How I Make Money From My Travel Blog (and How You Can Too)
Updated June 2026 · 6 min read
People ask how a family travel blog actually makes money. The honest answer: affiliate links. When I recommend something I genuinely use and you buy or book through my link, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Here's how I do it, and how you can start if you're a creator too.
The simple version
- Write about what you actually use. Real recommendations convert because people trust them.
- Add your affiliate links to those products and services.
- Disclose it every time (it's required, and readers respect the honesty).
- Be patient. Content compounds: posts you write today keep earning for months.
My main income streams
For me it's a mix: an Amazon storefront for the gear I use, hotel and resort booking partners for the travel side, and brand commission programs for specific products. No single one is huge, but together, and growing over time, it adds up.
The travel platform that pays you to refer creators
Here's the one most people don't know about. Travelpayouts is an affiliate platform built for travel creators: one account connects you to 100+ travel brands (hotels, tours, flights) so you can earn on bookings. But it also has a referral program, and this is the part that surprised me.
When you refer another creator to Travelpayouts, you can earn up to $600 per creator as they hit their earning milestones, and the creator you referred can get up to $100 in bonuses getting started. So you both win. If you run a blog, a YouTube channel, or a TikTok and you talk about travel at all, it's worth a look.
Start earning with Travelpayouts
If you're a creator, you can join Travelpayouts free and start adding travel affiliate links to your content (and refer other creators for a bonus).
Join Travelpayouts → This is my referral link. If you join through it, I may earn a referral bonus, at no cost to you.A few honest tips
- Only recommend what you'd tell a friend. Your credibility is the whole business.
- Make links easy to find but never spammy, one clear call to action per post.
- Track what converts and write more of that.
- Always disclose affiliate relationships. It builds trust and it's the rule.
More from me
Want to see it in action? Browse my blog, where I link the real gear and stays I use, from resort day passes to park-day gear.
Frequently asked questions
How do travel blogs make money?
Mostly through affiliate links: you recommend products and travel services you use, and earn a small commission when readers buy or book through your links, at no extra cost to them.
What is Travelpayouts?
An affiliate platform for travel creators that connects one account to 100+ travel brands so you can earn on bookings, and it has a referral program that pays you for referring other creators.
Do I need a big following to start?
No. You need useful, honest content and the right affiliate links. Small, focused blogs earn by being genuinely helpful and ranking in search over time.
Janet
Orlando mom, creator, and the person behind Planet Janet TV. I share what actually works, including how I build this little business. Come say hi on Instagram.
See the affiliate approach in action
How I turn Orlando resort pools into cheap mini vacations, with the booking trick I use.
Read the ResortPass guide →Sources: personal experience plus Travelpayouts program details (referral up to $600 per creator, $100 starter bonus, as published). Confirm current terms on their official site.