This is covered in my Blog Index page, so I won't go too much into it. However, I think it's good to begin any reflection with a summary of what the past has been like. In a nutshell, I felt inundated with information after reading several "Top 10" style lists for Singapore, so thought it would be helpful to simply document my itineraries. Obviously, not everyone will share my tastes and want to repeat my activities, but they can still get an idea of how much to pack into a specified amount of time. Hence, the name, Charlotte's Itineraries. Informative as itineraries are (I hope so anyways), they're not the most "personal" or "interesting," so I also write posts more like traditional Travel Articles. Again, see my Blog Index for an explanation.
For myself, I want to document the adventures I had in my twenties, as well as my reactions to them. I want to carve a tiny space in the World Wide Web that is me, that is my space, that represents who I am. I also don't get to write a lot as an engineer, but communication skills are really important in any line of work, so it's never a bad idea to practice. I'd also like to connect with the travel blogosphere, perhaps discovering some travel ideas or opportunities that I wouldn't otherwise. Of course, I could easily read other travel blogs without having my own, but I'd like to be a part of the community.
Also, simple and inelegant as it sounds, I hope to help someone. Maybe not a ton of people if my audience isn't huge, but someone. This "help" may come in a logistical form, if someone reads my travel itineraries and it helps them plan their trip; or it may be more on an emotional level, if someone feels "inspired" by my stories.
As much as I've enjoyed this past month, I define travel blogging as a hobby. I'm starting a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering soon, with long term goals of being a technical founder or early employee of a biotech startup, and I need to do well in my program. This is my top priority and travel blogging comes second. I have no interest in pursuing travel blogging professionally; as much as I admire the bloggers who quit their jobs to travel the world, I'm already in a career path I love.
That being said, travel blogging is a hobby I thoroughly enjoy and take "seriously." While my food and shelter won't depend on it, I do hope my reader base expands beyond my mom and best friends. I check my stats from time to time and it's always nice to see the occasional traffic spike. Also, I've toyed with the idea of submitting some articles to various travel websites, because I like to write and don't get that many opportunities to do so as an engineering PhD candidate. Also, would I ever monetize my blog? Well I certainly wouldn't mind because PhD students aren't exactly rich, but with a month old hobby, I'm not in a position to think about that right now.
Well now that I've gotten the "philosophical" stuff written out, it's time to think of an actual, tangible plan. When I start my PhD program in the fall, I won't have as much free time to blog as I do now. At that time, I'm going to set a goal of two posts per week. The only exceptions to this might be if I take an extended trip and want to write it up before I forget, and of course, during school holidays.
In addition to that, I'll try and keep commenting on other blogs. I don't know if I should set a number for this - like 3-4 per week? There are seven days in a week, so that allows for the days when I'm swamped with classes or research. Also, if I get the chance, I might try my hand at submitting to some travel websites. However, I know many talented freelancers put a lot of time and hard work into their craft, so I won't be upset if this doesn't work out. At this point, guest posting is on my radar, but I haven't put too much thought into it.
Although I've only been at it for a month, I think travel blogging is a hobby I want to keep around. I'm uncertain about what will happen once my PhD program picks up, but I'm going to try and keep it going. Also, in other news, my article about Chicago as a biotechnology hub just got published on Oxbridge Biotech Roundtable Review!
http://www.oxbridgebiotech.com/review/featured/chicago-an-emerging-biotech-hub/
Writing is something I enjoy doing, travel or biotech articles. Here's hoping I can be a part of the travel blogging community. What are your goals for travel blogging? Did they change as your blog progressed?