What I learned at TBU Rotterdam

I usually try not to blog about blogging, but I really want to tell you about my experience at the Travel Bloggers Unite conference in Rotterdam. I had such a great time and met some fascinating people. 

Oh, the places we will go! started out as my personal little scrapbook.  We're traveling more and more and I'm writing and sharing photographs of our adventures.  I've had friends mention that I've inspired them to go to a certain place.   And I've had readers say they felt like they were right there with me while reading a post.  That's one of the best feelings ever.  I love to inspire people to travel.   

Blogging and travel were meant for each other.  Blogging is creative and interactive.  Travel is exciting and life-changing.  So when I read about TBU Rotterdam.  I thought... Why not?  If I want to be a better travel blogger, then I should go where they are gathered and see what I can learn. 

There were three full days of speakers, sessions, panel discussions and networking for the 151 participants.  I got just the inspiration and information that I needed.  At times it was like drinking from a fire hose.  There were discussions about Creating Content, Finding Your Niche, Social Media, and How to Tell a Good Travel Story.  They had some outstanding speakers. 

Welcome Reception at TBU Rotterdam Maritiem Museum

Fresh Oyster?

There was also an awful lot of discussion about the professional aspects of travel blogging: Marketing, Branding, How to Cash in on Your Content, Sponsored Travel, and working with the Travel PR Industry. 

There are some really amazing things happening on a professional and commercial level.  But all of it was a little daunting.  I can't run with the big dogs and I don't even want to. But I do want to grow my blog and expand what I'm doing.

And I learned a lot about travel bloggers.  For instance, they can't live without wifi.  Social Media is king.  They will do just about anything for that perfect shot.  And they are extremely passionate about travel and blogging.  (You have to be passionate because making a living of it is rough.) 

The conference also got me thinking about what kind of blogger I am and where do I want to go with it.   Here's my simple takeaway.  

As with any creative outlet, there are a wide range of travel bloggers.   A blog is a meeting place.  So what kind of meeting place is it?  Maybe it's the School Gate where you share travel tips with other Moms.  Maybe it's a Reference Desk where people come for information and resources.  Or a Podium, where a blogger tries to influence opinion and change the world. They are all something different and special. 

I see Oh, the places you will go! as a little cafe table in a foreign place where we meet up to share a bottle of wine.  I tell you about my latest trip and you give me ideas for where I should go next.  We talk about travel or being an expat.  We share crazy stories and bitch about public transport.  We do that European double kiss thing as we part and make plans to meet up again soon.  At another cafe table in another place.  That's what I want this blog to always be. 

I'll be honest and admit that I would love to find a way that I can use writing and photography to bring income into our household.  It's something that I absolutely love doing.  If I can find a way to make money without jeopardizing my voice or alienating you, then I'm willing to put in the effort.  (I promise to be completely transparent and honest if I  ever do bring the commercial aspect into the blog.)

Besides all of the introspection and inspiration, one of the best parts of the trip was being able to join in on one of the Post Conference Blog Trips.  For two days, 10 of us were guests of Rotterdam Marketing and taken on an "Off the Beaten Track" tour of Rotterdam. 

 We had a blast and I can't wait to tell you all about Rotterdam.
It really is a great city.

As always, I value your input and would love to hear your comments.

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