Marketing Plan

How is your blog unique?
My blog is unique because it offers advice for new travelers in an easy to read layout without an extensive use of ads.

What are your goals?
My goals are to:

• Reach 1,000 views by the end of the month
• Gain 20 followers by the end of the month
• Have Facebook posts shared by 50+ people by the end of the month
• Get published on The Expeditioner [http://www.theexpeditioner.com]

Who is your audience?
Primary: people traveling, looking for travel advice, new travel options
Secondary: people advertising cheap flights, hotel deals,
Tertiary: other travel blogs –TripAdvisor, air bnb

What is your budget?
My budget is $300, $150 per week including my own payment of $50 p/h for my time.

How long is your marketing plan?
My marketing plan will consist of 2 weeks, with goals set to be achieved by the end of the month.

How will you know if you’re successful?
I will know if it is successful based on the statistics shown in WordPress along with the free software Google analytics. When the goals are on the right track in reaching the goals for this month, such as the blog has reached 500 out of 1,000 predicted views or Facebook posts have been shared by 30+ people out of 50, then it will prove the marketing plan is successful.

WEEK ONE: 
WEEK TWO:

 

 

 

To Travel Is To Live

week 10 

Glamping

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Camping is a great way to reconnect with nature. For some this consists of pitching a tent, cooking over an open fire  or sleeping underneath the stars. However, not everyone enjoys this method, which brings the growing global phenomenon, Glamping. Which lets you enjoy nature in the comfort of a luxury tent.

Also called boutique camping or luxury camping,  glamping is the modern equivalent of yesterdays amenities with todays technology. It brings the chance to be adventurous and daring without the hassle of traditional camping. Instead of stepping out into the hustle and bustle of city streets, glamping instead gives you the option to step out into your own secluded natural retreat.

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There are a variety of glamping experiences, with structures from tipis and bell tents to cottages and cabins available. Glamping can be as simple as modern tents that are set up ahead of time for you, to a more high end experience, such as a cottage. This comes with furnished lofts, televisions, dryers, private bathrooms, full kitchens, private spa treatments and gourmet meals prepared for you.

In Australia you can glamp in some of the most
wild and remote places.  From the Red Centre to
Kakadu. With wildlife right outside your door it
can provide unique experiences, along with
Australia’s remote landscapes that are unforgettable.

Glamping is all about sensitive small-scale luxury, with the main aim to connect you with your surroundings without having to rough it. You can experience nature in a spectacular, eco-friendly style and the wild outdoors with the right amount of luxury.

Rachael

Creative Project – Minutes Matter

week 9

For our second assignment my group consisted of me, Rachel, Shannon and Felicia.When deciding how we will present our creative project (watch it here!!) , we decided on showing a split screen because it would an easier way to show a narrative structure.  The idea for our narrative came when we wanted to present two different people, where one person was a few minutes behind the other. While we were developing this we decided that  the person that is  running late and experiencing numerous problems along the way would be an influential figure such as a boss that should be a role model. While the other person who is running on time would be an interviewee which would allow our two split screens to connect. As seen here in our wireframe:

My contribution to this project was setting up each shot we were going to film along with ensuring that what we were filming was following the wireframe.

After we had finished filming each part of our project, when it came to editing we decided that it would be appropriate to use different sound effects and songs during our split screen to keep the viewer engaged. We wanted to show each person’s emotions throughout the split screen through song, such as the person that is running on time, during their morning sequence an uplifting and lively song is playing in the background. While the other person’s song has lyrics that reflect their careless and unwilling attitude towards being punctual,”just another maniac monday”.

The challenges we faced during this creative project were mainly during filming, having to wait for a bus to leave in order to capture ‘the boss’ missing the bus along with trying to avoid getting ticket inspectors in our shots as they were watching us pretty closely. Another challenge we had was exporting our film from Adobe Premiere onto Youtube. Due to the fact we saved the Premiere file on the desktop of the computer we used meant that we weren’t able to access it from any other computer. This meant we had to go back to the computer we used in order to upload it.

