I remember when I made my first few cents from my blog, after nearly a year of hard work.

It was like earning money from nowhere (not that I hadn’t put a lot of work and a lot of time into my blog before ever making even a cent, I did), a few cents had appeared in my bank account out of the air (really from an ad on my site).

I was thrilled!

It was the thought of the freedom, and the ability to make money (even if it was only a few cents) from anywhere in the world using the internet, which really struck me.

About 6 months later, I was making $1 – $5 per day, not so much to live off, but enough to push me to do more.

Yet still at this point I didn’t have a focus, I didn’t set a goal of what I needed to accomplish to get where I wanted to go.

Traveling off the savings I had worked for during University, I decided to go back to Bangkok and teach English for a year.

I can say I really didn’t want to teach English, but it was a step I had to make in order to buy myself time (sometimes we all need time, and need to make steps).

During this year of teaching I committed to working hard on my blog – I’d come home from school and sometimes work for a full 8 – 10 hours more, mostly writing.

From that year of teaching, I made it my goal to not teach again, and to learn how to make money while traveling and blogging.

A lot of work, and a couple more years down the road, and I created my first food guide, and made my first sale.

Again, I was thrilled.

One of the top question I get asked is:

“Mark, how do you make money while traveling?”

Also, along with this same topic, I also frequently get asked, “how can you afford to travel?”

The short answer is… a lot of lifestyle prioritizing, a lot of goal setting, and finally a lot of work to accomplish those goals.

I decided to make a video answering these two questions, and then also share some tips about how I think you can make money while traveling and blogging too.

But first, if your internet connection is good enough, I want you to watch the video below, and then you can go through this full article for more details.

(Here’s the link to the video: http://youtu.be/6BoYfs2I0r8)

Here are 4 of the main ways I make money now while traveling and blogging:

1. Affiliate Recommendations

This is basically earning a small commission from a recommendation.

There are all sorts of affiliate recommendation opportunities, like through products on Amazon, books and learning courses, and hotel bookings.

As an example, if you head over to my Bangkok travel guide page, I have listed many of the top articles that I’ve written about Bangkok – I offer a lot of free advice about what to do, where and what to eat, and I also list a few of my favorite places to stay. If you were to book one of the hotels in Bangkok that I recommend, I would get a small commission from your purchase.

Likewise, on my resources page, I share a few of the top guides, written by others, that I personally recommend.

For instance, Getting Out of Auto is a photography ebook I purchased when I bought my first DSLR camera, and I really enjoyed reading it and it taught me a lot. Now I recommend it as a useful resource and get a commission when someone buys it.

*Just so you know, everything I recommend, I have either used myself or looked it through, and stand behind it and fully trust it.

2. Travel and Food eBooks

A few years ago, I used to have quite a few advertisements on my website, but I really didn’t like it.

However, since I didn’t have any products of my own to sell, I had little choice but to have ads in order to make enough money while traveling and blogging.

So I decided to create useful travel and food ebook guides on certain destinations (mainly Thailand so far) to sell on my website. As of now, selling my own travel and food guides accounts for the majority of my monthly earnings.

I much prefer to sell my own products as opposed to including advertisements on my website – why? Because I can fully trust in the quality of my own products that I sell.

3. Freelance writing and projects

When I was a kid in school, I really disliked both reading and writing.

I was pretty proud of myself for having never read a book until after I graduated from high school.

But then I decided to begin writing a blog, and not only just writing whenever, but eventually I committed to writing consistently and writing good quality information.

What I found is that when I chose to write about something I was interested in (that’s food), I really enjoyed writing after all.

I have no background in English, and no background in journalism – in fact I did quite poorly on many of my school writing assignments.

But as a result of maintaining a blog, about what I’m passionate about, and sticking to it, I’ve had the opportunity to do numerous freelance writing projects, including articles for inflight magazines, websites, and newspapers.

Every month I normally get a couple of paid freelance writing opportunities.

A blog is not just entertainment, or just for sharing useful information, a blog is also a public profile where you have the chance to show the world your expertise on whatever you’re most passionate about.

4. Videos on YouTube

When I first began making videos, I didn’t really know what I was doing, I just knew that I needed to start. One reason is that articles and photos are great, but videos can show so much more – especially when it comes to food and travel experiences – and not to mention you can attract a whole new audience.

I initially started with one video per week, and as I learned more, I pushed myself to publishing two videos per week.

The results of videos and the connections and contacts I’ve made have been extremely valuable.

On my videos, I include advertisements, which account for the final portion of my monthly income.

how to make money travel blogging
Blogging has opened so many doors of opportunity

How can I afford to travel?

So now that I’ve answered the main ways I make money every month, let me go back and answer your other question about how I can actually afford to travel.

My answer:

It’s about my priorities.

Right now, my wife and I, spend much of the money we make back on traveling and eating.

We don’t own a car, buy oil changes, or have to buy petrol, instead we buy plane tickets and eat street food.

This is a lifestyle we enjoy, and we have prioritized our spending so that we can afford to travel.

How can you make money while traveling?

There are many ways you can make money while traveling.

I have friends that earn a living doing freelance writing, working on cruise ships, skydiving, social media marketing, and the list of possibilities is endless.

For more ideas, check out this awesome list of ways you can make money and travel.

I would say that the first way to begin is to start a blog about what you’re most passionate about – it can be anything.

Here’s my step-by-step guide on how to start a blog.

