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round trip travel and lifestyle blog

6 Things I Didn’t Know Before Starting A Travel Blog

November 30, 2016
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Two whole years.  I still can’t believe I started my WordPress blog two years ago on December 1.  No, I haven’t sold all my possessions (which would really only be a phone and a laptop) or stormed out of my 9-5 office job to travel the world, but I have learned a thing or two in these several years. I didn’t know I’d go on to create an online travel budgeting course with more than 2,300 students enrolled and create a video series to help new bloggers set themselves up for success.

I didn’t know I would look at life differently. 

My love of travel began when I went on a European tour in 2014.  I kind of kept a travel journal, ate a lot of gelato and made a scrapbook (in that order).  When I decided I wanted to start a blog and then that it would be all about travel, I realized I needed to look beyond the surface.  And it was months after I returned from Europe that Round Trip was born.  I’m so glad I had the opportunity to visit Europe, but I wish I would’ve taken better notes.  I wish I would’ve gone deeper and really taken in the experience not just as an educational or vacation opportunity.  I wish I would’ve taken better note of the things I ate, the emotions I felt, the laughs I shared. 

But it gave me perspective for the trips I would take after Europe.  Starting Round Trip has given me the opportunity to practice looking as life as a way to improve myself and continually learn.  It’s helped me learn to absorb every drop of life—to not just travel flippantly, to not eat something without tasting it, to not leave without reflection.

I didn’t know I’d learn to live life to the fullest. 

I began to look at life as an adventure.  It’s not about waiting in line for rides at Disney World or moving to the next place.  Starting this travel blog and looking at travel through a different lens have taught me to drink it all up and to not waste experiences.  You’ve seen those cheesy movies and read those low-qual books where the main character raves about how they “just want to the travel the world.” 

And you roll your eyes because hey, don’t we all, buddy?  You probably think they’re crazy and going to end up homeless or kidnapped.  But travel is so much more than just backpacking Europe or braving the jungles of Costa Rica.  It’s living life in the moment and choosing to engage the unknown.

I didn’t know I’d eventually give myself some credit.

Why would anyone want to read my travel posts?  When I first started blogging, I didn’t know how I would come up with content.  I loved travel, but I hadn’t dropped everything to travel 24/7, 365.  Stop right there if you’ve been thinking that way.  First off, it’s not entirely realistic for most to quit their day job to adopt a nomadic life.  Second, if you had a friend who recently visited Los Angeles and you’re headed there next month, it’s only natural that you’d ask for recommendations.  Just by visiting the city with an attentive mind, your opinion matters, so share it.

I didn’t know how great of a conversation starter it would be.

Few people will hear you’re a travel blogger and look at you as if you want to be a middle school math teacher.  (Except for my grandmother who would rather look at a picture than actually travel there.)  But for the most part, they’re going to ooh and ahh.  Yes, it’s nice to rake in the admiration, but even more, it’s a fantastic to relate to people.  Where have you been?  Did you go to Crab Island?  Did you try escargots?  You may have just met this person five minutes ago, but you instantly can bond, discuss the different neighborhoods of L.A., debate the best park at Disney World and weigh the pros and cons of paying to go up the Eiffel Tower.  I didn’t know I’d look at travel as more than just a hobby or a fun thing to do; it unites people by showing them places and people beyond their own circle.

I didn’t know I could help people.

When I started Round Trip, I did it to develop my writing skills.  But the longer I’ve done this and learned more about journalism, I’ve learned it’s not about bragging on your 5 star trip to Europe.  It’s not just a silly travel blog.  My mission is to encourage readers to step out there and try something new whether or not they can hop on a plane.  My passion is for people to be authentic and to push themselves to be the best they can be.  When I started my blog, this vision was not even on my radar.  But as I’ve developed as a traveler and writer, I’ve experienced the beauty of travel and the major impact it can make on my life.  Some posts may not receive as many views as others, but when a reader comments and tells me how it encouraged them, that’s when I’m reminded that yes, this is what I’m supposed to be doing.

