Create and Sell Your Own Travel Guide: A Blueprint for Self-Published Authors

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

In a world overflowing with travel apps and blog posts, a thoughtfully crafted travel guide still stands out. It’s tangible, trustworthy, and easy to use on the go—no batteries or signal required. Whether you're passionate about a local destination or want to share your global adventures, creating your own guidebook can be incredibly rewarding. Once it’s written, the next big step is getting your guide into travelers’ hands.

Here, you’ll not only find tips on what elements make up a great travel guide, but also the best ways to market it so people can find it and will want to read it. 

First, let's look at the reasons why you should publish a printed travel guide rather than merely just creating an app. 

The Benefits of a Printed Travel Guide

The charm and utility of a printed travel guide are unparalleled. These trusty companions offer a unique blend of reliability, accessibility, and personal connection that digital formats just can't quite match. 

Offline Accessibility 

Printed guides are always available—no Wi-Fi, no problem! Whether hiking through a remote national park, exploring a charming village in another country, or just trying to avoid crazy roaming charges, a printed guide has your back. Just flip open the pages and go.

Focused Content

Another perk of using a printed guide while traveling is that it offers streamlined and organized content. Instead of getting lost in a sea of tabs, pop-ups, and endless rabbit holes online, you get just the good stuff. It’s like having a well-organized friend who highlights the best things to see and do, without all the digital noise.

travel writer taking notes

Durability and Convenience

Printed guides are super handy because travelers can actually interact with them—jot notes in the margins, highlight must-see spots, or fold a corner to quickly find a favorite section later. It’s low-tech in the best way, and it can survive a bit of wear and tear from being tossed in a backpack. 

Less Screen Time

Let’s be real—travel’s way more fun when we’re actually soaking it in, not staring at a screen the whole time. A physical guidebook helps people stay in the moment instead of constantly checking their phones for directions or reviews.  

Why Not Both? 

Combining printed and online travel guides offers a balanced approach. Printed guides provide reliable, offline information for planning, while online guides offer real-time updates and spontaneity. Together, they complement each other, ensuring you're ready for both planned and last-minute changes.


10 Essential Ingredients of a Great Travel Guide

Now that you know why printed travel guides are still such a valuable companion on any trip, you might be wondering—what exactly goes into making one? A great guidebook isn’t just about listing places to go; it’s about anticipating travelers’ needs, organizing helpful details, and creating an experience that feels both personal and practical. Let’s take a quick look at the essential ingredients that make a travel guide truly useful—and marketable.

  • Destination Overview
    • Offer a quick "getting to know you" section about the chosen travel destination
    • Help travelers get their bearings right away with a cheat sheet before their adventure begins
    • Include a friendly intro with basic information such as where it is on a map, what language is spoken there, local currency, and typical weather conditions   
  • Top Attractions
    • This is where your guidebook can really shine—provide a handpicked list of the must-see spots, complete with brief descriptions of what each place is all about.
    • Remember to include the practical stuff too: what time it opens, how much it costs to get in, and a few insider tips for making the most of your visit (like the best time to go or how to skip long lines).
  • Itineraries
    • Including itineraries in your travel guide is a smart move because it makes trip planning easier and much less stressful for your readers. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, they get a ready-made plan they can follow or tweak to fit their vibe.
    • It shows you’ve done your homework, helps them make the most of their time, and adds a personal touch that makes your guide feel useful and trustworthy. 
  • Local Transportation
    • Getting around in a new place can be half the adventure—or half the headache—so having a clear section on local transportation is extremely helpful.
    • A good travel guide breaks down the basics, like how the public transit system works, where to catch a cab or rideshare, and whether or not the city is walkable. It’s also great to include any handy apps for navigation or ticketing, plus tips on passes that can save time and money. 
  • Accommodation Recommendations 
    • Where you stay on vacation can totally make or break a trip, so offer a solid list of options for every budget. Be sure to list the rating and price range for each place that you recommend. 
    • List the pros and cons of each place, and toss in some details about the surrounding neighborhoods, such as safety and walkability level and proximity to landmarks. 
  • Food and Drink
    • One of the best parts of traveling is the food! A good guidebook should definitely dish out the local flavors, from must-try appetizers and entrees to the best spots to grab a snack.
    • Include a mix of restaurant recommendations (fancy, casual, and everything in between), along with tips on where to find amazing street food. It’s also fun to throw in some local drinks to try, whether it’s a unique coffee style, regional wine, or a traditional cocktail.

Travel Guide Food Image

  • Practical Info
    • This is the stuff travelers hope they won’t need—but they’ll be so glad to have just in case!
      • Include the essentials, such as basic safety tips, what to do if you need a doctor or pharmacy, and any cultural etiquette to keep in mind (like dress codes, tipping customs, or gestures to avoid).
      • Be sure to also provide a list of emergency numbers and explain how to get help quickly if something goes wrong.
      • Don't forget to include budgeting tips as well—whether it’s how to avoid tourist traps, where to find free activities, or how to get the most bang for your buck.
  • Maps and Visuals
    • A good map or picture can be worth way more than a thousand words.
        • Include clear, easy-to-read maps in your guide, whether it’s a city overview, a breakdown of different neighborhoods, or a zoomed-in view of a busy area.
        • Feature some photos as well, giving people a visual feel for what to expect. This can help make trip planning a lot more fun. 
  • Day Trips and Hidden Gems
    • Sometimes the real magic happens when you wander a little off the beaten path. Including suggestions for day trips and lesser-known spots in your guide gives travelers the chance to experience something unique and memorable.
    • These little gems add depth to any trip. It’s like sharing a secret with your readers—those special places that make them feel like they discovered something all on their own.
  • Useful Phrases 
    • When traveling abroad, knowing just a few words in the local language can go a long way—it’s a small effort that locals really appreciate, and it can totally smooth out little moments like ordering food or asking for directions.
    • Include a cheat sheet of handy phrases, like “hello,” “thank you,” “how much is this?” and “where’s the bathroom?”—you know, the important stuff! It’s like having a mini language wingman in your back pocket.

