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Blogging Resources

Tools I Use to Run My Travel Blog

Thinking of starting a travel blog? Or want to grow yours so you can share your adventures and maybe even earn money while traveling?

I’ve been running my travel blog for a while now, and over the years I’ve discovered the tools and resources that make blogging easier, more organized, and a lot more fun. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to take your blog to the next level, here are the platforms and resources I use to keep everything running smoothly.

1️⃣ WordPress.com

If you’re new to blogging, WordPress.com is a great place to start. You can create a free blog to test the waters before committing to a paid plan.

Why I recommend it:

  • Beginner-friendly and intuitive.
  • No coding skills required.
  • Lots of free themes to choose from, so your blog can look professional quickly.
  • You can upgrade later if you want your own domain name or more advanced customization.

Tip: Start with the free version, write 5–10 posts, and get comfortable with the platform. Once you feel confident, you can upgrade to a paid plan to remove ads, connect a custom domain, and unlock extra features.

2️⃣ Canva

Canva is my go-to for creating graphics, Pinterest pins, and social media content. It’s free, easy to use, and perfect for beginners—even if you have zero design experience.

What I use it for:

  • Pinterest pins to drive traffic to my blog.
  • Instagram posts and stories.
  • Media kits or eBooks if you want to pitch brands or collaborate.
  • PDFs, infographics, or simple presentations.

Tip: Stick with Canva’s free plan at first. You’ll get a huge library of templates, photos, and fonts. Upgrade only if you need more advanced features or stock images.

3️⃣ Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive)

Organizing your travel blog and content schedule is easier with Google tools.

How I use it:

  • Google Docs: Draft posts before publishing.
  • Google Sheets: Plan your content calendar, track collaborations, or manage expenses.
  • Google Drive: Store photos, blog graphics, and PDFs safely in the cloud.

Tip: Make separate folders for each trip or project—it keeps your blog assets neat and easy to find.

4️⃣ Grammarly

Writing clear, mistake-free content is key. Grammarly is a free tool that helps you:

  • Check spelling and grammar.
  • Improve sentence flow and readability.
  • Avoid repetitive words.

Tip: Use the free version first—you’ll catch most errors. Upgrade only if you want advanced suggestions and plagiarism checks.

5️⃣ Pinterest

Pinterest isn’t just a social platform—it’s also a huge source of traffic for travel blogs.

How I use it:

  • Create boards for destinations and travel tips.
  • Design pins for each blog post in Canva and pin them.
  • Use keywords in pin descriptions to help readers discover your content.

Tip: Make vertical pins (2:3 ratio) as they perform best. Schedule pins using Tailwind if you want to save time.

6️⃣ Tailwind

Tailwind is a Pinterest and Instagram scheduling tool that lets you plan and automate your pins and posts.

Why it helps:

  • Saves time by scheduling content in advance.
  • Gives insights into your pin performance.
  • Helps you join Pinterest Tribes for more exposure.

Tip: Use their free trial first and see if it fits your workflow before paying.

7️⃣ Free Stock Photo Resources

Even if you travel a lot, sometimes you need extra images for blog posts. These are my favorites:

  • Unsplash – High-quality free images.
  • Pixabay – Great for diverse photos and illustrations.
  • Pexels – Free stock photos with a wide variety of travel content.

Tip: Always credit the photographer if possible—it’s polite and builds good karma!

8️⃣ OneNote

For planning trips, jotting down ideas, or storing research, OneNote, Evernote and Notion are lifesavers.

How I use them:

  • Keep a running list of blog ideas.
  • Organize travel research and hotel or activity notes.
  • Keep to-do lists for blog posts, social media, and collaborations.

Tip: If you love visual organization, go with Notion. If you prefer simple notes, Evernote works perfectly.

9️⃣ Monetization & Analytics Tools

  • Google Analytics: Track your blog traffic and see what readers love.
  • Google Search Console: Helps you improve your SEO.
  • Affiliate Programs: Booking.com, Skyscanner, and Amazon Associates can help you earn money from your travel blog.

Tip: Don’t focus on monetization too early—first focus on creating quality content and building your audience.

🔹 Final Tips for New Travel Bloggers

  1. Start small: Use free tools first to get the hang of blogging.
  2. Be consistent: Even one post per week is better than irregular bursts.
  3. Document everything: Your personal experiences and stories are what make your blog unique.
  4. Learn as you go: SEO, social media, and design skills all improve with practice.

Blogging is a journey, and using the right tools will make it easier and more fun. Start simple, stay organized, and let your passion for travel shine through every post.

I HOPE THIS HELPS ON YOUR BLOGGING JOURNEY!
I’d love to hear from you: apetiteabroad@gmail.com