Overall when we presented our split screen along with our wireframe it went really well. The sound levels could have been a bit better, as when transitioning to a another song it was slightly quieter than the last. But overall I think we kept the audience interested and engaged during our presentation.

Rachael 

Adventures Are The Best Way To Learn

week 8

How to Plan a Trip to a Place You Know Nothing About

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First buy a guidebook, i think they’re still important for travelers even if their practical information can be out of date. They can provide an overview of how to get around, what to see and do, suggest itineraries while also showing maps of featured places. It provides a foundation for planning plus there’s nothing more enjoyable then holding a book while highlighting and crossing off places.

Second, READ BLOGS!! Guidebooks although can be a good foundation, blogs can fill it a lot of the gaps. You can find up to date information along with off the beaten path destinations and have the option to ask questions to other fellow bloggers.

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Third, Ask  family and friends. If friends or family have been to the same place you’re planning on going to, it helps to get advice from someone who has had first hand experience. They can give advice on nearby restaurants and hotels, and even connect you to other family members.

Fourth, ask the internet!! With so many options to share information these days with apps such  as Facebook, tripadvisor, and Instagram it has
never been easier to discover new and hidden places. Many contain tips and countless amounts of information and advice to help you on your travels.

Finally read books!! gather as much information as you can regarding the history of the country you’re traveling to. Plus with such long flights ahead of you it can be an easy and productive way to pass the time.

Enjoy your travels. ✈️

Rachael 

Stay Connected

week 7

How to Communicate While Traveling

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When traveling abroad you will most likely want to chat with family and friends back home from time to time. While using your phone used to be costly back in the day, the internet has made communication internationally a lot cheaper and in some cases free.

Using your mobile phone
Using you phone to make calls abroad can be very expensive. If you’re on a plan its best to not to use your device unless you want a rather large bill to come back home to. If you have an unlocked phone its best to buy a local sim that usually only costs $5 to $10 and can be found at most airports. This will allow you to purchase prepaid credit along with data that will let you use 3G. If you know any locals ask their opinion on which providers are most reliable, this can also mean calling people will be cheaper if you use the same provider.

Using data abroad is typically expensive, its best to turn off and use free wifi. These days public wifi is offered internationally in most restaurants, cafes and hotels.

Using Facebook for family communication
While spamming your friends with constant travel posts and updates, you should use facebook as a way of letting everyone know you’re alright instead of sending numerous messages to different people. Facebook is a great tool as older people are more likely to use it compared to networks such as Instagram and SnapChat. So inorder to keep everyone update its best to post a couple photos throughout the day, along with checking in to your hotel or hostel without having the annoy “are you alright honey?” and “I’m here” text messages.

Show your friends what your doing with Snapchat and Instagram
If you want to keep your friends back home up to date with what you’re doing or even “non-parent-friendly” activities Snapchat is a simple way to share short videos and photos throughout the day.

Use video chat to talk to friends and family back home
Apps like Skype and FaceTime make it very easy to talk to family and friends when traveling internationally. While time differences can make video calls hard to set up, these apps also allow for instant messaging through a simple WiFi connection. Skype’s international call service allows you to call your family and friends for only a few cents a minute. So it’s good to buy Skype credit before you leave for your adventure abroad.

While I wouldn’t recommend being glued to the free internet all day, unless you’re working, it can make being able to communicate while traveling can make your trip not only easier but also a lot safer.

Rachael 

Adventure Is Calling You

week 6

Five Rules for Eating in a Foreign Country

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When traveling within your own country whether that be from Brisbane to Bendigo, Melbourne to Mackay, chances are you will be able to find a great meal in a great location for a suitable price.

Throw in a foreign language and an unfamiliar city and suddenly you’re running into the risk of food poisoning (a travelling foodie’s worst nightmare) so to prevent that I’ve discovered five rules to help you to find your memorable meal while traveling.

