Mary Chong, a celebrated travel expert, has built an enviable career from her passion. Originally a craft blogger, she used her zealous drive and determination to forge a new path in the travel blogging industry. Along with this shift, she has collected numerous accolades, including the TBS Member of the Month and most notably her guest appearance on a MasterCard YouTube ad, distinctively marking her place in the industry. Gaining recognition from the big brands is no small feat, and Mary’s journey inspires numerous upcoming travel bloggers.

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The Evolution of Calculated Traveller

The inception of Calculated Traveller came about six years after Mary’s initial venture into blogging. Initially a forum for her craft endeavours, her extensive travel experiences breathed life into the concept of travel blogging. The first post on Calculated Traveller went live in February 2013, marking the shift from hobby writing to professional blogging. The catalyst sparked when she responded to an ad seeking travel bloggers. After producing a series of articles for $15 each, Mary resolved to create her own platform, launching herself into the travel blogging world.

Building a Team & Overcoming Challenges

Calculated Traveller reflects a collaborative effort. Initiating this journey as a solo venture was fraught with challenges, including producing consistent content and managing the site while juggling a demanding graphic design career. Mary called upon her friends – vibrant writer Kim Humphreys and talented photographer/graphic designer Martin Wigginton – to assist with content creation. Having additional contributors allowed her to maintain a bi-weekly publishing schedule. However, this teamwork did not diminish her role as chief editor, marketer, promoter, and site overseer.

Partnership with MasterCard and its Impact

Mary’s partnership with MasterCard is a testament to her prominence in the travel blogging sphere. This unexpected opportunity arose when a PR agency reached out for her participation in a video project. With calculated optimism, she embraced the chance to work with a well-established brand. This collaboration not only induced a brief surge in site traffic but also opened doors to new brand partnerships. Additionally, it provided concrete evidence of her capabilities.

Navigating Major Partnerships in Travel Blogging

Associating with major brands requires maintaining a polished and professional image. Mary’s advice to aspiring bloggers includes having a branded website with a professional name and appearance. She emphasizes the importance of networking and professional conduct at all times, from social media interactions to public events. Her experience highlights the importance of being true to oneself and maintaining integrity when working with industry giants.

Future Goals & The Essence of Travel Blogging Success

Looking ahead, Mary aspires to collaborate with a cruise line, stemming from her personal affinity for cruises. She has taken the first steps towards realizing this goal by becoming a featured writer for Flight Centre’s Cruiseabout.ca blog. Mary’s view of success in travel blogging transcends monetary or materialistic forms. For her, success is the ability to share her travel experiences and be acknowledged for her work. Receiving positive feedback from readers who have benefited from her advice gives her immense satisfaction.

Three Unseen Benefits of Being a Travel Blogger

• Expanding Horizons: Travel blogging is not merely about exploring new places. It’s about broadening one’s perspective, understanding different cultures, and meeting diverse people. It facilitates personal growth in unparalleled ways;
• Opportunities for Collaboration: With an established blog, the opportunities for collaboration are abundant. From partnering with nations’ tourism departments to featuring renowned brands, the potential is endless;
• Being an Influencer: Travel bloggers often become trusted advisors for their readers. Their recommendations can shape others’ travel plans and experiences.

Important Insights into Building a Blogging Career

• Consistency is Key: Regularly producing quality content is critical to building and maintaining a loyal reader base;
• Quality Over Quantity: Instead of focusing on producing a high quantity of content, focusing on the quality and relevance of the articles can go a long way in establishing credibility;
• Networking: Attending relevant industry events, building relationships with other bloggers, and interacting with readers are vital to creating a successful blog.

Conclusion

From her humble beginnings as a craft blogger to her celebrated status as a travel blogging expert, Mary Chong leaves an indelible impact on those who follow her work. Her journey is a testament to the power of passion, persistence, and versatility. Mary’s story is not merely about her individual success but serves as an invaluable guide for aspiring bloggers. Her experience provides an insightful glimpse into navigating partnerships with big brands, highlighting the power of authenticity and professionalism. As she continues to expand her horizons and make her mark in the travel blogging world, Mary’s story serves as a beacon of inspiration for many.

Mary Chong’s journey from craft blogging to becoming a respected travel blogger, illustrated by her fruitful partnerships with renowned brands including MasterCard, serves as a remarkable example of turning a hobby into a lucrative career. Her experience underscores the value of consistency, professionalism, and maintaining a creative edge, which can lead to significant opportunities within the blogging industry. Above all, her story serves as a poignant reminder that success in travel blogging goes beyond monetary gain; it is about the joy of sharing experiences, the thrill of discovery, and the satisfaction derived from positively impacting readers’ lives.