{"id":28591,"date":"2025-08-25T16:08:48","date_gmt":"2025-08-25T13:08:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/?p=28591"},"modified":"2025-09-05T11:39:03","modified_gmt":"2025-09-05T08:39:03","slug":"discoveroverthere-success-story","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/discoveroverthere-success-story\/","title":{"rendered":"Discover Over There: How AI turned a hobby into a second income"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Chihuei Liu has been in the travel business for a long time \u2013 first as a flight attendant, now as the blogger behind <a href=\"http:\/\/discoveroverthere.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Discover Over There<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Chihuei (rhymes with freeway, as she likes to say!) works full-time in tech sales, so she doesn\u2019t have oceans of time to devote to her site. All the same, she\u2019s found efficient and effective ways to monetize it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To free up Chihuei\u2019s time for the things she enjoys, three AI Travelpayouts tools step in to handle the hard work. Let\u2019s get to know them now:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/app.travelpayouts.com\/tools\/emerald\/?tp_place=blogpost_discoveroverthere-success-story\"><strong>Emerald<\/strong><\/a> automatically places affiliate tools for the highest number of conversions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/app.travelpayouts.com\/booking_booster\/?tp_bb=true\/?tp_place=blogpost_discoveroverthere-success-story\"><strong>Booking Booster<\/strong><\/a> studies the behavior of users on the site and, at the right moment, shows them the brand offers that are most likely to bring you money.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/app.travelpayouts.com\/tools\/link_switcher\/?tp_place=blogpost_discoveroverthere-success-story\"><strong>LinkSwitcher<\/strong><\/a> automatically converts regular links and links from other affiliate platforms into Travelpayouts\u2019.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The blog<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Chihuei started <a href=\"http:\/\/www.discoveroverthere.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Discover Over There<\/a> in 2021 to write about city travel, and she\u2019s now homing in on a juicy niche: design-forward hotels around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Did we mention she likes to travel? She\u2019s written about her experiences on six continents, covering cities as far-flung as Johannesburg, Buenos Aires, Taipei, and San Francisco (where she\u2019s based). Along the way, she\u2019s grown her monthly traffic to 62,000+ visitors and earned a following of 60k on Instagram.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Monetizing on a tight schedule<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Working in tech in San Francisco, and using all her PTO to fly across oceans, doesn\u2019t leave Chihuei a whole lot of free time. That\u2019s why she\u2019s always had an eagle eye out for efficient ways to monetize her blog \u2013 and it\u2019s why she loves Travelpayouts\u2019 AI tools:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"blockquote\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>As someone who works full-time in AI, I\u2019ve seen its power firsthand. So when I saw that you all rolled out AI tools, I knew I just had to try it! I only get to blog for a few hours every night, so I was hoping for positive results from any AI tool, and Travelpayouts definitely delivered.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Discover Over There had been bringing in a little cash, but once Chihuei started using Emerald, LinkSwitcher, and Booking Booster, her revenue exploded \u2013<strong> from $87 in January to nearly $1,155 in July.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#x261d;&#xfe0f; Here and below, the numbers include both confirmed and pending (potential) bookings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Chihuei uses AI tools<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Emerald<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Her favorite tool is <a href=\"https:\/\/app.travelpayouts.com\/tools\/emerald\/?tp_place=blogpost_discoveroverthere-success-story\"><strong>Emerald<\/strong><\/a>, which automatically places affiliate tools in content to maximize conversions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f14c970881c&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"886\" height=\"642\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/image-3.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28592\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/image-3.png 886w, https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/image-3-300x217.png 300w, https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/image-3-768x556.png 768w, https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/image-3-673x488.png 673w, https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/image-3-416x301.png 416w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 886px) 100vw, 886px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Emerald shows a sunset cruise offer in Chihuei\u2019s <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/discoveroverthere.com\/3-day-san-jose-del-cabo-itinerary\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>San Jos\u00e9 del Cabo guide<\/em><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Having smart recommendations turned on is so\u2026 smart!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"blockquote\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>My favorite part is the set-and-forget mindset. I never have to worry about going back and linking to something if I forgot. Also, I love that the algorithm knows what my readers will want and auto-recommends based on their preferences, lifestyle, etc.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The result? More time for crafting amazing content and more earnings: March \u2014 over $35, May \u2014 almost $64, June \u2014 over $89.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f14c9708bf9&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"628\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/image-4-1024x628.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28593\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/image-4-1024x628.