I didn’t know I’d learn how to better market and network. 

My blog used to be “a thing I did.”  Now it’s honestly a part of my daily routine whether I’m posting something on Insta or whipping out my phone really quick to write an idea floating around in my head.  I believe each person has great ideas whether it’s related to travel or exercise, beauty or cooking, but if you don’t know how to market it, readers will have a hard time stumbling across it.  Over the months and years, I’ve learned to be more direct and lay out information in a clear way so as to achieve #5. 

And I’ve also learned to network.  I casually met Cate in passing, but once I found out she blogged (and fan-girled hardcore), I gushed to her about how much I loved her blog.  (Did I mention she collaborated with her local Anthropologie?!)  Mind you, I think I’d known her for a week at this point.  But a deep friendship followed via lunch dates, heart-to-hearts and, of course, A Cinderella Story.  (Because Hillary Duff, duh.)  The blogger community understands each other’s writer’s block, brainstorming and the not-so-occasional obnoxious photo-taking at restaurants.  You learn to network, exchange tips and maybe even guest post.

For more tips on taking your blog to the next level and getting more traffic.

Version 2

When you hit publish for the first time on your new blog, you’ve signed up to join a community of hardworking creatives who are addicted to social media and photography.  Your blog evolves from something you do to a big piece of your heart.  Yes, you need passion for something to write about it on a fairly regular basis, but the passion only grows and takes on a life of its own.  So, buckle up.

Happy 2nd birthday, Round Trip, and here’s to many more.

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Comments

  1. nadine cathleen (@karateandcaviar) says

    December 7, 2016 at 3:53 am

    Love this post. I recently did a year long trip around the world and am still writing up my posts about all the beautiful destinations and experiences. At the same time I also started reading lots of travel blogs, it’s such an inspiring community and so much fun to be part of it!

    Reply
    • roundtriptravel says

      December 7, 2016 at 7:01 am

      Wow, that’s so inspiring, Nadine! I can’t wait to check out some of your posts. Where was your favorite destination? (I’m sure it’s hard to pick just one!)

      Reply
  2. Forever Travel Bug. says

    December 8, 2016 at 6:37 am

    Great post – I love you’re writing. Starting a travel blog is definitely a learning curve for sure!

    Reply
    • roundtriptravel says

      December 8, 2016 at 7:10 am

      Thank you for the read! Hope you got some inspo for your travel blog 🙂 happy travels!

      Reply
      • Forever Travel Bug. says

        December 8, 2016 at 11:00 am

        I did! You too 🙂 x

  3. thegreyeye says

    December 20, 2016 at 9:30 pm

    I so agree with you

    Reply
    • roundtriptravel says

      December 21, 2016 at 6:42 am

      Thanks so much!! I appreciate you reading 🙂

      Reply
  4. OhLavenderblue says

    January 7, 2017 at 1:33 pm

    Kristen, this is just what I needed to read! Thankyou 😊 I have such a passion for travel and have just published my First post! However I still am extremely new in this blogging world and would love and help or tips you could give me? X

    Reply
    • roundtriptravel says

      January 7, 2017 at 1:40 pm

      Aww that speaks volumes to me! I read your first post, and may I say that you have incredible voice?! I literally laughed out loud at meeting certain specimens 🙂 I love that you don’t just take trips; you analyze them and think big picture. Which I am ALL about! Keep writing and seeing how your individual experience can help and grow others to step outside their comfort zones! Happy travels!!

