How a New Travel Blogger Makes Money: Hugging Horizons

Plenty of people want to know how a new travel blogger makes money in those messy, exciting first months, so this edition of my “How to Make Money While Travelling” series is an honest look at exactly that. No big audience yet, no slick media kit, just a 23 year old fresh grad figuring it out in real time.

This week I interviewed Levy Anne Amosin, the founder of Hugging Horizons, a brand new travel blog run out of the Philippines that offers travel guides, fashion tips and inspirational travel stories. Levy funds her trips through sponsored articles and host companies while also running a travel agency on the side, and she is wonderfully candid about how early stage it all still feels.

“Travel Guides / Fashion Tips / More Hugs”

Q1: So, how do you make money while travelling?

I have this travel agency in the Philippines which is known as “ACF Travel & Tours”; we book local & international flights, hotels and other kinds of accommodation.

I am trying to manage my time both being an entrepreneur and a full-time travel blogger. Most of the time, sponsors and host companies offer me their products / monetization as compensation in exchange for good articles. So far, that’s how I make money out of blogging.

Q2: What were you doing before Hugging Horizons?

I’m only 23, so I just graduated college. I was on my first few months of being a fresh grad when I found out about a certain online travel website that pays writers to write good travel articles for them. To cut the story short, I tried my luck on joining the said site, and I got in. This was where everything began.

Q3: What are your reasons for becoming location independent?

I was once a random traveler, however my story is a bit unique; I have been traveling since I was 4 for reasons depending on various life circumstances. The fact that traveling has been chasing me and I really think that I can no longer escape from it, gave birth to my blog.

Q4: What challenges do you face in your career while both working and travelling?

Time management has caused many challenges, I am still struggling with managing my travel agency and blogging. Overlapping schedules are also challenges. Blogging might look easy for others, but I must say it’s much more than that.

Q5: What is the biggest lesson you have learnt from becoming location independent?

Nothing beats the happiness brought by traveling!

Q6: How do you find work while travelling?

It is tiring, both physically and mentally. However I really do think that there’s so much room for me to grow. I’m in the adjustment stage so I guess this interview would contain more of a list of blogger’s confession. But then I must also tell you this, I have never been free and this happy. Only the blogging world brought me this kind of joy in life.

Q7: Do you think businesses should offer more remote working opportunities? If so, why?

In my opinion, I would say YES. This will awaken that adventurous spirit of every individual.

Q8: What would your advice be to someone who wants to quit their desk job?

I will be very honest on this part of the interview. Tip 1; always follow your passion, it will always be the best profession. However please take note of tip 2; never quit your job, unless you have stable sponsors or host for your blogging career.

Q9: What is your favourite travel quote?

“The beauty of travel is that it is something personal.”

Patricia Scultz​