_bradford_airport and the private transfers on arrival. The driver even had a toddler car seat so we didn’t need to worry about bringing one along with us. I was so impressed.

Hope this review comes in handy for some of you! Check out the blog post and feel free to ask any further questions about this hotel in the comments ☀️

Subscribe

Never miss a post! Subscribe for Travelista updates and newsletters

Latest Video

  • 3847likes
  • 19680followers
  • 10040followers
  • 2030subscribers

Copyright © 2022 · Design by Gatto

Copyright © 2022 · The Travelista on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

  • Privacy Policy
  • FAQ
  • Contact