1. Throw away the tourist guide
While it can be tempting to choose your meals based on the advertising brochures in your hotel, tourist guides are for tourists. Get out and about and find where the locals love to eat. You are guaranteed an authentic meal immersed in the culture of your destination, which makes for memorable meals.

2. Join the queue
Usually if theres a queue it usually means that whatever is at the end is worth the wait. The same is applied to dining. If its good enough that the locals are lining up then hurry and get in line!

3. Order with your eyes
Not proficient in the native language? Get up and take a walk around the restaurant and spy on what everyone else is having. Then come back and point at that the things that look the most delicious.

4. Choose travel dates accordingly
Having you heart set on a restaurant only to find out its closed is one the most disappointing parts of modern travel. Keep an eye on key dates for public holidays, religious holidays and even sporting events. Some countries take their sport very seriously and you don’t want to be stuck in a restaurant that has been turned into a cheering room for a local sporting match.

5. Know the etiquette
The most important rule is not what you eat but how you eat it. For this reason its recommended that you research how your meal is to be consumed. In Naples a pizza is best eaten in the hands, while in America there is no greater crime than double dipping a chip.

Rachael

Know Your Place Leave No Trace

week 5
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While we all enjoying an adventure either at a national park or a place that is deeply hidden, in todays fast paced world the need for escape is greater than ever. But this greater need comes at an impact cost on our wildlife. If we don’t consider how we affect our natural environment, our rich flora and fauna will slowly diminish. So the next time you swap the bustling city streets for the path not followed remember to leave no trace.

So what can you do to make a difference?

Food & Rubbish 

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Food scraps can attract animals and can also harm them as parts of packaging might be consumed or caught up. When preparing food ensure you collect all scraps that may have fallen on the ground and place all rubbish in a plastic bag and store it above ground.

Washing

Some campsites provide facilities for washing, but in most cases you will need to set up your own dish washing stations. When washing dishes make sure you carry water 100 meters from the water source to prevent contamination and use a small amount of biodegradable soap. Remember to scatter strained dishwater and put large scraps in the rubbish.

Bonus tip:

The label “biodegradable” on your washing soap DOES NOT mean you can use it in streams, lakes, rivers! It means that the used water can be naturally filtered through the soil back into the water source. This happens best when the used water is spread over 100 meters.

Campfires

While campfires add to the enjoyment of camping, they can sometimes have a dramatic and lasting affect on the environment. Ensure that campfires are allowed in the area you are camping in and avoid creating new fire pits.

Keep fires small as wood is essential for the natural habitat for animals, bugs and birds. Make sure you fully burn the fire down to ash then pour water on the ashes until soaked. Ensure that the fire is extinguished and the ring is cool before you leave the fire for the night or before departing.

When you go on your next adventure
remember to leave no trace.

 

Rachael

                                                                                    

Make Your Next Adventure an Eco-Adventure

week 4

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One of the best things about traveling is the unique and rare landscapes that you find, places like the Grand Canyon, Great Barrier Reef and Uluru, where the landscape itself is the real destination. Which is why these ecological wonders should be treated as a fragile gift and should be treated as a “light-tread” zone for tourism.

There are numerous locations within Australia and globally that have unique and exclusive opportunities to experience natural areas as well as

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national parks and protected reserves.
Which while you travel, you are also contributing to the conservation of our natural landscapes and wildlife. You can choose from a range of experiences  that can
be determined by your own fitness levels, interests and travel preferences. Whether that be softer eco-tours with little active contribution to conservation or more active hands-on conversation with research activities.

You can connect with like-minded travelers and explore the great outdoors  while staying in eco-lodges that support local communities and wildlife conservation. These lodges are designed
to embrace the areas initial beauty while also giving
back to the land. So make your next adventure an eco-adventure that strays from the beaten path and explore natures hidden gems while also learning about native wildlife and ecosystems.

Make a difference as you travel by giving back to nature.

