If you’re a travel blogger, you’re probably on the lookout for the Top Affiliate Programs for Travel Bloggers to help turn your passion into a steady income. In this guide, I’ll walk you through some of the best platforms out there, highlight their benefits, and show you how to seamlessly integrate them into your blogging routine.
Table of Contents
- 🌟 Intro
- ✈️ Travel Payout
- 🎟️ Viator and GetYourGuide
- 🏨 Stay22
- 🏨 Why Stay22?
- 🛠️ How to Setup Stay22
- 🏠 Accommodation Affiliate Programs
- 🏕️ Outdoor Adventure Affiliate Programs
- 🔍 How To Find Affiliate Programs
- ❓ FAQ
🌟 Intro
Affiliate marketing is a game-changer for travel bloggers looking to monetize their passion. This guide dives into the top affiliate programs that can help turn your travel blog into a profitable venture.
Why Affiliate Marketing for Travel Bloggers?
Affiliate marketing allows you to earn commissions by promoting travel-related products and services. It’s a win-win: your readers get valuable recommendations, and you get rewarded for your efforts.
- Passive income potential
- Enhances your blog’s value
- Aligns with your travel niche
Let’s explore the best affiliate programs that can boost your travel blog’s earnings!
✈️ Travel Payout
Travel Payout is the #1 recommended affiliate program for travel bloggers. It’s not just a program – it’s an entire network of travel-related affiliate opportunities.
What Makes Travel Payout Special?
Travel Payout is a one-stop-shop for travel affiliates. It houses numerous programs under one roof, making it super easy for bloggers to get started.
- Booking.com
- Viator
- Various rental car programs
- Many other travel-related affiliate programs
Easy Application Process
Joining Travel Payout simplifies your affiliate journey. You can apply to multiple programs with just a few clicks in their dashboard.
Competitive Commission Rates
Worried about earning less? Don’t be! Travel Payout negotiates higher commission rates with companies, ensuring you get a fair share.
“You’re still getting the same commission rates that you would get by going direct with a lot of these companies.”
For example, while direct Viator affiliates might earn 8%, Travel Payout negotiates for 12% and passes on the standard rate to you. It’s a win-win situation!
Why Choose Travel Payout?
- Access to multiple travel affiliate programs
- Simplified application process
- Competitive commission rates
- Perfect for beginners and experienced bloggers alike
Ready to supercharge your travel blog’s income? Give Travel Payout a try and watch your affiliate earnings soar! 🚀
🎟️ Viator and GetYourGuide
Viator and GetYourGuide are two powerful affiliate programs for travel bloggers. These platforms specialize in booking travel-related tours and experiences.
What Can You Book?
These platforms offer a wide range of tour options for travelers. Here’s what you can find:
- Day tours
- Airport transfers
- Multi-day tours
- Walking tours
- Food tours
Personal Experience
As travel bloggers, we often use Viator ourselves. It’s super easy to have a guide pick you up, show you around, and drop you off at your hotel.
Viator vs GetYourGuide
While both platforms are great, they don’t always offer the same tours. That’s why we use them together to cover all bases.
“Some tours will be available through Viator. Other tours will be available through GetYourGuide. So we actually use these in sync with each other.”
How to Join
You can easily join Viator through the Travel Payouts dashboard. It’s a simple process that gets you started quickly.
🏨 Stay22
Stay22 is a unique and powerful affiliate program for recommending accommodation options. It’s similar to Travel Payouts but focuses on lodging.
How Stay22 Works
Stay22 uses a special code on your website. When a visitor clicks your affiliate link, the code does something cool:
- Detects the visitor’s location
- Sends them to the most popular booking platform in their area
- Options include Booking.com, Expedia, VRBO, and Hotels.com
Boosting Your Commissions
Stay22 can seriously boost your earnings. We’ve seen amazing results:
“By using Stay22 as opposed to just Booking.com by itself, we have increased our Booking.com commissions three times what it used to be before using Stay22.”
Commission Structure
Stay22 does take a small cut of your commissions. But don’t worry! You’ll likely earn more overall due to increased bookings.
Why It Works
For some reason, visitors are more likely to book through Stay22 than directly through platforms like Booking.com or Expedia. This means more bookings and more income for you! 💰
🏨 Why Stay22?
Stay22 is a game-changer for travel bloggers looking to boost their accommodation affiliate earnings. It’s a smart choice that can significantly increase your commissions.
Increased Earnings
Stay22 has the potential to triple your booking commissions. This impressive boost makes it a must-try for serious travel bloggers.
“You’re going to make more money in the long run, and that’s why we recommend Stay22.”
Perfect Companion to Travel Payouts
Don’t choose between Stay22 and Travel Payouts – use both! They work great together to maximize your earnings.
- Use Travel Payouts for affiliate codes
- Let Stay22 direct visitors to the right booking platform
🛠️ How to Setup Stay22
Setting up Stay22 might seem tricky, but it’s actually quite simple with the right approach. Here’s how to do it like a pro:
Book a Call
The smartest way to set up Stay22 is to book a call with their representative. They’ll add the code to your website for you, ensuring it’s done correctly.
Mention Travel Payouts
During your call with Stay22, be upfront about using Travel Payouts. This is crucial for getting the right code setup.
“Make sure that you tell them that you’re using Travel Payouts because it’s going to need a special type of code.”