Next step is to make goals for what you want to accomplish – where you want to see yourself – and then think through the process of how you see yourself getting there.

  1. Set goals.
  2. Make priorities.
  3. Live intentionally.

If you commit yourself to writing high quality information consistently on your blog, and network with others, you’ll be amazed at the opportunities that can arise as a result of blogging (and I surely have been amazed myself).

Finally…

Making money while traveling and blogging is an always evolving field: things are always changing, there are always new things to think about and act on, and there are so many different ways to earn money.

It takes a lot of work, I sit at my laptop for many hours a day, but at the same time I thoroughly enjoy what I’m doing.

This is just the start, the launchpad for your own ideas.

You’ve got to make the first move to put yourself in a position to discover how you’ll make money while traveling.

If you have any questions, please leave a comment below!

155 comments. I'd love to hear from you!

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  • Ashlie Beasly

    6 months ago

    Your enthusiasm is transmittable and your positive mindset has been a wonderful resource of motivation. We are so pleased of all that you do! Thanks!

  • Sam Wise

    1 year ago

    Love your story and love your videos even more!

  • Ajeet yadav

    2 years ago

    Sir your information i too good. I read all your article very inpressive

  • Amit

    2 years ago

    nice sir for this post

  • Frank Martinez

    3 years ago

    You inspire me Mark. I have been a youtube fan for some time before I decided to start my own youtube channel. I love your food reviews and commentary. It feels like I am right there with you eating a taco. Hahaha!

  • Brian Robben

    3 years ago

    Making money doing what you love is one of the best achievements in life. Way to continue leveling up until you hit your dreams, inspiring story and your freedom is well earned. And I’m sure your income continues to compound as your blog and YouTube get more views each month.

  • High Rated Gabru

    3 years ago

    AWESOME CONTENT. Thanks for share!!

  • Galilea Jones

    3 years ago

    Although I have never been here, to visit here from the east means you will try to save every penny as possible. So, your tips would be really helpful when I make a trip

  • vishal kaushik

    3 years ago

    Great info Mark , I am an avid food lover as you are and you vids are a staple everyday. Thank you so much for the inspiring article.

  • Fusion of Marketing

    3 years ago

    What a great article you write for us thank you very much sir btw nice place 😌

  • Das

    3 years ago

    Big fan of your videos. I watch them before I go to bed which probably isn’t a good idea
    because I get starving from seeing you eat all that great food. Your enthusiasm for food cracks me up. Keep the videos coming!

  • ESHCS

    3 years ago

    “How I Make Money While Traveling” This is really great article and the very great information you have provided. Thanks for your views.

  • Mango Hosting

    3 years ago

    amazing place just wow

  • Jazmin Watson

    3 years ago

    Hi!
    I am doing a case study on Mark Wiens’ Youtube videos. I am interested in knowing what is the budget for creating one Mark Wiens video? Please respond it would really help.

  • UPSC Lounge

    3 years ago

    I really got a good knowledge through your article. This is amazing information you have given to the audience. Hope we will get more informative article in future also.

  • Nischay

    3 years ago

    Your post and video are having such a useful information ; thank you for sharing this kind of content . I want to know more about this particular topic

  • Karma Phuntsho

    5 years ago

    Your videos are truly awesome.i love to watch again and again. Keep exploring! Keep sharing!

  • Bill

    5 years ago

    Big fan of your videos. I watch them before I go to bed which probably isn’t a good idea
    because I get starving from seeing you eat all that great food. Your enthusiasm for food cracks me up. Keep the videos coming!

  • Salman ahmad

    5 years ago

    I love video

  • Josy

    5 years ago

    We just love your videos mark hope you can come to Guadalajara jalisco Mexico my husband loves to eat spicy food just like you he really enjoys watching your videos too

  • hazwan lee

    5 years ago

    love to see this video.awesome advises.

  • Jenn

    5 years ago

    I love the side hustle. Since writing this post, have you made any changes to your income strategies? Have you put more focus on different areas?

  • Daksh Patel

    6 years ago

    Very interesting journey mark.. keep hustle..

  • Roland Travas

    6 years ago

    Mark, I simply love your blog. I always watch your videos.

  • Zenaida Cristina

    6 years ago

    I really enjoy watching your videos specially your face expressions when you are eating that somewhat satifies your tastebud. There has never been a bad food for you wherever you are and I like that a lot. Exotic foods or not you are amazing. Just one real question and that is how do you manage to stay slim and fit with all those foods you have eaten around the world? Whoa that surprises me a lot. Anyhow, more power and more videos to show. As you travel you are also taking us your viewers to the different countries and their cultures. God bless to you and family. Please don’t get fat.

  • Ebnu

    6 years ago

    Hi Mark,
    Always love your work and its great to be part of your travel journey from the start.
    I have always been excited to watch your new videos and I am very proud to see the quality of the videos you are making up until this stage, so much improvement and love. I believe it comes from dedication, persistence and hard work. Thanks for the inspirations!
    I am from Indonesia but based in Sydney, Australia. I notice you have not been Australia at all! Do you have plan to visit Sydney? There are plenty of delicious food here in Australia and I am sure you will enjoy the food and the scenery here.
    Please do let me know if you plan to come here and I will take you around to the best food in Sydney, you can contact me by email.
    Cheers Mark.

