If you’re a new travel blogger, or if you’re thinking of starting a travel blog, you may be wondering how to monetize your content. Doing your research, you probably came across affiliate marketing in the travel niche.
In this guide, we’ll talk about the best affiliate programs for travel bloggers. As my main website is a travel blog, I’m part of several affiliate programs in the travel niche. This is why I can recommend the best programs for travel blogs.
By best affiliate programs I mean the most performing in the travel niche. Note that depending on your content and audience, some of these programs may or may not be fitting your niche.
And keep in mind that the travel industry is still impacted by the current situation (pandemic), so revenue can be affected.
If you’re new to affiliate marketing and blog monetization, I’d recommend you read our post to learn how to monetize a travel blog.
Before we start, there are a few things to consider in order to join affiliate programs for travel bloggers.
- Some travel affiliate programs require that your website is at least 3 to 6 months old.
- Some travel affiliate programs will require that you have a minimum of traffic.
- Some travel affiliate programs may have specific terms and conditions, so be sure to be aware of their terms before you start promoting them.
Without further ado, let’s get started!
Booking.com
One of my favorite travel affiliate programs is Booking.com. This popular travel marketplace allows users to book hotels, car rentals, and more!
You can easily recommend Booking.com when creating content about travel destinations. The commission split starts at 25% and can go up to 40% (if you have more than 501 bookings per month).
Note that in order to get paid, you’ll need to reach the threshold of EUR 100. When the threshold is met, you usually get paid two months later.
HostelWorld
HostelWorld is a hostel marketplace which is good if you target budget travelers. You can join their affiliate program on Partnerize. The commission starts at 25% and the cookie period is 30 days which is excellent.
You can easily recommend HostelWorld when creating content for backpackers or budget travelers.
Note that when you manage to get lots of bookings, HostelWorld is willing to increase your commission split.
Skimlinks
Skimlinks gives you access to thousands of affiliate programs in different niches. They have plenty of great options in the travel niche including Omio, Agoda, Hotels.com, and more.
It can be interesting to use their network if you simply don’t feel like joining a bunch of affiliate programs about traveling.
You can test out different travel affiliate programs, and then, when you see lots of sales on the same merchant, you can join their travel program directly.
If you want to learn more about Skimlinks, read our complete Skimlinks review.
I’m using Skimlinks for a few travel programs where I don’t generate much income. For me, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to join all these travel affiliate programs for such little commissions.
To give you an idea, I’ve been making money with the following programs via Skimlinks:
- Trustedhousesitters
- G-Adventure
- VPN providers
- EagleCreek
Amazon
Amazon is one of my top affiliate programs because it’s a popular brand and everybody orders things on Amazon at some point. I promote Amazon when I create buying guides, packing lists, etc.
But, Amazon is quite strict regarding its terms and conditions, so be sure your website is established before joining their program. In fact, you could get kicked out of their affiliate program if you don’t make any sales within 3 months.
That said, I invite you to read all their terms and conditions before promoting products on Amazon. If you can do this properly, it can be a great source of income for your travel blog.
The commission split can change depending on the products sold and promoted. That said, Amazon can change the commissions anytime, so keep that in mind.
Another thing to remember about Amazon is that you’ll need to apply to different countries to maximize your revenue. I personally have accounts for the United States, United Kindom, and Canada, which are my three primary audiences.
GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide is a marketplace for activities and tours. They have different tools, including widgets and links to promote tours to different destinations.
All new partners receive a base commission of 8%. This split can increase over time if you get lots of bookings.
GetYourGuide provides several resources for their affiliate partners, including best practices, deactivated links, and data to help you increase your sales.
12GO
12GO is a marketplace for transportation. It’s a popular platform especially in Southeast Asia, but they have added more destinations such as Australia over the years.
I’ve been promoting 12GO in destination guides and itineraries. Think about ferries, train rides, bus routes, and even private transfers.
You can earn up to 50% of the 12GO Asia commission for each confirmed booking. As some of these transportation methods are relatively cheap, you’ll get a few dollars with each booking.
SafetyWing
SafetyWing is one of my most performing travel affiliate programs. Here, we’re talking about travel insurance, and it’s great because you can earn recurring revenue when someone travels long-term.
You can promote SafetyWing pretty much in all your travel content because having insurance is essential when you travel.
iVisa
iVisa is an online platform that allows you to apply for tourist visas online. They offer a travel affiliate program for bloggers on visa orders.
You can earn between 20% and 35% commission on their travel documents. There’s a threshold of $50, and the cookie duration is long (365 days). That said, one client could bring out multiple orders – so that’s great news!
Worldpackers
Worldpackers connects travelers who are seeking volunteering opportunities, and hosts offering stays around the world. Their affiliate programs allow you to get commissions on memberships sold.
You can easily promote Worldpackers if you talk about budget or slow travel.
Depending on the number of referrals you make, you can earn anything between $10 or $19 per referral.
You usually need an invitation to join their travel affiliate program, but you can also email them to request an invite.
Wise
Finally, Wise (formerly known as Transferwise) has an affiliate program, which is an excellent option for travel bloggers.
In fact, any bloggers, digital nomads, expats, or travelers will be using Wise at some point, which is why it’s easy to promote them on a travel blog.
You can join the Wise affiliate program via the platform Partnerize. You’ll earn different commissions depending on the products you promote on your travel blog. The base commission starts at $10 with a cookie period of 360 days.
Final Thoughts On Affiliate Programs For Travel Blogs
As you can see, these affiliate programs for travel bloggers sound promising – because they convert well!
Why try hundred of affiliate programs if you can simply focus on the ones that work?
Obviously, you should always test and compare networks when you can. For example, if you promote hotels, try Booking.com and Hotelcombined and see which one converts the best. Depending on where your audience is from, you could get different results.
Need help tracking your income from affiliate marketing? Grab our blogging income tracker here.
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