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

The Travelista Celebrates 5th Blog Birthday

19/03/18 ᛫ 21 Comments

Blazer // Jeans // Blush Pink Shoes

Every year in March my little old blog gets one year older, and I am so excited to share that this month The Travelista celebrates its 5th Blog Birthday. I can’t quite believe that I have been blogging for half a decade (sounds pretty crazy when I put it like that). Since graduating, my blog has driven and shaped my entire career and despite the increasing pressures of the industry, there’s still nothing else I would rather be doing. It’s nice to take some time to reflect now and again, so that’s exactly what this post is about.

In the 5 years I have been running this blog my role and ‘defining title’ has changed so much. Firstly, I called myself a Travel Writer. I created The Travelista as a way to self-publish and get myself noticed as an aspiring travel writer (you’ll notice my first ever blog post was more like a newspaper article than a personal blog post). It was my dream to write about travel for the likes of Cosmopolitan and Conde Nast Traveller, so I started to call myself a Travel Writer from day one (fake it ‘til you make it right?). I managed to contribute travel pieces to a variety of magazines and bookazines, but it seemed that nobody wanted to offer me a job, or pay me a penny. I slowly realised I had to take a change of tack if I wanted to make money out of writing.

I decided to take a job as a Digital Content Executive instead of pursuing the journalism route, so I got to hone in my writing skills in the digital world. It was at this point I also changed my defining title from Travel Writer to Blogger, as I knew I wanted to focus on writing online. Back then it really was all about the writing, which suited me perfectly. I would post long, wordy blogs with a few bad quality iPhone photos, and that really was enough. It was raw and real, and people seemed to respond well to it (it even won me a Cosmopolitan Blog Award). I feel like that’s when blogging was in its heyday, before the rise of social media, Instagram and perfectly edited photography.

How I blogged back then would not be enough to survive in the industry these days. The benchmark of quality content is so much higher and if you’re not willing to put the effort in, there will be someone else out there who will. My friend Macca Sherifi hit the nail on the head when he did a blogger-related talk at World Travel Market last year called ‘Diversify or Die’. As extreme as it sounds, it’s kind of true. The people that once defined as Bloggers are now having to become Multi-Media Content Creators, producing beautiful videos, photos and social media content that supports the ‘words’ they have always shared.

All rings from Daniella Draper // Feather Ring // Topaz Ring / Open Circle Ring

In the past few years I have created a YouTube channel, learnt to shoot and edit videos and embraced the (once scary) concept of live vlogging through Snapchat and Instagram stories. People are now consuming their content in a very different way, and we ‘bloggers’ have to embrace it or risk falling behind.

The term Influencer is becoming the more common phrase for what I do and it’s a term we bloggers are better off embracing than rejecting. It makes me sad to admit, but it’s really not just about the blogging any more. Last week Hannah Gale wrote a great post about The Slow Demise of Blogging, sharing that she had decided to focus more of her time on Instagram and social instead of posting so regularly on her blog. She pointed out that people’s attention spans are becoming shorter and people now want to consume content in short, bite sized chunks. I thought she had a really good point and her post made me think about what I should be spending my time on too. Instagram captions create the opportunity to micro-blog, and you can reach your audience without taking them away from their beloved Instagram app. Video is going to be a big focus for me going forward, as well as investing in more photography sessions to make sure I am getting the very best photos for my blog and social channels.

All this makes me realise how much blogging and social media has changed in the past 5 years and I can only wonder where we will all be in another 5 years time. Will Instagram be dead and gone? Will YouTube be the only thing we watch? Is Vero actually going to take off? It’s all a big unknown, but my plan is to embrace the new media and allow my blog to grow and evolve with me through the different stages of my life. I’ve done a lot of growing up in the past 5 years and I want to reflect that in the content I create. Through all the uncertainty of the future of blogging, I plan to continue surfing this wave for as long as I can. Here’s to the next 5 years!


From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank every single one of you who is reading this post, and who has followed me and supported my blog over the past 5 years.


What did you think of my reflective blog birthday post? How do you think the world of blogging and influencers has changed? I’d love to hear your thoughts so please do leave me a comment in the box below. Jess x

Photography by Matt McCormick

21 Comments

Related Posts

  • 12 Reasons to Try a Cruise in your 20’s and 30’s
  • Afternoon Tea at The Ivy St Helens Square, York
  • Behind The Scenes of The Travelista with Blog Hop
« 8 Epic Things to do during Winter in Alberta, Canada
Discovering the Tiled Hall Cafe, Leeds »

Comments

  1. cbholganza says

    10th June 2020 at 11:56 pm

    thank you so much! This has been very enlightening. I may have started blogging earlier, but you certainly know a lot more about the current trends in social media. guess i’ll follow your lead here.

    Reply
    • Jess Gibson says

      22nd June 2020 at 4:17 pm

      Ah you’re welcome! Thank you for your comment

      Reply
  2. Sarah says

    10th April 2018 at 9:37 pm

    Travel is best when it’s represented creatively, whether through good photos, or videos or just amazingly descriptive writing. You bring those experiences alive and remind us that travel is so varied and vibrant and exhilarating. It’s people like you who make sure that pursuing new activities retains its essence and style even when we’re not able to actually go there. We can vicariously live through you, so that makes it all ok!