  • Natasha

    6 years ago

    Hi Mark,my son’s and I love love love your videos especially since we will visit Thailand in a few day’s. Such soulful food to look forward to.

  • Mandy

    6 years ago

    Thank you for putting up this post. I have been watching your videos for the last month and I am starting a vlog (One Family One Dream on You Tube) and had so many questions about the unknown. You have really helped a lot with the information you have give. Thank you and I wish you all the best. You are brilliant and very interesting to watch. You give a lot of information and my family and I all love to watch your videos. Thanks again.

  • Sam

    6 years ago

    Hello mark. Hope u n ur fam r well. Im from karachi city in Pakistan. I really enjoy watchin ur videos n my smart tv. I really love the way u explore food places at every nook n corner of the world. I hve travelled n eaten halfway round the world wth u as my guide. Thnx for tht. U really describe everything so beautifully n i simply love ur english. Its so clear n clean. Y dont u visit Pak too. Its a beautiful country, one of the most peaceful n awesome country full of warmth love n great hospitality. ( not like its propogated on tv channels by the west)…anyways ur doing great work, keep it up n do visit karachi in Pakistn. Bye.

  • Sourav B

    6 years ago

    Great info Mark ,I am an avid food lover as you are and you vids are a staple everyday.Thankyou so much for the inspiring article.

  • coert steyn

    6 years ago

    wow well done and keep it up, love watching you videos

  • Frederick Villaluna

    6 years ago

    Wow great food and awesome places!

  • Gnrao

    6 years ago

    Straight hit on the nail. Very nice explanation not beating the bush .Allowbme to recommend you to more people. Your speech is very attractive. I want to use your videos in my blogs very informative. Congrats. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

  • Christobel Ezekiel

    6 years ago

    Hi Mark! Greetings to you and family.I really enjoyed all your travels and food blogs..really
    was amazing except I couldn’t get the whiff of all the delicious aromas ????. I live at present in Chennai, India and have for a long time wanted to write all my family as well as other recipes. Well I have written them but not published..If you have any idea of coming to India please let me know..I’ll host you a dinner. Thank you.. love to Michael and his mom.

  • Pajar Purnomo

    6 years ago

    Mark, its inspiring me, hard work on my office, relaxing by watch your vlog. thanks

  • Alan Wu

    7 years ago

    Mark, your street food videos are one of my favorites on youtube. Thank you so much for your wonderful works.

  • Anne Tiro

    7 years ago

    You’re such an inspiration Mark! I’ve never stopped watching your videos since I first encountered it. It became sort of my routine and happy pill! I even watch it while I’am eating, thus making my meal more enjoyable. Thank you for all the tips and insights you’re sharing with us.

  • Michael Walters

    7 years ago

    how do you keep your money safe and what about medical care( medications)?

  • eitan

    7 years ago

    Great article!
    I travel a lot and tried all kinds of ways to make money online
    What works best for me is koocam
    I teach my hobbies and sells my knowledge
    It’s great !

  • Siddhartha Sankar Sengupta

    7 years ago

    Highly inspiring. ….

  • Jiyoung

    7 years ago

    Hi Mark!
    I LOVE your youtube videos. I actually decided to start my own youtube channel too, about travelling and food because that is my passion. I was just wondering, would you say its necessary to have a blog too or is a youtube channel enough to reach an audience and share my food and travel stories? Thank you so much and your videos are amazing!!

  • Christopher

    7 years ago

    Hi mark its Chris from Nagaland…i really like your show and i enjoyed alot watching your videos…Me too i like traveling to other places. Nothing much to say keep on going. I really love it

  • Mr.B

    7 years ago

    No travel guide for Myanmar? But I saw you’ve visited Myanmar.

    • Mark Wiens

      7 years ago

      Hey Mr. B, haven’t done one yet for Myanmar because it’s been so long, so I didn’t want the info the be outdated. But if I go back will do again.

  • Mik Onthino

    7 years ago

    hi Mark,
    So you were born in the DRC Congo! Do you speak French? I’ve just read your blog, I’m really impressed. And I realize that many vloggers especially those making videos about Pattaya copy your style more or less! Now while I enjoy eating food, I’m not a passionate one or a gourmet and besides I don’t eat meat, just fish, seafood, eggs and vegetables.
    I’m a retiree, interested in travelling and in learning new languages. Thus after I have visited Thailand a couple of times, I decided to learn the language by myself… online. I’m not fluent yet but I need no help to read (or write)”ไม่เผ็ดไม่กิน” for instance!
    Why I asked if you speak French? I do. I’m a Congolese citizen who fled the country for many years ago. I have since lived in Sweden, Stockholm. So I know exactly the places you visited while here, i.e.museum, restaurants and food you were talking about.
    I don’t know if it’s too late (I’m a retiree :-), but I’d like to start vlogging as well, in French though. I speak Swedish and have no major problems expressing myself in English, but I feel more comfortable in French.
    To make a long story short, after I’ve read you, I think I’ll give it a try and start something in the nearest future.
    Thanks and regards to you and your wife!
    /mik

  • Shane

    7 years ago

    Thanks so much for sharing your journey so far.
    May I ask what the theme is you use for your blog ? It has a search box, dropdown menu and 16 of the latest posts.
    cheers Mark

  • Steve M

    7 years ago

    Hello Mark, I have become a huge fan since catching you on YouTube. I appreciate your work and total dedication to food and travel for which i love incredibly. I have to say that you are probably the best food critique about, your enthusiasm and passion really comes through on your Vlogs. Are you planning on a trip to the UK?, as this is where I am from i would love to see your take on our culture and cuisine. Please keep up the great and frankly inspirational work, look forward to many more adventures. Best Steve.