      Reply
      • OhLavenderblue says

        January 7, 2017 at 1:53 pm

        Thankyou so much! I was so unsure whether to go for it, but thought why not! I must say I am dubious Bantu others wanting to read my post, but why wouldn’t they 😂Travelling is definitely something we can all learn through and I would Love other people to embrace it as much as we have! I love how you have written your posts and look forward to reading more! 😊

      • roundtriptravel says

        January 7, 2017 at 1:57 pm

        Of course! As any trip, writing a travel blog is a journey. But it’s allowed me to better embrace and reflect upon my trips. Hold tightly to your genuity and desire for adventure. If you read some of my first posts, I held back so much of my voice in writing, and I love that you don’t hold back. There are lots of travel blogs out there so make your blog YOURS. Looking forward to hearing more about your travels in your posts!

      • OhLavenderblue says

        January 7, 2017 at 2:03 pm

        That is very true! I will read some of your earlier blogs and compare them to your blogs now! Thankyou so much, I will keep posting and hopefully improving! Here is to 2017 😊🌏

      • roundtriptravel says

        January 7, 2017 at 2:13 pm

        you WILL improve! I can’t explain how it works, but over time, you’ll read more blogs and take your next post deeper. Some blogs of my favorite blogs for inspiration: World of Wanderlust (http://www.worldofwanderlust.com) and Helene in Between (http://heleneinbetween.com).

      • OhLavenderblue says

        January 7, 2017 at 2:17 pm

        Fantastic! Thankyou so much, I shall check them out x

  5. lottieflint says

    January 9, 2017 at 3:27 pm

    I would love to write a travel blog one day and this is very inspiring! i love it! 🙂 🙂

    Reply
    • roundtriptravel says

      January 9, 2017 at 3:35 pm

      Hi Lottie! Thanks for stopping by 🙂 the beautiful thing about blogging is you don’t have to have it all figured it out when you start. PS we have the same DSLR camera!! I didn’t use it much at first, but the more I blog, the more I realize what an investment it was! Happy blogging!

      Reply
  6. planitaroundtheplanet says

    February 7, 2017 at 1:44 pm

    Awesome Post!

    Reply
    • roundtriptravel says

      February 7, 2017 at 2:40 pm

      Thanks for stopping by! Hope these tips help 🙂

      Reply
  7. 'Jadore says

    February 14, 2017 at 8:46 pm

    This was great, I recently started a travel blog and I share many of the same sentiments. Keep it up!

    Reply
    • roundtriptravel says

      February 14, 2017 at 9:32 pm

      Hi! Thanks for stopping by 🙂 We travel bloggers gotta stick together! Looking forward to reading your blog. I like your photos–very classy!

      Reply
      • 'Jadore says

        March 9, 2017 at 9:12 am

        Thank you! I look forward to reading future posts

  8. The Business of Life Club says

    February 16, 2017 at 8:13 am

    Great post – looking forward to reading in the future!

    Reply
    • roundtriptravel says

      February 16, 2017 at 8:31 am

      Thanks for stopping by! Happy blogging!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 5 Free Blogging Tools I Love – Round Trip says:
    February 15, 2017 at 11:12 am

    […] two years later, I can’t imagine my life without Round Trip.  I’ve made many mistakes and have learned more than I ever imagined.  Recently I was scrolling through old posts of mine and cringed at the low-quality pictures whose […]

    Reply
  2. How to Start a Blog – round trip says:
    August 29, 2019 at 6:35 pm

    […] best way to learn how to blog is reading other blogs. If you’re wanting to start a travel blog. If you’re wanting to make money through your blog. Some of my favorites are Helene in […]

    Reply

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Hi, I'm Kristin. I'm a content creator teaching English in southern France. I'm all about exploring new places, practicing my French and sharing blogging tips. Allez-viens!
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Hi, I'm Kristin. I'm a content creator teaching English in southern France. I'm all about exploring new places, practicing my French and sharing blogging tips. Allez-viens!
learn more about my story

Want free access to my 30-minute travel budgeting course?

