My Story:The Truth About Being A Travel Blogger (Part 1)

Recently, I’ve decided to do personal posts every month; 1 post per month. Without consciously realising, the month of December (2016) went by so quickly and I somehow couldn’t come around to completing the task before hand.

Over the last few few, I have been thinking about how can I best explain what it is like to be a solo traveller and getting paid to do it. In the simplest form?… It’s a dream for me. Every time I check into an airport or purchase a train/bus ticket to someplace new, I feel re-energised all over again. The feeling of twirling down streets whether it be Nordic- coffee themed or sunny colourful pathways in Latin America is so refreshing and revitalising to me. I have always wanted to do this.  The reality kick is that… I do it for a living.

In 2016, I have been to over 10 different countries, had more than 20 different fights, trying the different foods and capturing my favourite travel moments. Probably one of the best jobs, but even the best jobs have its downfalls and tackling aggression in the work domain can be hard without legal help.

 Overview More Indepth

One of the things I really enjoy is to go through my inboxes to read the feedbacks from my community of readers. From inspirational talks to the How and Where Questions are some of the most frequent emails and messages. How Can I Do What You Do? Where Can I Begin? The funny thing is that, this is probably one of the hardest questions for me to answer. I started this journey (writing & taking photos) 3 years ago. I had no definite plan, I had and still have no clear idea how to do this to perfection. The truth is, I’m still learning, I’m still figuring out how to run this blog as a business and to maintain a sense of authenticity, in which readers are able to see beyond the travels and understand me as an individual.

The Part I Never Talk About 

I personally feel as if its very unlikely to get everything in one post. Every time I decide to do a personal post I have all these ideas in my mind in which I want to include. It is like having a guide or bullet points. But, in truth, it’s never all that there is.

The most important part about being a blogger is to able write and share your experiences effectively. I still have such a hard time, writing and publishing posts. It’s a constant struggle for me. I get anxiety and nervousness. I care about what my readers read, I care about getting the messages across as effective as possible but most of all I care about the authenticity and the truth. As far as I’m concerned, anyone could be a blogger, but the overall package is what matters most to me. That, I still struggle with. Though, I do not intend to learn everything in one go. After all, for me, it’s a journey, one that I am happy to take others along to enjoy the ride. I do not intend in just being a Travel Blogger, but that and more. My goal is to inspire.

In a few weeks, a few days realistically speaking… I will be starting off 2017 adventures. As a solo traveller, and as a person who is constantly on the road I do have my ups & downs. Though I’m being compensated for travelling and as simple as that might sound, it is hard work. Meeting deadlines with blog posts, scheduling and confirming trips/contracts, keeping up with the social media channels can be quite tiring, though it is something I enjoy doing very much.

From a financial perspective, I do budget a lot whenever I travel. I still cringe checking my bank account after a big trip. Being a Travel Blogger doesn’t mean I get to travel full-time and stay in nicest places or eat at the fanciest restaurants always. Even though that comes with it, sometimes taking the flip side is good.

My ideal goal is to inspire and create memories as I go; sharing the knowledge I have learnt along the way here. Even more so travelling the world on a Jamaican Passport

  • Siddiqah O.
    January 31, 2017

    Weird question but you describe yourself as a solo traveler but who takes your pics? Also I enjoy traveling and have been to a few Caribbean nations…how do I share my experiences with the world as a blogger? Do u already have a post like that?

    • Shea Powell
      Siddiqah O.
      January 31, 2017

      Hi Siddiqah.. It’s not a wierd question at all. I use a tripod and sometimes I make friends along the way whom I often ask to take a photo for me. 🙂

  • adventuresfromelle
    January 3, 2017

    I hope to someday visit the places you’ve been and have a full passport too! I admire the honesty you bring to your posts. You’ve inspired me to start my own blog in fact, so hopefully I can stick to it. Keep on doing what you do and I eagerly await reading of your 2017 travels

    • Shea Powell
      adventuresfromelle
      January 3, 2017

      Looking forward to reading your posts. Thank you for stopping by! 🙂

  • Cavel
    January 3, 2017

    I love that you are a Jamaican doing what isn’t conventional. I get a lot of inspiration from your blog and sure enough I will be traveling to a few of those countries in 2017. Keep us informed.

  • Dominique Roache
    January 2, 2017

    Love your blog and I followed you on Instagram too because I was curious that your a Jamaican and its rare to find someone who travel the world for a living from Jamaica. I wanted to know how you did so too which really inspire me to read your blog. I finally aware of countries I can visit without a visa and that excites me, thanks for that blog it really informative. Keep doing what you doing blessings.

  • Diana Wright
    January 2, 2017

    I am loving your blog. Can’t wait to see your 2017 adventures. Keep up the good work Shea. You are inspiring many. 🙂

  • Nicole Smith
    January 2, 2017

    You are my inspiration. I love the honesty and truth in your posts.

    • Shea Powell
      Nicole Smith
      January 3, 2017

      Thank you so much for your feedback Nicole! 🙂

  • Mickeala Saunders
    January 2, 2017

    Your posts always have so much meaning to them. Keep them coming, Shea!

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