  • Vedant

    7 years ago

    Mark, I am an indian and i like, oh! sorry love to watch your videos and i am a great fan of. When i watch your videos i feel that i am part of your trip. Thank you Mark! You inspired me to do world tour and now i am creating plan with staralliance and oneworld airlines. Thank You! Love

  • Chris Phillipson

    7 years ago

    You are an amazing young man would love to be in your shoe’ s I love the vidios (My wife just likes English food blah)

  • Ash

    7 years ago

    Hey Mark, thanks for this post. You have ignited me to actually start my blog & video with–my passion (FOOD = ] ) I am a terrible writer & reader too & I subscribed to your YT & blog! I cannot wait to get updates = D Cheers!!

  • Tawanda Mark Gavhure (Ldnculture)

    7 years ago

    Hey Mark,
    I just wanted to give a big thanks for this article. Your page and advice has inspired me pursue my own dream and create a culture blog/youtube/instagram for Londoners; check it out! I love your stuff and if you’re ever in London make sure you hit me up and we’ll take you to a few street food places you missed out on last time!

  • Sylvester nzekwe

    7 years ago

    Hey Mark. New subscriber on yours on youtube. Quick question- I want to start a food blog right now but I am only able to travel sparingly (5-6 times a year). Do you think I should focus my blog mainly on food in Saint Louis (where I live at the moment) or do a blog of all my travels even though there won’t be that much variety of food from other cities

    • Mark Wiens

      7 years ago

      Hi Sylvester, I would recommend you start a blog right where you live now. You’ll never run out of content, and that’s a smaller more local niche, which is great because your audience will be more focused.

  • Jehsong Baak

    7 years ago

    Hey Mark, I discovered your videos last year and I sometimes find myself irresistibly binge-watching of your video diaries. They’re super well done, with a great deal of heart and humanity, and watching you smile just warms up my day!!

    I am a Korean-born American living in Paris and through your videos on Korea, I have come to learn many things about my native country, so thank you so much for that!

    Congratulations on all your success and I wish you a great deal more on your journey ahead.

    God bless,

    Jehsong

  • Amy Stevens

    7 years ago

    Thanks for this great post! How did you first break into affiliate marketing? Did you approach businesses whose products you believed in and trusted and construct the deals yourself? Thanks in advance!

  • Ran Azulay

    7 years ago

    Hi Mark,
    Great channel and blog, I have been following you for a long time now.
    Could you please elaborate on the part about priorities in using your income? Where I live, not owning a car will consist for maybe 10-12% from my monthly income, and I fail to see how that can allow so much flights, hotels and eating out so often. In many videos you stay at fairly expensice hotels as well..
    What about other expenses other than a car? mortgage/rent? day to day expenses such as health insurance, taxes etc.?
    I’d love to hear your view on this,

    Thanks, and keep up the amazing work you’ve done so far..

  • Bilal

    7 years ago

    Mark, it’s great to know that you managed to live your passion with loads of hard work and dedication. I understand that you highly recommend blogging/youtubing which is good for those who are native English people as they can attract wider audience with the help of their good command in English. What would you recommend for your audience who are passionate about travelling and not English speaker.I know we can write in our own languages but it can never attract huge audience like English blog/youtubes as English is widely understood all over. What’s your recommendation for non English people on how to make money to turn their passion of travelling into reality.you are being watched by not only English people but also non English people are your followers so you need to be considered about us as well 🙂

    • Mark Wiens

      7 years ago

      Hey Bilal, thanks for reading this post, and that’s a great question. When it comes to actually earning money from an online business, sometimes the smaller niches, but very specific and very focused, have a higher potential for product development or creating something that pertains to that small niche. I know some friends who have built websites selling products, sites that don’t get much general traffic, but they are highly specific, and highly profitable. So you could think about something like that. Find a point where people are having pain (in your native country), and if you can be the expert on that topic, and then create a paid for product (and I say product instead of advertising, because that will be much more profitable with less traffic), that’s a way to get started.

  • Tiago

    8 years ago

    Tanks. to tell us all that informafion. The blog is realy cool.
    congratulations

  • Neil Sims

    8 years ago

    Mark, i am so pleased that if found your you tube video blog a month or so ago, i absolutely love it. Do you have any plans to write a guide for Chiang Mai and Chaing Rai?. I am due to retire in the next couple of years and plan to start a blog on travel/retirement from the point of view of the 60+. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.

  • Taiss

    8 years ago

    I really appreciate the hard work and passion you put into your blog and videos. It definitely shows!

  • Elizabeth Stein

    8 years ago

    The durian looks great. I justv found your blog. Love everything you do. Im 70, and a foodie. I havectaken cruises etc. Just to sample food. The experiences have been great. But, love your and Lings blogs. And you are so informative on all your travels. You are blessed to make this your lifestyle. Thanknyou for your blogs Mark.

  • Fong kinkeng

    8 years ago

    l like to travel

  • Reynaldo Remigio

    8 years ago

    Hello, I’ts been a long time since I watched your videos because I am now here in China and youtube is not available in my place, however I think I have already subscribed. Anyway, lately I became interested in Iron Chef, and the food they made was amazing. But I would really like to see you as a food Judge on these competitions, I really think it will be a great Idea. Your food reaction is the best way to tell the audience of the taste. Cheers!