Ask for the Special Code
Don’t forget to ask this key question: “I’m using Travel Payouts. Do I need a special code?” This ensures you get the correct setup for maximum earnings. 💰
🏠 Accommodation Affiliate Programs
While Stay22 is great for accommodations, there are other platforms you can recommend to your readers. Let’s explore some top options for travel bloggers.
Trusted House Sitters
House sitting is an amazing way to get free accommodation worldwide. It’s a win-win situation for travelers and homeowners.
- Stay in luxurious homes for free
- Take care of pets in exchange for accommodation
- Experience local life in various destinations
“Mike and I have done it numerous times, and we’ve always stayed in big mansions.”
Other Accommodation Affiliates
There are several other programs worth considering for your travel blog:
- Aussie House Sitters: Great for Australia-focused content
- Hostelworld: Perfect for budget travelers (available through Travel Payouts)
- Booking.com, Hotels.com, VRBO, Expedia: Traditional options
Travel Insurance Affiliates
Recommending travel insurance is crucial for responsible travel blogging. Here are some top picks:
- Safety Wing: Affordable and high conversion rate
- World Nomads: Popular among long-term travelers
- Allianz: Well-known insurance provider
- HealthShare (US-specific): For nomad-style insurance needs
Safety Wing stands out as a top choice for its affordability and high conversion rate. It’s what we use for our own travels outside the US.
🏕️ Outdoor Adventure Affiliate Programs
For outdoor and adventure bloggers, there are specific affiliate programs that cater to your niche. These can help you monetize your content while providing value to your readers.
REI Affiliate Program
REI offers a comprehensive affiliate program for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s perfect for recommending gear and passes.
- Promote National Parks Pass
- Recommend quality outdoor gear
- Wide range of products for various activities
Backcountry Affiliate Program
Another great option for outdoor gear recommendations is Backcountry. They offer a diverse range of products for adventure seekers.
Flight Booking Alternatives
While flight aggregators like Skyscanner often yield low commissions, there are better options for travel bloggers:
- FairDrop by Kara and Nate
- Scott’s Cheap Flights
These platforms not only offer higher commissions but also teach your readers valuable skills in finding cheap flights.
“These programs are going to bring you a lot more commission than if you were to go direct with Skyscanner.”
By recommending these services, you’re providing more value to your readers while potentially earning more from your affiliate partnerships. It’s a smart strategy for travel bloggers looking to maximize their income and reader satisfaction.
🔍 How To Find Affiliate Programs
Finding the right affiliate programs for your travel blog is crucial. Here’s a simple guide to help you discover programs that fit your niche and audience needs.
Start with Your Audience
Before diving into affiliate programs, consider what your readers want. Ask yourself these questions:
- What will help my audience the most?
- What products and services do they need for a successful trip?
- What are their pain points throughout their travel journey?
Brainstorm the Travel Journey
Think about every step of the travel process. This will help you identify potential affiliate opportunities.
- Booking flights
- Renting cars
- Packing gear
- Finding accommodation
- Planning activities
For each step, consider products or services that could be helpful to your readers.
Search for Affiliate Programs
Once you’ve identified potential products or services, it’s time to find their affiliate programs. Here’s how:
- Go to Google or Bing
- Type in the product/service name or company name
- Add “affiliate program” to your search
“If you’re wondering how to find affiliate programs for certain products or services, the easiest way is to go to Bing or Google and type in the product or service or the company’s name, and then use the phrase affiliate program after it.”
Explore Program Requirements
Good news! Most affiliate programs are easy to join. Here’s what you need to know:
- Many don’t have minimum follower requirements
- Website traffic thresholds are often not needed
- Some only require your name and email
This low barrier to entry allows you to explore various programs and find the best fit for your blog. 🎉
❓ FAQ
Let’s address some common questions about affiliate marketing for travel bloggers.
Is Amazon’s affiliate program worth it?
Amazon’s program has pros and cons. Here’s what you should know:
- Commission rates are often low
- Rates can change without notice
- It’s a familiar platform for buyers
“Amazon’s commission rates are incredibly low. It’s actually insulting sometimes how low the commission rates are for certain products.”
Consider using Amazon sparingly and look for alternatives when possible.
Do I need a large following to start with affiliate marketing?
Not at all! Most programs don’t have strict requirements:
- No specific follower count needed
- No minimum website traffic required
- Often just need your name and email
How can I choose the best affiliate programs for my blog?
Focus on your audience’s needs. Consider these steps:
- Identify your niche within travel blogging
- Understand your readers’ wants and needs
- Research products and services that solve their problems
- Look for affiliate programs related to these solutions
Are there any free resources to help me get started?
Yes! Check out these helpful guides:
- How to set up your website correctly
- Guide on getting backlinks to grow your website’s authority
These resources can help you build a strong foundation for your affiliate marketing efforts. Happy blogging! 🌟
Recommendations
When it comes to learning affiliate marketing in an ethical and structured way, Wealthy Affiliate stands out as the go-to platform. It’s the best place to start your online journey, turning your passion for travel blogging into a sustainable income. Wealthy Affiliate provides comprehensive training, tools, and support, ensuring you’re well-equipped to navigate the affiliate marketing landscape.
Check out our in-depth Wealthy Affiliate Review to get a closer look at what this platform offers. Ready to take the plunge? Sign up for Wealthy Affiliate today and start transforming your travel stories into revenue streams!