Beat the Burnout: Three Lessons From Successful Travel Bloggers

September 4, 2023

Have you sat down to write a blog post and just couldn’t? Perhaps you’ve felt—or are feeling—overwhelmed by the whole process and are considering giving up and returning to your 9-5 job. These are classic signs of burnout, a state that affects 68% of travel bloggers. You may be surprised to learn that even the best bloggers, while seemingly successful and happy, can also suffer from burnout. In our recent webinar, Shelley Marmor (TravelMexicoSolo.com), Jessie Festa (JessieOnAJourney.com), and Matthew Kepnes (NomadicMatt.com) shared their strategies for overcoming burnout and reigniting the joy of travel blogging.

Meet the Star Bloggers Who Shared Their Tips With Us

Matthew Kepnes

Matt Kepnes, better known as Nomadic Matt, is a prominent figure in the world of travel blogging. After a trip to Thailand in 2005, he was inspired to quit his job and travel the world full time. Since then, he has been sharing his adventures and travel tips on his blog Nomadic Matt. His practical advice and budget-friendly travel strategies have made him a go-to resource for travelers worldwide.

He has written several books including the New York Times bestseller “How to Travel the World on $50 a Day”. Matt is also the founder of TravelCon, an annual industry conference, and runs a non-profit organization called FLYTE, which empowers students from underserved communities through transformative travel experiences.

Nomadic Matt’s success story is a testament to his passion for travel and his commitment to helping others achieve their travel dreams. His work has been featured in major publications like The New York Times, CNN, BBC, and The Guardian, further cementing his status as a leading voice in travel.

Shelley Marmor

Shelley Marmor is a six-figure travel blogger, known for her insightful and accessible blog, Travel Mexico Solo. Since moving to Mexico in 2018, Shelley has made it her mission to explore the country in-depth, visiting 19 out of its 32 states, many times as a solo female traveler. This immersive experience has earned her the title of a true ‘Mexpert’ among her readers.

Shelley’s Travel Mexico Solo blog is a treasure trove of practical advice for fellow travelers. She offers guidance on a range of topics, from renting a car and securing travel insurance to tips on staying healthy and traveling solo. Her blog also features detailed reviews and recommendations on various Mexican destinations and attractions.

In addition to Travel Mexico Solo, Shelly now has 5 other blogs, including Travelblogging101.com, which helps aspiring travel bloggers.

Jessie Festa

Jessie Festa is the solo female travel and offbeat adventure specialist behind the popular blog, Jessie on a Journey. She has successfully turned her passion for exploration into a thriving career, inspiring others to embark on their own journeys. Having visited more than 50 countries and with over a decade of travel experience, Jessie shares personal stories and practical tips about solo travel, local culture, and immersive experiences.

In addition to running her blog, Jessie also manages Epicure & Culture, a food and cultural travel blog, and teaches online blogging courses. Her passion extends to teaching those wanting to monetize their love for exploration through travel blogging. Whether you aspire to traverse the globe full-time or just want to add an extra income stream alongside your 9 to 5, Jessie firmly believes that you can run a profitable travel blog while keeping your day job.

Looking at the successes of our speakers, it’s impossible to assume that they have experienced any problems in the travel blogging industry. But they haven’t. And the fact that they’ve experienced all the problems of blogging firsthand has helped them give the most practical and honest advice.

1. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

According to a Travelpayouts study, comparing yourself to other bloggers is the Number 1 cause of burnout. It is also one of the reasons you’re likely not getting the results you want.

If Nomadic Matt wasted time constantly comparing himself to others, he probably wouldn’t have been able to blog for 15 years and become a true travel superstar.

Nomadic Matt in his own words:

“I don’t concern myself with what others are doing but rather focus on my own progress. Sure, there might be a momentary pang of envy when someone’s video goes viral, but then I move on. I’m more concerned about analyzing my Google numbers and figuring out why they fluctuate. Ultimately, the work you put in will bring income, and comparing yourself does nothing to boost that. It’s just a distraction.”

Shelley Marmor advises (check out the video) unfollowing content that makes you feel inferior to others. You won’t miss anything, and you’ll free up energy and time to focus on your own accomplishments. It’s ultimately a decision you need to make for your mental health.

To read the rest of the article: Beat the Burnout: Three Lessons From Successful Travel Bloggers