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Hi Reynaldo, great to hear from you, and that you’re living in China now! That would be awesome, I would love to be a judge on Iron Chef someday. Thank you for your support, hope you’re doing well!

  • Harry & Kristy

    8 years ago

    Hi Mark, my daughter and I both love your food video on youtube, especially when you said extremely and ridiculously salty. Then we laughed so hard.We love your videos and hope some day we will go to Thailand and visit you.

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Hi Harry and Kristy, thank you very much. Say hello to your daughter for me!

  • Rolando Espada Tanig

    8 years ago

    Hi Mark,

    Good day!

    First of all, i loved watching your videos in You Tube and i really like watching the food the way you are eating…i can say that I am your number one fans now in watching your videos in You Tube…Tell you honestly, I love eating and it is my favorite habit…

    Again, i hope that you will continue uploading more videos in You Tube…

    All the best and more power…

    Rolando Espada Tanig – UAE

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Hi Rolando, thank you very much, really appreciate you watching my videos. Many more videos to come!

  • stanley sato

    8 years ago

    I’m from Honolulu and I thoroughly enjoy your various travel blogs and your shared experiences. I especially love your local food visits. Keep up the good work.

    • stanley sato

      8 years ago

      Everytime I go to Alicia’s I remember you eating the roast pork and poke in your car outside.

  • Iris

    8 years ago

    This is a helpful one, Mark. I’ve always been a silent viewer of your videos on YouTube. I’m glad I clicked on the recommended link. Have you also heard about cloud peeps? It’s a cool marketplace for freelancers, too.

  • Michael

    8 years ago

    Information was great!!Thanks so much!!!

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Thank you for reading Michael, glad it’s helpful.

  • Katie Roscoe

    8 years ago

    Hi Mark,

    I noticed you mentioned you took some freelance writing work whilst your blog was growing. I was wondering if you had any recommendations of which websites to use when looking for freelance writing work?

    Thank you for your great blogs,
    Katie

  • Larry

    8 years ago

    Saw your video about your backpack and how you packed. Can you provide site to this again? Thank you.

  • wina

    8 years ago

    Hi…am from the philippines..i only come to open your site about a month ago and keep on viewing your travel videos from then on if i had the time. I really appreciate what your doing and really got so much to learn the different culture and foods..i will try to buy one of your travel guide. Again Thanks a lot for the food videos. Keep sharing and GOD Bless you both on your journey to the different places in tje world.. 🙂 wina

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Hi Wina, very nice to meet you, thank you for watching my videos. Thank you very much, hope you’re doing well!

  • Siri & Joseph

    8 years ago

    Awesome advice and insights Mark. Siri and I are huge fans of your videos, and believe it or not, you inspired us to start our own cooking/recipe blog/channel. We learned a lot by watching your videos and applying the techniques you mention here on your site. We have been doing it for just over 4-months now and are super excited every time we make a new video. We both know that this is something that we will stick with for the long term, since we both love it and have a great time doing it. I can’t thank you enough for putting the things that you have learned on this site for newbies like us to read and apply. We started with a low quality camera, no lighting, and not very great recipe ideas, but we still loved it. Now only 4-months later, we have finally bought our first “good camera” (Canon 70D), some nice lighting, and have “started” to fine tune our video and recipe style. A BIG THANKS from both of us to both of you, Mark and Ying!!!

  • simon williams

    8 years ago

    Hey Mark
    You inspire us -keep up the great work =Japan v logs have been fantastic-I want to go there now and eat eat eat! If you don’t know already theres a great series called Godoko no Gurume or the solitary gourmet with english subtitles -check it out -makes you hungry!

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Hi Simon, thank you very much, and I really appreciate you watching our videos. Thanks for the recommendation, will try to check that out.

  • Winnie Marutle

    9 years ago

    Thanks Mark for an awesome site. I just stumbled upon your site by Gods grace. I just want you to know you have inspired me to push my dream of being a travel writer. Thank you for all your valuable advise and tips. I have found a wealth of infor to help me get started. Keep Shining.

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Hi Winnie, it’s great to hear from you, thank you very much for your kind words, and so cool that you’re pushing for your dreams. Nice to see your blog as well, keep it up!

    • Arindam

      9 years ago

      Hi Mark!!! I know earning money is tough and it can be only be achieved through hard work. I just want to say that I have seen a lot of your videos on youtube. When I see your video, suddenly I become hungry seeing at the delicious foods. Can you please post more videos

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Hey Arindam, great to hear from you, thank you for watching my videos. I will try to upload more frequently.

  • Johan

    9 years ago

    Hi Mark!
    A truly inspiring blog post! I started to write about my passion (Japan) about a year ago at http://www.japanfokus.se. (That’s also how I found you on YouTube.) However, I decided to write in Swedish and keep it local. I had no thought of monetization at the time, but now I’m not sure anymore. I’m gaining readers slowly. I would like to give it a try but Sweden is such a small market. Do you think I should switch to English (not my native language) for the sake of trying to increase readers and chance of income? Or keep it local?

