Travel Blog Resources 2026: Tools & Plugins I Use
Last updated: June 2026
Some links on this page are affiliate links — I only recommend things I actually use.
I put this list together from tools I use personally when I’m working on the blog — hosting, SEO, camera gear, travel planning. Nothing here is sponsored or filler. Just what works for me as someone who runs a travel blog in my free time while living in Saudi Arabia.
If you want to know more about me and why I started this blog, check out the About page. And if you have questions about any of these tools, feel free to reach out.
✈️ Travel Blog Resources I Personally Use and Recommend
Welcome to my curated list of the best tools, services, and gear that I use to run joanathx.com. Whether you’re just starting or want to level up your blog, this guide is for you.
🖥️ 1. Website Essentials
🏡 Web Hosting
HostKoala – Affordable SSD hosting with fast speeds and great support.
💡 Use code reddit40 for 40% off!
Learn more →
🌐 Domain Registration
Spaceship – Easy domain management, free SSL, and transparent pricing.
Explore Spaceship →
⚙️ Blogging Platform
WordPress – Easy-to-use, SEO-friendly, and highly customizable.
⚒️ 2. Must-Have WordPress Plugins
🔍 SEO & Performance
- RankMath – Optimize your posts for search engines
- LiteSpeed Cache – Boost page speed
- UpdraftPlus – Backup your site automatically
- Shield Security – Keep your blog safe from threats
📷 3. Travel Photography Tools
📸 Gear
- Nikon D7200 – A reliable DSLR with excellent image quality and manual controls—perfect for travel shots
- DJI Mavic Pro – Compact drone with 4K video and great flight stability for aerial views
🎨 Editing
- Lightroom – Professional photo editing and presets
- Snapseed – Free mobile editing app for quick fixes
☁️ Photo Storage
- Google Photos – Auto-backup and smart organization
📱 4. Social Media & Design Tools
- Later – Instagram scheduling and planning
- Buffer – Manage posts across platforms
- Canva Pro – Make stunning posts and branding graphics easily
🌍 5. Travel Planning Tools
✈️ Flights
- Skyscanner – Best for comparing flights and setting alerts. I found my cheapest flights to Riyadh using this.
- Google Flights – Great for flexible travel planning
🏨 Accommodation
- Booking.com – Huge selection and easy cancellation
- Airbnb – Unique stays and local experiences
🛂 Visas
iVisa – Fast and Secure e-Visa Processing
Get travel visas for over 100 countries. If you’re planning to visit Saudi, I wrote a detailed Saudi Arabia visa guide that walks through the whole process.
🛡️ 6. Travel Insurance
- World Nomads – Best for digital nomads and adventurers
- SafetyWing – Subscription-based insurance perfect for long-term travel
👉 Explore SafetyWing →
💰 7. Monetization & Email Tools
- Amazon Associates — Promote gear you actually use. Links on this page are part of this program.
- Sender.net — Free up to 2,500 subscribers, clean templates, solid automation. I use it for the Joanathx newsletter.
📊 8. Analytics & SEO
- Google Analytics 4 — Understand your audience and traffic sources.
- Ubersuggest — Improve your blog SEO and find keyword opportunities. I used it to plan most of my Saudi Arabia content.
🌐 9. Travel Community & Inspiration
- Bookmark Travel – Directory of global travel blogs
- Travel Magazine – Industry news and destination guides
- Other Travel Blogs and resources:
If you’re a travel blogger and want to connect, hit me up on Twitter/X or through the contact page.
📲 10. Travel Apps
- Maps.me — Offline hiking and navigation. Saved me multiple times on trails in the Philippines and Indonesia.
- Google Maps — Real-time directions and saved places.
- TripIt — Keep your itineraries in one place.
- PackPoint — Smart packing lists based on weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hosting do you use for Joanathx?
I use HostKoala — affordable SSD hosting with fast speeds and solid support. I’ve been with them since [year] and haven’t had major downtime issues. Use code reddit40 for 40% off.
What’s the best WordPress plugin for SEO?
RankMath. It’s free, powerful, and way easier to configure than Yoast.
What camera gear do you use for travel photography?
Nikon D7200 with 18-140mm lens for everyday shots, DJI Mavic Pro for aerial footage.
How do you monetize your travel blog?
Affiliate links (like on this page), display ads, sponsored posts, and digital products.
What travel insurance do you use?
SafetyWing — covers 180+ countries, buy while already abroad.
How do you plan your trips?
Google Flights for fare tracking, Skyscanner for routes, Notion for itineraries. Booking.com and Airbnb for accommodation.
What’s the best tool for email marketing?
Sender.net — free up to 2,500 subscribers, clean templates.
How long have you been blogging?
Started joanathx in 2019. I write in my free time, so posting schedule isn’t regular — just when I have something worth sharing.
Do you accept sponsored posts?
Sometimes, if it’s a genuine fit. I don’t do paid links or fake reviews — only stuff I’d recommend to a friend.
How often do you update this page?
Whenever I switch tools or find something better. Last updated June 2026.
🧭 Final Tip
Starting a blog is one thing. Growing it takes the right tools — and a little adventure.
Have a favorite tool or resource not listed here? Let me know through the contact page or drop a comment below.