Rachael

Hypertext Essay – Life begins at the end of your comfort zone

week 4

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With the constant flood of information and the rapid-development of smart phone and tablet technologies the “always on” mentality can become overwhelming. However, Millennials are a generation that is completely redefining what adventure means by looking at the world through a more global experience perspective. More than 49% of millennials are more willing to disconnect from technology and leave their phone at home than those aged 40-50 years.

What is also important is that 78 per cent of young people are choosi
ng to splurge more on experiences rather material objects such as souvenirs in order to gain an authentic look into everyday culture and local life. They desire authentic and meaningful experiences by immersing themselves into new cultures and feasting on the local cuisine. Millennials are also more likely to use digital resources such as review sites as well as experiences from people they known as a basis to plan and book their travel. While also planning ahead to ensure they get the best experience at the best price.

Millennials are also more likely to make a career out of travel through social networks such as Facebook, Instagram, Blogs and Snapchat which allow for the user to share their experiences and things that they discover throughout their

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travels. Full-time travel blogger Drew Goldberg, who shares videos of his travel journeys and culinary experiences under the name Drew Binksy through short 10 second clips via Snapchat. With over 71,300 followers and counting, Goldberg collaborate with brands, tourism board and destination marketing campaigns to both promote and expand this own follower base. In doing so Goldberg encourages his followers to also begin traveling and is ultimately a resource when it comes to traveling and aspires other young people to become travelers.

As a millennial myself I found myself, I find Goldberg to be a  great encouragement and allows me to be more adventurous whether it be within my own “backyard” or “across the pond” and am also constantly looking for opportunities to diversify my life and experience new cultures.I would also like to have career much like Goldberg which also shows people my travels and experiences.

Today, International travel is more accessible than ever before. A news report by the World Youth Student and Educational (WYSE) Travel Confederation a global not for profit membership organisation, which promotes and develops travel opportunities for young travellers,  shows that the millennial generation represent more than 20% of international travellers.  With sites such as Airbnb and Uber which are disrupting the traditional travel market has created more opportunities for Millennials to see the world than any generation before them. Older consumers are known to want luxury while traveling. While young people instead want hand on experience in different countries in order to enhance personal growth and gain life experience.

While Millennials don’t need travel agents or tour operators since they compose and arrange their own trips, sites such as Yomads, Topdeck and Contiki also provide package deals marketed towards those aged 18-30 which take care of the unnecessary hassle that comes with traveling by sorting out experiences and transportation for you. It is with this that Millennials have a huge impact on the travel industry, by promoting “digital-detox” life style while travelling. Being budget conscious and ensuring that they get the best
Image Source                              experience at the best price. Whether its catching a foreign bus out of the city center to hike large rocks and mountains in the Grand Canyon, or switching jobs to travel for work more often. Millennials are changing the way we travel in more ways than one.

Rachael

Never Lose Your Way

week 3

Change in Travel

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Today with the advancement of technology and the Internet, travelers no longer rely on a travel agent, or for the more daring-travelers a simple guidebook and word of mouth to plan their journeys. Instead travelers book their own flights and hotels online and can even choose to stay in a strangers house or apartment. This ease and convenience now has more people traveling than ever. This new age of ‘DIY travelers’, no longer rely on a high-street, sit down travel agency but instead opt for an online agency with direct distribution of airlines and hotels, many within the one website.

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With breakthroughs in technology and high-speed internet Airbnb, the concept of staying in other peoples homes when traveling is not a new one, but with technology has been able to accelerate it into a global phenomenon. The same could be said for small business such as a local b&b, as they can now allow for online bookings and a 24/7 service support both online and on the phone. For travel brands it has meant they had to get smarter with some airlines allowing check in online, with access to boarding passes on mobile and encourage Wi-Fi use on flights.

Digital technology has also established a 24/7 relationship with guests, both in and out of stay by enabling guests to communicate through ‘Lets chat’ features through apps such as Whatsapp and Messenger.

Over the next few years travelers can also be able to see an increasingly personalised service, based on their profile and previous experiences or behaviours. With many travelers also seeking a more ‘local’ experience. How will you organise your travel next?

Rachael