    Best regards,
    Johan

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Hi Johan, great to see your blog, thank you for sharing. Hmm, that’s a good question, I do really like that you’re blogging in Swedish and it’s a smaller niche, but if you don’t think you can get enough traffic in Swedish, and want to really push to get more traffic, you might start expanding into English. Maybe translate some of your most successful article into English and give it a try. But I really like how you can be the expert about Japan for Sweden.

    • Johan

      9 years ago

      Hi Mark!
      Thanks for the response! I’ve start doing as you said and translated one of my top posts into English: http://www.japanfokus.se/5-tips-for-your-japan-trip/. Since English is not my native language, I would very much appreciate your feedback on the quality of my post. Is it good enough to continue translating blog posts to English?

      Cheers!
      /Johan

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Hey Johan, thanks for sharing. I think it looks great. One of the great things about blogging is that we don’t have to write perfect – it’s more like how we think. Nobody wants to read an essay, so personal stories and tips like you’ve shared is more important and more beneficial. I’d say keep on going!

    • Johan

      9 years ago

      Hi Mark! Thanks for your feedback, really appreciated! Also, great ebooks you have here! Heavily inspired from you, I’m working on my own now 🙂

  • martin

    9 years ago

    Hi,i found this seeking en youtube, well i’d like to know some tips or what can you recommend me to start that kind of lifestyle, I’m Mexican and I want to travel around the world
    Please help me, I don’t want to live a common life

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Hi Martin, great to hear from you. I started as a blogger, have you started a blog? That might be a first good step.

  • Apron6

    9 years ago

    Just wondering about the affiliate recommendations, do people/companies contact you? Or do you contact them?
    And how many visitors or how much interaction do you need on your blog to be taken serious by these people?

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Hi, good questions. Normally people will contact me, asking to join my affiliate program. I think it doesn’t matter how much interaction you have, if you have a good product and it’s about a subject that someone else is covering too, they might be interesting in selling your product.

  • Periklis Atzampos

    9 years ago

    Hi Mark,

    you have done a huge job (to my standards) in putting all these stuff online, and i pretty sympathize with your enthusiasm which by the time has left me, (nothing wrong with that ….its mostly the passage of time in repetitive experiences that makes it happen and on the flip side a disconnection with what the soul wants to truly experience from the actual action happening), and i still had new things to hear about bangkok despite my 6,5 years being here.

    If there was an international food guide …lets say Top 30 or 40 dishes worldwide i would definitely place Tom Yum inside as it is my favorite and one of the most powerful dishes ….. imagine when i get sick or weak i go and eat a Tom Yum (a Tom Yum a day and the doctor away is my motto for this) ….. but again tastes are personal also based on metabolism and other cellular characteristics (have stuff to say on this … but dont want to make my comment like a railway haha).

    Also i would definitely suggest Muang Bolang (Siam Ancient City in Samut Prakan area on the old Sukumvit road) which is full of huge replicas of temples and architectural marvels from all around Thailand (i knew of this one from the lonely planet tourist guide actually). It took me something like more then 4-5 hours since I was a thorough visitor looking at all details.

    I would also recommend the restaurant and sort of park in Ban Poo district just a couple kilometres down the road from the ancient city which stands on cement stilts 200 metres into the mangrove mudded beach while seagulls are flying around the long corridor and fresh breeze over its terraces as well you can have a nice lunch or dinner or even a look in any spontaneous event with Thais happening there.

    Another relatively new attraction that i am lucky of being a witness every day as it is diagonally opposite and across Chao Praya river from the condo i rent is Asiatique which is a higher end mix of Chatuchak (albeit much smaller) enriched with music restaurants, scenes, a big wheel sort of a miniature of the london eye or the prater of vienna and bigger events from time to time while the opportunity to take some nice photos and breezes over the river – actually i am heading over there right now.

    Perhaps you would want to increase your 25 things to do in bangkok to a 30 things to do in bangkok hehe.

    Lastly i am mostly open for meeting and exploring synergies as what you are doing with your blog was a missed “carrier” for me … as i was involved in learning on affiliate and network marketing, blogging, social advertising and all kinds of online income but without really having any monetary results (learnt lots and lots though) mainly i guess of a certain deeper comportment that tends to demystify things much sooner then they can produce any fruits. My best guess is that i haven’t really found my calling yet.

    Feel free to contact me here: 0833054009 and perhaps we could hang out. Sawasdee!!
    Peri

  • Ernesto

    10 years ago

    Thanks for your blog, I stumble upon it by googling and you tube, very helpful and encouraging.
    Hello how are you? I pray all is well.
    I’m a single sixty one year old man, who has two sons living in Barcelona and ever since i visited there in 2008, my heart is been wanted to move over there.
    At the present time i live in (Texas pan handle) .
    I have the desire to travel and work and spend the rest of my life doing so abroad, any tips, recommendations etc?

    Regards
    Ernesto

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hi Ernesto, great to hear from you, and thank you for checking out my videos and website. As for advice and tips, I think my biggest tip is to just go for it. If you have the desire and the motivation, you can do it. Make small steps to reach your goal, and those small steps will add up, until you just go for it. All the best.

  • Anong

    10 years ago

    Thank you so very much for sharing. It is absolutely selfless of you. bless you! You’re absolutely amazing! Keep up the great work!!!!

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hi Anong, thank you very much for your kind words. Hope you’re doing great.

  • Zvonko

    10 years ago

    Dear Mark Wiens,

    I do not know where to start but since I did not find an answer to my question on your website http://migrationology.com I think that an email connection will work best.

