Happy New Year! 2017 has had a lot of ups and downs for almost everyone I know. One of the highlights for me this year was launching The Voyageer and finally having an outlet for my travel writing. Some of you know that I have blogged about “home and lifestyle” topics (whatever I felt like; unfocused) for many years.
This new site was founded with the goal of inspiring others to travel. With that in mind, I have written about places both near (the American Southwest) and far (Europe, Mexico). I hope you had the chance to visit new places in 2017 and are planning even more exciting excursions in 2018! I know my head is filled with ideas of places to go and things to write about!
The best part of travel blogging is connecting with people from all over the world. In the last year I’ve made friends with bloggers from almost every continent!
Additionally, I have gotten views from all over the world too! I just went back and counted up how many different countries “hit” my blog in 2017: more than 70! A big Thank You to my US, UK, and Canada readers, making up the top three.
Special events
I had two big landmarks this year. The first was the April launch of my free downloadable trip planning sheets. I hope they’ve come in handy for those who prefer to plan using pen and paper, the way I do.
The second was the big December giveaway I hosted on Instagram! Local San Diego shop Gold Leaf and Noonday Consultant Alana partnered with me. I was able to reward one of my followers with a travel-themed goody bag just before Christmas.
Guest posts
From The Voyageer’s start in January, it’s been my goal to open this blog to new voices in addition to my own. I am happy to report that I shared 10 posts from 7 different authors!
A huge thank you to Doug, Vera, Libby, Noelle, Angela, Rachel and Gabriela! Don’t forget to get in touch if you’d like your writing to appear here on this site.
My posts
As it turns out, I wrote 66 posts this year! That averages out to 1.25 a week, which is great considering it’s my first year.
Sounds like you all like Mexico. Duly noted!
Here are my top 10 posts by number of views. Take this chance to read one you may have missed earlier!
Here’s the part where it has the potential to sound like one of those PBS pledge drives.
Yes, I started The Voyageer with the goal of making money doing what I love (which is travel writing). Some bloggers I follow have transparency policies where they share how much they’ve earned blogging. I like the idea so here you go: My grand total is $4.56 earned from affiliate links and $43.00 from TRVL.com commissions.
Please know that I am committed to bringing you high quality travel content regardless of whether or not I generate income. However, running a website takes money and I am trying my best to reach and then surpass my break-even point. If you would like to support me, you can book your hotels through my TRVL site or shop with one of my affiliates including but not limited to:
In conclusion…
I want to thank everyone who has followed along this year and I promise lots of new adventures, recommendations, downloadables, and itineraries in 2018.
What a fantastic first year! Congrats on your success!
Congratulations and raise a glass of champagne to another year!
Thanks so much, Paul! 🍾
Catching up on your blog and a HUGE congrats on your rebranding and a stellar first year!
Thank you Quiana!