    Reply
    • Jess Gibson says

      12th April 2018 at 12:25 pm

      Thank you SO much for this lovely comment Sarah. I am so glad you feel like you can travel along with me on my trips. This has made my day xxx

      Reply
  3. Emma says

    22nd March 2018 at 1:13 pm

    What a post! I adore how reflective this is, but not nostalgic – you embrace change which can be quite refreshing in this industry and I certainly cannot wait to see what the next 5 years holds for you.

    Emma | HarmonyBlaze.co.uk

    Reply
    • Jess says

      23rd March 2018 at 10:47 am

      Thanks Emma! It was quite nice to write as I don’t reflect like this very often. I think we have to embrace change or risk falling behind. I guess thats the main message of the post! Who knows where we will be in another 5 years xxx

      Reply
  4. silverfootprint says

    22nd March 2018 at 3:15 am

    A really interesting read – I, too, got into this for the writing nearly 10 years ago and can hardly recognise the multimedia person I have become! Part of it has been interesting and challenging but part of it does make me a little sad. I think it’s important to live and reflect (as you are doing here) and so much of social media is now the opposite of that – it is instant and so much about image that I think it takes a tough person to survive it. But, like you, I’m going to surf the wave as long as I can – it’s creative and freeing and there aren’t that many jobs around that you can say that about! To the next five years for you! All the best, Abi

    Reply
    • Jess says

      23rd March 2018 at 10:48 am

      Thanks for your comment Abi! It’s nice to hear you can relate to all the changes. Starting a blog now would be COMPLETELY different to when we started ours. I can imagine it would be a lot more daunting as there are so many plates we have to spin. Lets keep surfing the wave! xxx

      Reply
  5. Nicola says

    20th March 2018 at 8:26 pm

    Congratulation 5 years of blogging! It’s incredible to think how everything has changed in that time and really sad that blogging has to be such a polished product. I much prefer reading a lengthy blog post to watching a video but I know I’m probably in the minority.

    Reply
    • Jess Gibson says

      23rd March 2018 at 11:19 am

      Thanks so much Nicola! I know, it’s really mad to think ow much has changed. That makes me happy to hear you still prefer blogs as I still love making them so good to know people still want this type of content 🙂 I will continue to make them and trial all the new media too x

      Reply
  6. Laura says

    20th March 2018 at 8:11 pm

    You have achieved so much in 5 years! It is crazy to think how a whole industry can change so much!

    Reply
    • Jess Gibson says

      23rd March 2018 at 11:19 am

      Thanks Laura that is so kind of you to say! x

      Reply
  7. Hayley says

    20th March 2018 at 2:01 pm

    Loved this post lady, congrats on 5 years of blogging! I’m SO excited to see what the next five years has in store for you! <3 I completely see where Hannah is coming from with peoples attention spans and like you said it's always so uncertain with where the industry will go; I personally love reading my favourite blogs over breakfast and catching up with what's new! Here's to diversifying over the next 5 years girl!

    Hayley xo
    http://www.frockmeimfamous.com

    Reply
    • Jess Gibson says

      23rd March 2018 at 11:20 am

      Thanks girl! Yeh Hannah made some really great points which made me think about my own future of blogging as well, it just so happened to coincide with my blogs 5th birthday hence this blog was born! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Angie Silver (@SilverSpoonLDN) says

    20th March 2018 at 8:46 am

    Happy blog birthday, Jess!!

    Reply
    • Jess says

      20th March 2018 at 8:56 am

      Thanks so much Angie! It’s so nice to reach this milestone 🙂

      Reply
  9. Marina V says

    20th March 2018 at 4:01 am

    Your comment is awaiting moderation.

    Congrats, Jess, I love your blog and your Instagram posts!!! ❤❤❤

    Reply
    • Jess says

      20th March 2018 at 8:56 am

      Aw thanks so much for your comment Marina, that is so nice to hear 🙂

      Reply
  10. Marina V says

    20th March 2018 at 4:00 am

    Congrats, Jess, I love your blog and your Instagram posts!!!

    Reply
  11. Bejal says

    19th March 2018 at 10:33 pm

    Firstly, congratulations Jess on the 5 years of blogging. I really enjoy your posts. They are always so real and down to earth. As a relatively new blogger this was a great insight into how things have changed as I only really know the world of blogging as being super competitive and so led by social channels and following! Here’s to many more Birthdays for The Travelista!!

    Reply
    • Jess says

      20th March 2018 at 8:59 am

      Hi Bejal! What a lovely comment, thank you. I am so pleased that my posts come across as down to earth. It’s definitely great for you to understand how things have changed as a new blogger. I would say it has become tougher to be recognised as there are now just so many bloggers out there, but if you’re producing beautiful quality content and an independent voice, I think there is still space in the Blogosphere to do really well! Good luck with everything and hope you continue following my blog. I have quite a few blogging advice posts in the Life section of my blog if you want some more advice x

      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