    I have an idea about how people could make money for their travel and would like to share it with the World.

    I do not have a blog or any public media, so I wonder if I could present the idea to you and as you are a World traveler, perhaps you could give me your opinion and suggestion.

    Perhaps you would want to use the idea yourself also and generate that extra income.

    If you would agree, in my next email I would present my idea in detail.

    Until then, safe and fun travels.

    Zvonko

  • ramlee

    10 years ago

    hi mark, how are you? i’m glad to know about you, very interesting…..
    i am the online caterer in malaysia, specialised for roast lamb, KoboiRoastLamb is our signature dish, famous since 2005
    can you mention this food when you travel to malaysia for next time

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hi Ramlee, nice to meet you too. Wow, you food looks amazing, next time I’m in Kuala Lumpur I’ll let you know!

  • Mele

    10 years ago

    Hi Mark,

    Thanks for your honesty. It shows that you really care about others success. Your personality exudes that. I appreciate the information that you openly shared. Coming from a credible person such as yourself, couldn’t have been better timing for me and my children’s business ventures. We have gathered all the materials (even flying benefits) we needed after two years and all we waited for was someone like you to teach us how to use them. I have watched many Utubber’s to find an example and finally feel so strongly about following you. I just messaged my children to let them know about you. We are at the beginning stage but we know what we want. Thank You for directing us to your sources.

    Mele & kids

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hello Mele and kids, wow this is fantastic to hear. Thank you so much for reading and watching this, and I’m excited for all of you. Sounds like you have a great plan and I wish you the best for you and your family. Let me know if you have any other questions, would love to help. All the best!

  • tammyonthemove

    10 years ago

    Really interesting post. I don’t make any money from affiliate sales. Not sure what I am doing wrong. Good for you that you are so successful though.

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hey Tammy, it took me a couple years before making much money on affiliate sales – and now I do mostly through hotel bookings. I think the best way is to recommend things that you actually use or do, just be honest about recommendations, and as your site continues to grow, sales will come through.

  • Hammad Tariq

    10 years ago

    Good post Mark! You are right! It’s all about priorities, you can spend every single dollar you earn towards your travels or you can sit at your home all life, hoping to use those save dollars some day (when your legs will not get along with your ambitions). Selling ebooks idea was good and I liked Youtube one as well. Do you also write guest blog posts?

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hey Hammad, good to hear from you. Do you mean if I write blog posts for others? Occasionally but not very often anymore.

  • Adam

    10 years ago

    Thanks for sharing your great tips. I started my travel blog about a year ago just for fun and step by step I am looking for opportunities to do blogging instead of my every day job 😉

    Good luck and “Bon Appétit”

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hey Adam, great to hear from you and glad that you’ve already started a blog!

  • Marcello Arrambide

    10 years ago

    Excellent post! It’s a fairly common question that needs to be addressed from different perspectives since everyone has his/her own preferences.

    It’s definitely true that setting priorities and goals is key to making money while traveling, but also it’s important to know your strengths and weaknesses and finding a way to work around that.

    Like with me, because of my educational background, I thought it was best that I stuck with day trading as my main source of income while traveling. Then I set up schools and offer classes to people who want to be day traders.

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hey Marcello, oh yah man, day trading is another great way to make money while traveling! Fully agree, there are so many different ways to earn a living doing what we each individually do well, using our unique strengths and skills.

  • Jaryd

    10 years ago

    Yep it is A LOT of hard work alright, I too am always spending a huge amount of time on my computer. I find, especially starting out this is such a tough way to make money. However if you love what you do it is all worth it. Thanks for the killer post, it’s super informative.

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hey Jayd, good to hear from you, glad you are motivated to do what you want to be doing too, keep it up!

  • Noel

    10 years ago

    Thank you for this very informative article. There are definitely some good advice I could use. Just a question, how do you get advertisers when you first started? Did your page need to have certain amount of traffic or page rank?

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hi Noel, good to hear from you. As for advertisers, I didn’t do any advertising until people began to contact me. But yes, proving your traffic and pagerank do help, and you could approach potential advertisers with a package.

  • Miranda Farley

    10 years ago

    I think your suggestions are doable. I was just saving up money in order to travel but blogging and traveling seems like the better deal. I am just starting with the writing stuff though. If it’s possible, can I post some of articles in your blog? It would be a great help for me. Travel on and travel safe! Cheers!

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hey Miranda, thank you for reading and glad you’re making steps. At the moment I’m not allowing any guest posts as I try to keep my blog all personal, but thank you. Travel safe too!

    • Miranda Farley

      10 years ago

      Oh okay. Thanks anyways. You too. Keep traveling and inspiring others to travel more. 🙂 Cheers!

  • Ross

    10 years ago

    Great info. I am at the start of my journey so hopefully I can end up like you. I know its no cake ride and that it involves a lot of hard work but hopefully after a dollar or two might just push me to do more as it did you.

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hey Ross, good to hear you’re making a start, and keep up the hard work!

  • Adam @ Round the World we go

    10 years ago

    Thank you for the insight into how you earn while travelling, it’s always good to know when you’re a step in the right direction!

    Happy travels guys!

  • Josias Lopes

    10 years ago

    Hi Mark,

    This is probably a very basic question, but hey… I’m new on this kind of stuff. About the Recommendations? How is it done? Is it the hotels, and product owners that contact you? Do you contact them? Or how does it work?