#IMO sipping coffee with a friend is truly one of #IMO sipping coffee with a friend is truly one of the best pleasures in life☕ 

Nothing beats finding a new drink to order (or your go-to beverage) and sharing it with another human. I love that coffee seems to spur deep, real, uninterrupted conversations with one another. I’ve laughed, I’ve cried, I’ve received some of the best advice + wisdom all over coffee dates💗

⌛But as humans, we only have so many hours in a day. Add in time and geographical differences, plus jobs + commitments + kids. And the window for sipping coffee with a friend closes ever so slowly.

👏Here’s the thing: as much as I love creating content for my blog and social channels, I wanted to create a more immersive, intimate experience than a 700-word post or a Cheese of the Week Insta story. I wanted to create some sort of coffee-date ambience with the wonderful humans who have been following and cheering me on along this crazy journey.

📖Enter Round Trip: The Magazine, a 20+ page physical + digital experience with both tips and heart. I love providing practical content for my blog readers — and there is PLENTY of that in my magazine — but I long to show you the other side of the coin. 

✏️The anxiety and fear behind edited Instagram photos. The hustle that is saving every last penny to move abroad. The vulnerability of inserting yourself into a new culture and language. The panic that is navigating Covid lockdowns far from home. The wild goose chase that’s called following down your passions till your body aches.

In these pages, I answer all of the questions that I’ve been getting about my life abroad and from asking you what you want to know. Ever wondered what life in lockdown in France looked like? Curious about the day in the life of an English teacher in France? Ready to explore France beyond just Paris and drool over the most darling French villages? Ouais, it’s all in there.

Link in bio has all the juicy deets😜

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Hi, it's been a minute, and I'd love to reintroduc Hi, it's been a minute, and I'd love to reintroduce myself👋

🇺🇸I'm a Missouri girl living in southern France where I teach English to French kiddos and update my blog, Round Trip. I moved here in the height of Covid last fall, and boy, do I have some STORIES that I dish in my brand new magazine (keep scrolling for the dirty deets)

🐝I majored in magazine editing and would love to talk your ear off about the Oxford comma. Oh, and I won the school spelling bee in 7th grade. Yep, I peaked😂

💃I'm a middle child, and I don't let my family forget that. I've always loved the attention, and I suppose that manifests in my addiction to glitter and leopard print.

📖This week I launched Round Trip: The Magazine, a 20-page print + digital experience. It’s jam-packed with articles about how I moved to France during a pandemic, the best French villages to add to your bucket list and how I saved $7,000 to move abroad. I spill the tea on how travel and life abroad has taught me the best lessons about insecurity and confidence, heartbreak and love👀

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(giveaway) What's a magazine launch week without a (giveaway) What's a magazine launch week without a giveaway?!💥 I recently announced my latest project, Round Trip: The Magazine. This 20-page physical + digital magazine is jam-packed with articles on how I made the move to France during a pandemic, the best French villages to visit, how I saved thousands of dollars to travel and the lessons I've learned through travel. And lots, lots more!

🎉Here's how to enter my giveaway (it takes 30 seconds!):
1️⃣Like this post
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3️⃣Tag a pal who's missing travel like CRAZY

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This giveaway is not sponsored or affiliated with Instagram in any way. Winner will be selected at random and notified via DM. No purchase necessary. Flat lay design by the wonderfully talented @mariiela_garciia

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😳Here’s a little secret for you: I was terrif 😳Here’s a little secret for you: I was terrified I would fall flat on my face. Now I’m happy and loving every second of life in France, but let’s rewind the clock back to one year ago, shall we?

⏰I was a mess. Last spring, it’d already been several months since I submitted my application to teach English in France. My heart was set on living abroad. And it was shattered as headlines and exclamation points littered the world with this virus called Covid.

🙈Between March and August, I might as well have had the words “I don’t know” tattooed on my forehead. My heart was constantly in flux: do I keep fighting for a dream that exists only in abstract? Or do I give up my dream to move abroad because life is too complicated or rather it’s just not possible?