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/image-4-300x184.png 300w, https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/image-4-768x471.png 768w, https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/image-4-1536x942.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/image-4-796x488.png 796w, https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/image-4-416x255.png 416w, https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/image-4.png 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Emerald bookings from March to July 2025<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"d-flex justify-content-center col-12\">                         \n    <a class=\"tpe-btn tpe-btn-article\" href=\"https:\/\/app.travelpayouts.com\/tools\/emerald\/?tp_place=blogpost_discoveroverthere-success-story\/\">                                \n        Turn on Emerald\n    <\/a>                        \n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Booking Booster<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/app.travelpayouts.com\/booking_booster\/?tp_bb=true\/?tp_place=blogpost_discoveroverthere-success-story\"><strong>Booking Booster<\/strong><\/a>, meanwhile, studies the behavior of Chihuei\u2019s visitors and shows them specially curated offers that they\u2019re likely to book. She just recently started using it, and it\u2019s already brought her an extra $170.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"d-flex justify-content-center col-12\">                         \n    <a class=\"tpe-btn tpe-btn-article\" href=\"https:\/\/app.travelpayouts.com\/booking_booster\/?tp_bb=true\/?tp_place=blogpost_discoveroverthere-success-story\/\">                                \n        Turn on Booking Booster  \n    <\/a>                        \n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. LinkSwitcher<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, <a href=\"https:\/\/app.travelpayouts.com\/tools\/link_switcher\/?tp_place=blogpost_discoveroverthere-success-story\"><strong>LinkSwitcher<\/strong><\/a> helped Chihuei optimize existing content by monetizing all of her non-affiliate links.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"blockquote\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>I was super impressed with LinkSwitcher because I knew I had a lot of unoptimized links on my page from years ago. Instead of going back to change the links, LinkSwitcher did that for me and saved hours of copy-paste drudgery.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>For someone whose work and play are both fast-paced, that kind of automation is a life-changer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"d-flex justify-content-center col-12\">                         \n    <a class=\"tpe-btn tpe-btn-article\" href=\"https:\/\/app.travelpayouts.com\/tools\/link_switcher\/?tp_place=blogpost_discoveroverthere-success-story\/\">                                \n        Turn on LinkSwitcher\n    <\/a>                        \n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Freed up to dream big<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Take a cue from Chihuei: let AI handle your routine tasks so you can focus on traveling, creating, earning \u2013 and planning your next big step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Chihuei, that step is to keep growing while niching down into elegantly designed hotels:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"blockquote\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>I plan to continue balancing my full-time career with blogging, as I\u2019m genuinely passionate about helping busy professionals travel more comfortably and efficiently.<br><br>That means sharing fast-paced itineraries and showcasing beautiful luxury boutique stays around the world. Eventually, I\u2019d love to maybe launch my own travelwear brand \u2013 something that helps business travelers move from point A to point B in style and comfort.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ll be here for it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Takeaways: How to boost your blog game today<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"blockquote\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>I\u2019m a huge believer in testing everything, and running experiments \u2013 which means you should definitely start by experimenting with AI. It&#8217;s not going anywhere, and you might as well use it to your advantage to generate more revenue! What do you have to lose?<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Turn on AI tools<\/strong>. Emerald, LinkSwitcher, and Booking Booster will help you multiply your earnings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Keep using standard tools<\/strong>. Links and widgets deliver consistently strong results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Track your site\u2019s performance<\/strong>. Use our free <a href=\"https:\/\/app.travelpayouts.com\/statistics\/content_analytics\/?tp_place=blogpost_discoveroverthere-success-story\">Content Analytics<\/a> dashboard to see which posts, brands, and tools are generating revenue, and which need to be tweaked.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>And as always, Travelpayouts will be here to help in any way we can. &#x1f499;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Chihuei Liu had limited time to work on her blog. But with three AI tools, she still managed to 13x her revenue.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":96,"featured_media":28594,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_eb_attr":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[527],"tags":[346,697,692,651,20],"class_list":["post-28591","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-stories","tag-affiliate-tools","tag-booking-booster","tag-emerald","tag-linkswitcher","tag-travel-blog"],"acf":[],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28591","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/96"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=28591"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28591\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":29230,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28591\/revisions\/29230"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/28594"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28591"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=28591"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=28591"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}