    By the way, check out my first post about Thailand: http://www.sytexperience.com/8/post/2014/02/thai-cooking-class-incookinghome-chiangmai-the-market.html

    Cheers,
    Josias Lopes
    http://www.sytexperience.com

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hey Josias, great to hear from you. Do you mean the affiliate recommendations for hotels? No, I don’t contact them at all, I just have an affiliate account on Agoda.com (which you can apply for, search it), and then after I stay somewhere and write about it (if I like it and want to recommend it), I link it with my affiliate code. So then if someone clicks and books, I will get a commission. Let me know if you have other questions!

  • ThailandTur.no

    10 years ago

    Thanks for sharing this information Mark, I run a few blogs myself just as a hobby. My normal job makes it quite easy for me to stay in Thailand many times every year. So I will keep it that way 😉

    Keep up the good work man, wish you all the best!

  • Elizabeth

    10 years ago

    You honestly have the best ebooks Mark! So grateful for them. We’ve been living in Phuket for three years and they have been fantastic in helping us figure out what we want to order when we go out( huge stink bean fans fyi!)

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Thank you so much for your kind words Elizabeth, I appreciate it. Glad they have been helpful. Awesome that you love stink beans too, it’s my all-time favorite food!

  • Pepperlam

    10 years ago

    Email me next time you are in Honolulu. I enjoy your adventures. Aloha!

  • Said alkindy

    10 years ago

    I like your video and you said about travel.I invite you to visit
    Sultanate of Oman(Muscat) and discover a new life and sumtuas food.

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hello Said, thank you very much for the kind invitation, I would love to visit Muscat in the future!

  • Javier

    10 years ago

    Thanks for sharing all your experience a thoughts really good and inspirational article. I have been writing my blog for around 3 years but I would like to push a bit and start getting some money from it. Ill use your advice.

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      You’re welcome Javier, glad that this is helpful, and keep up the good work!

  • Ian Maclean

    10 years ago

    Hi again Mark:

    Great info!!!!! I’m Ian the video guy from Hawaii and living part-time in Cebu Phils.

    Returning to Pattaya March 2nd to seek more material for my Youtube channels.

    Any recommendations? Also, any suggestions for a decent budget hotel…maybe around 500 – 600 baht a day. Will be there for a week….

    Let’s explore ways to assist each other….I have 7 channels with almost 1000 of my own videos. 21 MILLION viewers! I’ve joined 2 Youtube partners and seeing great results.

    Are you in Bangkok?

    Check my main channel…. globalvideopro1

    Aloha, Ian

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hey Ian, great to hear from you. I’m actually in Japan at the moment, won’t be back until the middle of March. Glad to hear your video channels are doing so well!

      As for Pattaya, I still haven’t spent much time there, apart from a few day trips, so haven’t needed to stay somewhere. So sorry I don’t have any suggestions. Hope you have a wonderful visit!

      Mark

  • Gianni

    10 years ago

    Great post Mark and congratulation for what you have achieved so far. Your blog, your videos and all your work is a source of inspiration.

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Thank you very much Gianni, you’re doing a wonderful job as well!

  • Mark

    10 years ago

    How often do you organise guided food tours of Bangkok and do you intend to increase the frequency of these tours? Even maybe to other countries /regions whose cuisines you are familiar with, to coincide with your own leisure travel agenda?

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hello Mark, good to hear from you. As for food tours it really depends, since we travel so much. When we are in Bangkok, my wife and I do offer occasional private food tours, but lately we’ve been out of the country so much that we haven’t done any for a while. As for frequency, there’s a possibility for more in the future, especially if we stabilize a bit more in Thailand (like if we have kids)!

  • Aaron

    10 years ago

    Hi Mark,

    Would you say there was a turning point where your blog really took off or was it just a gradual increase after the first 18 months? if so do you know why

    Cheers
    Aaron

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hey Aaron, that’s a great question. It was for the most part gradual, and pretty slow, until I decided to launch my first ebook, which got some good publicity (Some others blogged about it, CNN travel wrote about it, and some people posted it on forums). That was sort of a turning point, and I started gaining more traffic, and also writing longer more in depth articles from there on – which I really saw an increase in traffic from.

  • Paing Hein Htet

    10 years ago

    Try http://www.elance.com too! It’s a great place for freelancers 🙂

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Thanks for sharing Paing. I’ve hired a few people from Elance, but haven’t ever been hired from there. Do you get jobs from elance?

    • Mal Milligan

      10 years ago

      Hey Mark. Another great post… monetizing is good. When I was doing WordPress web design consulting, I got several very good customers on Elance. They are all still friends years later. I got a customer that turned out to be a nut job too, and Elance did a good job of helping me to get rid of them and to protect the solid ratings I earned from the good customers. I had to work hard to get those customers… there’s a ton of competition and many are bargain basement priced. The examples of my previous work plus my fast communication got me the jobs. Cheers –

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Thanks for sharing Mal!

  • Renuka

    10 years ago

    Nice to learn about the income part, because I am also a travel blogger and I have lately started earning through my blog. I agree it’s tough, but rewarding if you are consistent.

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hey Renuka, good to hear that you’re starting to monetize your blog. Keep up the good work!

    • Lenny and Stacie

      10 years ago

      As always, great inspiring content from Mark!!

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Thank you Lenny and Stacie, I appreciate it!