🍳I had put all my eggs in one basket. I’d told everyone that the plan was to move to France, and now all of life’s questions could be summed up in a slew of question marks. I feared embarrassment and failure. But more than anything, I had long dreamed of living in France. It wasn’t only a question of pride but of passion.

⏩Fast forward to today: I’ve been living in France for six months, and although it’s not always perfect, I’m in love with my life here. Sincerely. I take walks around my neighborhood, look around and constantly say to myself, “Is this seriously my life?”

❓I get a lot of questions about my life in France. And for this reason along with the journey to get here, I decided to create something. This week, I'm launching Round Trip: The Magazine. It’s a 20+ page magazine (digital or physical — you pick!) filled with stories, travel tips, language learning ideas, bucket list destinations and beyond. Plus, a password-protected online portal with bonus content.

🎊And it's available now — link in bio!

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(big news!) ☎️Travel called — it wants you b (big news!) ☎️Travel called — it wants you back. The cabin fever is real as we’ve been cooped up in our homes for the past however many months. Whether you’re booking a flight ASAP or wanting to play it safe for a while, many of us have been daydreaming about travel. We miss the thrill of takeoff, the exhilaration of exploration, the elation of discovery.

✈️That's why TODAY I’m launching Round Trip: The Magazine, a 20+ page physical + digital experience. It’s jam-packed with articles about how I moved to France during a pandemic, the best French villages to add to your bucket list and how I saved $7,000 to move abroad.

❤️My heart in creating this magazine is to provide a more immersive, intimate experience than my blog posts and Instagram stories. 

🍵It’s more than just the practical tips but also the raw + real, juicy deets. I spill the tea on how travel and life abroad has taught me the best lessons about insecurity and confidence, heartbreak and love.

I’ve spent HOURS pouring my heart into these pages, and I’m confident these words will not only help you plan your future trips but also inspire you to chase your passions harder.

Today the pre-sale (and sale price!) is available to my email subscribers. Not on the list? Comment 💥and I'll add you to the list. Allez-y !

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Sometimes I just don’t believe my life🙈 Toda Sometimes I just don’t believe my life🙈

Today we took a casual 20ish minute boat ride to a nearby island I can see from my backyard. We hiked up to the ancient fort and danced to music mere feet from ruins — all with views of the Mediterranean Sea and Marseille in all her sunny glory.

I think back to a year ago when my life felt heavy and full of question marks. I think of all the hoops I jumped through and all the doors God opened for me to be here. I think of the daily prayers for answers, long walks to let out the stress and the anxious tears.

And friends, it was all worth it. What a beautiful thing reflection is! What an amazing thing it is to see the pain that was and the joy that is! 

The months leading up to moving to France were absolute mayhem, but oh, I am so beyond glad I didn’t quit when it was hard. Because I am in absolute love with my life in southern France☀️
Been kinda quiet on the socials as of late👀I've Been kinda quiet on the socials as of late👀I've been soaking up the Marseille sunshine with long walks, picnics and the not-so occasional ice cream😋

💪I've also been hard at work. For the past two months, I've been creating my latest project, Round Trip: The Magazine. I've sent out surveys, edited and workshopped this piece for hours upon hours. And I am delighted to say I am all set to launch in APRIL!!

🤔What is this so-called magazine, and why should I care? Alas, in September, I moved to France to teach English — yes, in the middle of a pandemic. It's been quite the wild ride, and along the way, I've been getting lots of questions about my journey here.

I also wanted to take my blog to the next level. As much as I love sharing my travel tips + life abroad peeks on my blog and social channels, I longed to provide a more immersive, intimate experience. Ya know, like a coffee date with your best gal pal?☕

Given that I have a degree in magazine editing, I thought it only fitting to answer the questions, share my stories and dish all the dirty deets in magazine format. And I am sooo stoked for next month's launch!! Want to be first to hear when this magazine drops and to get the pre-sale price? Comment with ⭐and I'll add you to my insiders list.

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