How long should my travel blog be? Is long-form content dead?

We keep hearing that ‘No one reads long-form content’ anymore. But, is it actually true?

Human attention span has dropped considerably over time. 20 years ago it was 2.5 minutes and today it is 45 seconds! We have seen the trend changing with Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube etc launching the concept of stories. 

But, studies show that people still focus on long-form content if they are passionate about a topic, like travel blogs, and the content is very useful. The average word count of the long-form content varies from industry to industry, and in the travel industry it is observed to be about 800-900 words.

As a proof to this theory, video essays of an hour long are gaining popularity on YouTube. TikTok is testing 15 min video uploads.

So, in short it is necessary to understand which topic you should be brief on and which topic you should expand. And, definitely keeping people engaged takes skill!

Here are some tips that can help create engaging long-form content for a travel blog:

1.Start with a Strong Hook:

Begin your travel stories with a hook that grabs the reader’s attention from the outset. This could be an intriguing anecdote, a vivid description of a place, or a thought-provoking question that piques curiosity.

2.Show, Don’t Tell:

Instead of simply telling your audience about a place, Transport your readers to the destinations you’re writing about by painting images with your words. Bring your travel experiences to life by using descriptive language to capture the sights, sounds, smells, and atmosphere of each location. Engage the reader’s senses to make them feel like they’re right there with you.

3.Find Your Voice:

Develop your unique voice as a travel writer that reflects your personality, perspective, and experiences. Whether you’re witty and humorous, introspective and poetic, or informative and insightful, infuse your writing with authenticity and sincerity.

4.Craft Narratives:

Structure your travel stories like a narrative arc, with a beginning, middle, and end. Build tension, create anticipation, and resolve conflicts to keep your readers engaged from start to finish. Share personal anecdotes, encounters with locals, and unexpected adventures to add depth and richness to your narratives.

5.Be Authentic and Honest:

Authenticity is key in travel writing. Be honest about your experiences, both the highs and the lows. Share your genuine thoughts, emotions, and insights, even if they’re not always glamorous or perfect. Your readers will appreciate your honesty and authenticity.

6.Focus on the Details:

Pay attention to the little details that make each destination unique. Whether it’s the taste of street food, the colour of the sky at sunset, or the texture of ancient cobblestone streets, it’s often the small details that make a place memorable.

It’s always easy to say, but difficult to execute, so you definitely need to practice, practice & practice! Like any skill, mastering the art of travel writing takes practice. Write regularly, experiment with different styles and techniques, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. The more you write, the more you’ll hone your craft and find your unique voice as a travel blogger.

And, eventually you will get a grip on how to keep your audience engaged on long-form content in a travel blog!

Read more of our help guides here:

Essential Photography Tips for Travel Bloggers – Capturing Wanderlust

Mastering Social Media Marketing: A Guide for Travel Bloggers

Maximising Your Travel Blog’s Reach: Collaborating with Influencers