All jobs are jobs. Except when you have a 9 to 5, it helps that your working hours are definite. When you are on the road with no way of knowing where your next pay cheque is coming from, a 9 to 5 will feel like heaven. Classic buyer's regret. However, if you are a travel influencer, that's your everyday routine. Being on the road, carrying your stuff in 90-litre backpacks and fitting your life in a suitcase- all this while shooting stellar snapshots for Instagram? The working hours are more extensive than a usual job.
But you must have wondered how a travel influencer or writer makes their earning. It all boils down to the number game.
1. You need to have Sponsors
Let's be real, there is no way you are going to survive rough terrains if you don't have resources like food, gear and of course, camera set-up. Smartphones are great devices but they cannot shoot full-frame shots of the mountains. Enter sponsorships and brand deals- and those only come with a decent number of followers or a bit of larger-than-life daredevilry. Even YouTube ads begin paying if you have about 1000 subscribers on your channel.
2. Backpacking with Back-up Plans?
You need to have a backup plan if you plan to leave your cushy job. And no, that's not us saying it. Most people quit their jobs with no plans and then make it big- but some start the journey along with a full-time job. If you are dead serious, then here is your only shot- start somewhere. Use your smartphone but don't fall for romantic ideals. They may seem great in videos and books- but having a plan is essential to get to your dreams.
3. Know Your Niche
Thanks to geography, the planet has vast terrains. Some like the mountains, some are lovers of the beaches. Some like concrete jungles and some the Amazons. You choose your level of 'crazy'. Travel is a vast domain. The content is vast and there are 192 countries with varying landscapes and features. Are you planning a road trip across the globe? Are you doing an overlanding trip or are you an adventure junkie? Choose your niche and double down on making quality content. Go where the competition is less and the algorithm gods will favour you!
4. It can get Lonely
A lot of travel writing and blogging involves, spending time by yourself on trips alone. Yes, you make a lot of friends along the way, you live freely and there is no bar to the people you will meet. But your challenges are your own. You can call your family when it gets tough, but mostly it's you, by yourself in a stranger country or region. If you are ready to embrace the lifestyle and are free of the fear of being alone, only then venture into the great unknown.
