Welcome to my very first travel blogging month in review! I’m excited to write these personal posts to keep myself accountable and to track my progress, especially my travel blogging aspirations.
I’m going to share personal, business, life, and blogging highlights and challenges, as well as things I’m working on. Blogging is my dream of 14 years (!!!) and I’m finally making good on my promise.
No more waiting for the right time.
This post may contain affiliate links and I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no additional cost to you. Please see my disclosure for more information.
Okay, let’s dive into this month’s highs, lows, and everything in between. From juggling travel plans to keeping the business afloat, September was… well, a lot and a little at the same time.
But here’s the good stuff (and a few challenges) that made it all worth it.
There is no greater harm than that of time wasted
Michelangelo
Personal Highlights
I celebrated my husband’s birthday! It’s my second favorite birthday to celebrate (after mine naturally). That weekend it was only the two of us, he likes to have a quiet birthday.
We went to get his dream camera, the Leica M 10-D (used, apparently they only make a few so they’re rare) and a 28mm Summicron lens, and he was happy.
I also focused more on health, we bought a walking pad, I started taking probiotics, and C15:0 supplements. Will report on how I feel after a few months of taking them.
Travel Highlights
It was also the first time since 2020 that we traveled separately. He left to Europe for Oktoberfest and I visited Oaxaca, Mexico.
Here’s what stood out to me:
Favorite Experience
My favorite experiences was the Temazcal ritual and all those relaxing massages I had during our trip. I hardly get any massages while traveling because I’m trying to see as much as possible.
This time around I traveled to Oaxaca with my girlfriends and one friend suggested this Temazcal experience and 2 other massages on different days. It was glorious and just what my tired body needed.
Price-wise, is slightly cheaper than an Asian massage in Los Angeles, but well worth it.
What Surprised me
That I was totally OK with traveling without my significant other. I’ve never traveled without my husband, and although I missed him dearly, I enjoyed the company of my girlfriends.
Lesson Learned
I missed Latin American countries and should visit more often. The colors of the cities and towns are vibrant, the people are so nice and friendly, the food is one of my favorites, and it’s affordable.
I grew up in Honduras and know Spanish really well, so I was happy communicating with the locals and being my friends’ translator.
Next Up
Heading out to Europe (to meet up with my husband) & Canada (with family) in October
Passive Income Reflections
One of my goals is to maintain flexibility in life through my passive income streams like rental properties and Airbnb. This month:
I made progress by updating the descriptions on my listings. Next month, I need to convert two of my short-term rentals into mid-term rentals or long term rentals due to new regulations.
It works well because I like less turnaround = more passive business.
If you’d like to become a host, please consider using my Airbnb referral code. You’ll also earn free money after a successful stay. If you do sign up, let me know if you need any advice!
Active Income Reflections
Running my architecture design firm while traveling comes with its own set of challenges, but this month I:
- Completed 3 projects: My goal every month is to get 3 projects approved and ready to start construction
- Did not book any new clients: It’s normal during this time of the year. There’s a correlation between the amount of projects I have and the holidays. Projects and inquiries start slowing down in the fall because it’s also my preferred time to go on vacation
- Clients are pausing their projects: I’ve had at least 3 clients put a pause on projects because of job insecurity and not being able to secure financing.
- Clients aren’t paying on time: This one is annoying because my work is done, the invoice is sent, automatic reminders are sent, and still no invoice paid. I really hate asking (and reminding people) for money 🙁
Key Learning
Having enough saved up to weather the slow season! This one took me a while to learn but now I’ve built up a cushion / nest egg for the fall and winter slump.
I should’ve saved a little more for vacation time because I stress out about money ALL THE TIME. Down time at work is the best time to get away and dream up new ways of improving my business.
Travel Blogging Journey
As I work to grow my travel blog and turn it into a source of income, here’s what I focused on this month:
What I did: I finally posted on my travel blog! Rather than work on the Home Page or About Me Page, I posted 2 brand new blog posts. I’m proud of myself 🙂
Here they are: What to Pack for Oaxaca & Where to Shop in Oaxaca.
I’ll be sharing more in October.
What worked: Consistency and dedicating 1-2 hours each day to travel blogging activities like keyword research (use code KSDISC for 20% discount) and blog writing.
What didn’t: I was hoping to get at least 8 posts a month but was only able to write 2. I think it was definitely overthinking it, perfectionism, and the whole “Am I Good Enough” mentality
Income Goal: I’m working towards monetizing through ads and affiliates. Hoping to do partnerships in the future. Right now, my focus is increasing my output on high quality travel blogs (8 per month) and its corresponding Pins.
Final Thoughts
September was a busy month full of first:
First time traveling without my husband. First time traveling with friends. First time committing to travel blogging.
I learned that starting is the hardest part and now I know I can actually do the thing. I can’t wait to see what October brings.
If you’ve got any tips or want to chat about travel, business, or blogging, send me a message—I’d love to hear from you!
