Sara Andrew sits down with the renowned travel writer and blogger Paul Johnson, learning about his humble beginnings in the early days of the internet and the story behind the monumental success of A Luxury Travel Blog. In this feature, he shares his experiences, insights, and valuable advice for aspiring travel writers who would like to follow in his footsteps.
The world of travel writing has evolved tremendously since the early 1990s when the internet was first emerging. It was during this time that Paul Johnson, armed with a degree in geography and a PhD in glaciology, found himself captivated by the limitless possibilities the web had to offer.
As the technology advanced, Paul began creating websites, exploring its vast potential. At the same time, he found his love for travel was growing stronger with each passing day.
Creating a website for their business proved to be a game-changer, as it led to a significant surge in bookings, with 40% of their clientele coming from international markets.
Fuelled by this initial success, Paul’s journey in the travel writing industry gained momentum. He expanded his web design services, working with local tourism boards in the Lake District area, which opened many doors and provided the opportunity to collaborate with various tourism clients.
While Paul’s passion for writing had always been present, it was primarily his knack for being in the right place at the right time with the internet that brought him into the world of travel writing.
In 2004, Paul took a leap of faith and started his own blog, focusing on luxury travel. Little did he know that this decision would shape the course of his career for years to come.
Today, A Luxury Travel Blog is nearly two decades old and contains more than 12,000 articles covering almost every luxury travel topic imaginable. This extensive collection of content, combined with the contributions of over 800 writers, has propelled A Luxury Travel Blog to the forefront of search engine results.
As I am a travel enthusiast myself, I came across A Luxury Travel Blog while conducting research for my own adventures. I was captivated by the frequency with which the blog appeared in my online searches, leading me to explore its vast array of articles. I was impressed by the blog’s extensive coverage and useful information.
Paul revealed that the primary way readers discover his blog is through specific travel topic searches, which subsequently direct them to relevant articles.
He emphasises that the ultimate goal of his blog is to provide valuable information that aids in trip planning, ensuring that travellers are equipped with the necessary tools to create unforgettable experiences.
While Paul has penned countless articles throughout his career, one piece holds a special place in his heart. It chronicles a sailing trip in the enchanting waters of Scotland, where he cherished quality family time away from the clutches of technology.
This personal connection to his work underscores the passion he harbours for the world of travel and the transformative power it holds.
He offers some invaluable advice for aspiring travel writers looking to follow in his footsteps. He encourages them to gain first-hand experiences through travel and use those experiences to pitch articles to publications that align with their style and interests.
Furthermore, he advises them to consider starting a blog to build a portfolio, providing a platform to showcase their work and attract potential clients.
Despite the immense success of his blog, Paul is not one to rest on his laurels. Recently, he undertook the monumental task of redesigning his blog for the first time in eight years. This revamp not only enhances the blog’s search engine optimisation but also improves the overall user experience.
The highlight of this redesign is the introduction of a major new section that will feature thousands of meticulously crafted city, country, and regional travel guides, further cementing his blog’s status as a go-to resource for luxury travellers.
Beyond A Luxury Travel Blog, Paul has also ventured into the world of luxury holiday rentals in the picturesque Lake District alongside his wife. This additional endeavour adds another layer to his already impressive repertoire.
During our conversation, Paul provided invaluable insight into his remarkable journey as a travel writer and blogger. From his early ventures into web development to the soaring success of his blog, his story serves as an inspiration to aspiring travel writers worldwide.
Paul’s advice, based on years of experience and success, offers a guiding light for those looking to carve out a career in the industry. With his recent blog redesign and the introduction of an extensive travel guide section on A Luxury Travel Blog, Paul Johnson’s impact on the luxury travel community will undoubtedly continue to grow.
To learn more about A Luxury Travel Blog and Paul Johnson, visit http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com.
Read more profiles and exclusive interviews here.