Mog and Dog Travels: How to quit and hit the road

Read on to see how Sasha and Vincent hit the road with just a dream and a website and came to earn nearly €3,000 in affiliate revenue in a month. Along the way, Sasha tells us what she’s learned about SEO, social media, and avoiding over-reliance on any single article.

Getting started

I started Mog and Dog Travels back in 2018, right after I left my job in Malaysia. My husband Vincent and I had been traveling and living abroad for years – first around Turkey, then Zambia, and eventually Malaysia. Whenever we had a break from work, we’d pack a backpack and jet off somewhere new. The idea of writing about those adventures felt natural. 

I thought posting interesting stories and great photos would magically attract an audience. Needless to say, that’s not quite how it works. I didn’t know about SEO or site structure; I just shared fun anecdotes and personal reflections. It took me a while to realize that helpful, well-researched content truly draws readers (and search engines).

By 2021, I discovered Sharon Gourley’s Build Blog Freedom course and had an epiphany: if I wanted my blog to support me financially, I needed to serve my readers by answering their real questions – things like “Where should I stay in Istanbul?” or “How do I travel from Istanbul’s airport to the city center?” Making that mental shift changed everything.

Going all in

For a while, I juggled blogging with teaching English online. But one day, I realized that those 15 hours a week of teaching were 15 hours I wasn’t putting into the blog, so I cut the cord and dove in headfirst, relying on Vincent’s ghostwriting income while I built the site.

It wasn’t an instant moneymaker, but stepping away from other commitments helped me focus on what mattered:

• Learning SEO fundamentals
• Restructuring older articles
• Experimenting with affiliate links

Vincent, a talented writer himself, used to contribute posts but paused after I took my blogging course and revamped everything. Now, he’s back, helping to create fresh content and manage our social media. 

Finding our backpacking groove

Vincent and I initially traveled light, with just one backpack each, to save on flights and to stretch our budget as far as possible. We were living off our savings from our Malaysian jobs and wanted to keep exploring the world without quickly burning through funds. 

Even now, when we’re more settled in certain seasons, we still love the freedom of traveling with minimal luggage. I like to have everything within arm’s reach and avoid dragging huge suitcases around. It’s cheaper, faster, and more fun.

That same mindset spills over into the blog’s content. We lean toward simple, practical travel tips like where to find vegetarian meals or how to navigate bus routes because that’s what our readers care about.

Getting strategic about content creation

After years of stumbling around without an SEO plan, I finally began doing keyword research. I check whether a topic is worth pursuing by examining competition and potential search volume. 

That said, I still allow room for topics I’m passionate about even if they don’t promise huge traffic numbers, like regional cuisines and vegan restaurant guides. I’ve realized it’s not just about the biggest keywords. Shorter, more focused articles on a single attraction or city can sometimes rank better and are faster to write.

Since the Google updates, I’ve also eased up on my old habit of agonizing over every keyword. Don’t get me wrong: I still factor in SEO, but I’m not letting it dictate my entire creative process. I hope more targeted posts on niche topics will help diversify the blog, so I’m not relying on one or two superstar articles.

I also update old posts. For instance, earlier this year, I refreshed my winter-themed guides and a few dusty posts that hadn’t been touched in a while. Meanwhile, I’m still cranking out new articles that feel relevant, especially ones about specific towns, modes of transport, and hidden local eats.

Adapting to algorithm changes and diversifying traffic

Late in 2024, I watched some of my highest-earning articles drop in Google rankings almost overnight. One of those posts had been a major money-maker for me, so it was hard not to panic. In time, I learned not to obsess over every dip – and also not to rely on one or two big performers.

That realization pushed me to diversify. I went back to Pinterest, which I’d used in my early blogging days, and started pinning regularly to reach a different audience.

We’ve also been thinking about TikTok. Years ago I set up an Instagram account, but I never liked it. I think it’s important to enjoy the social media tools you are using. If you hate using something, I don’t think you’ll have success with it. 

My focus now is finding platforms I enjoy using and building an email list for more direct interaction. I’d also like to create and sell my own digital products, like downloadable itineraries. I feel that having an alternative to Google traffic is essential.

Affiliate marketing: From 0 to €3,000

I discovered affiliate marketing in 2021, after realizing I could earn commissions from the travel recommendations I was already making.

My best month brought nearly €3,000 from Travelpayouts affiliates alone, mainly through Booking.com and GetYourGuide. I include text and button links throughout my posts, often adding a “quick booking box” near the top for readers who just want to skim. I also use clear CTAs (calls to action) to encourage people to click. 

When recommending accommodations or tours, I highlight what makes them unique and describe my personal experience so readers know exactly what they’re getting into. I’m thinking about adding resource sections toward the end of my posts to catch bookings I might have missed higher up.

I also try to weave links naturally throughout rather than slapping them in at the very start of the article.

Tracking what works

I use SubIDs and Google Analytics to see which posts convert best. Tracking trends is fun – sometimes itinerary-style content does well, and other times, transport guides take the lead. 

I also use Travelpayouts Content Analytics tool as it clearly shows me which posts are getting the most bookings. The SubIDs also help me to better understand what type of links work best. 

I’ve tried Agoda in the past, but Booking.com works better for my audience. With tours, GetYourGuide outperforms Viator right now, so I lean in that direction. I haven’t strategically tested what works best, but I should!

Hot tips for aspiring travel bloggers

If you’re aiming to turn your travel blog into a genuine source of income, here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:

1. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Spread out your content so you’re not reliant on a single post.
2. Test out different affiliates. Every audience is unique, so keep an eye on conversions before committing long-term.
3. Balance SEO with passion. Research your topics, but still allow room for what truly interests you. 
4. Think beyond Google. Social media, email lists, and alternative platforms can shield you from algorithm whiplash.
5. Stay adaptable. Blogging is ever-changing, from Google updates to new social platforms. Keep experimenting to find your sweet spot.

Ready to put Sasha’s revenue-boosting tips into action? Check out Travelpayouts and start monetizing your content.