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Promotional Strategies

Once you’ve poured your time and creativity into crafting an engaging travel guide, the next step is making sure it actually reaches the people who need it most. A well-written guide won’t help anyone if it sits unnoticed, so now it’s time to switch gears from content creation to promotion.

Marketing your travel guide is all about finding your ideal audience, presenting your work in a way that speaks to them, and using the right tools to get your guide into their hands. Here’s how to move from passionate writer to savvy promoter—and turn your guide into a go-to travel resource.

 

First Steps

  • Define Your Niche
    • Before you can find your audience, you’ve got to know what makes your travel guide stand out in the crowd.
      • Are you the go-to expert for backpacking through Southeast Asia on a shoestring budget? Do you dive deep into street food culture in underrated cities? This niche becomes your identity, and it helps your readers instantly get a feel for what they’ll gain.
    • Don’t try to be everything to everyone. Instead, lean into the unique perspective you bring, whether it’s slow travel, luxury on a budget, or hidden local gems.
  • Create a Traveler Profile
    • Think about the kind of person who would pick up your guide and say, “This is exactly what I needed.”
      • Are they a 22-year-old solo traveler taking their first gap year? A family with two kids looking for kid-friendly stops along the way?
      • Consider things like age, travel experience, budget, interests (foodie? history buff? nature lover?), and how they like to plan. The more specific your profile, the easier it is to speak directly to them.
  • Research Trends
    • Do your research to find out what people are actually searching for and talking about. Google Trends can show you how interest in your destination or travel style has changed over time.
    • On Reddit and TripAdvisor, people often ask super-specific questions—those are goldmines for understanding traveler pain points and curiosity. TikTok and Instagram are great for spotting emerging travel trends. Use this info to tweak your content and stay relevant.

Travel Guide Research

  • Look at Competitors
    • Spend some time with guides and blogs that already exist in your niche. What do they cover well? Where do they fall short?
    • This isn’t about copying…it's about spotting opportunities. Maybe you noticed that most guides mention eco-tourism but don’t explain how to travel responsibly. Or maybe everyone skips over the charming smaller towns. Your guide can step in and deliver where others don’t.
  • Test Your Content
    • Don’t wait until your guide is finished to see how people react. Start sharing now—post a few tips or fun travel facts on Instagram, write a thread on X, or share a sample itinerary in a Facebook travel group.
    • Pay attention to what people respond to. Are they saving your posts, asking questions, and tagging friends? This helps you refine your voice and content, and even grow an early audience that will be excited when the full guide drops. 
  • Choose the Right Format and Channels
    • Your audience’s preferences should shape how you deliver your guide.
      • Are they Gen Z travelers glued to their phones? A mobile-friendly PDF or an app-based format might be best.
      • Are they older, experienced travelers who love to mark up a physical book? Consider offering a printed version with space for notes.
      • Maybe your guide works best as an email series or downloadable checklists. 
    • Think about where your audience spends time online—that's where you should be sharing and promoting your content.

Launch Your Marketing Plan

  • Nail Down Your Branding
  • First things first—make sure your travel guide looks and sounds like you. This means choosing a name and tagline that clearly tell people what it’s about and who it’s for. Choose something catchy, but informative.
      • For example, Hidden Japan: A Guide to Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures instantly says, “Hey, this is for curious travelers who want more than just Tokyo and Kyoto.”
    • Next up…your cover! A professional-looking design builds trust right away. You want people to be drawn in by your cover and to want to go to that place—now.  
    • In addition, don’t forget your voice. Are you writing like a laid-back friend? An organized expert? Set the tone early and keep it consistent across your website, social posts, and emails.
  •  Build a Landing Page
    • You don’t need a full-blown website with a million tabs—just one solid landing page can do wonders.
      • It should explain what your guide is, who it’s for, what makes it different, and what people will learn.
      • Need help with this? Visit our Experts page for professionals who can help you.
    • Definitely add an email sign-up form and an easy way to purchase or download your guide. Tools like Carrd, Squarespace, or ConvertKit make it super simple to set up, even if you’re not technically inclined.
  • Grow Your Email List
    • Emails might not be as flashy as TikToks, but they’re a powerhouse when it comes to building a loyal reader base. Start by offering a little freebie to get people on your list—something like “Top 10 Hidden Gems in Portugal” or a printable packing checklist.
    • Once they’re in, keep them engaged with useful content: quick travel tips, updates to your guide, behind-the-scenes peeks, or even your favorite travel fails. You don’t need to be spammy—just show up in their inbox every week or two like a helpful travel buddy.
    •  Once your guide is ready to launch (or go on sale), you’ve already got people who want to hear from you.
  • Leverage Social Media
    • You don’t need to be everywhere, but you definitely need to be where your readers are. Pick one or two platforms and go all in.
      • Instagram is perfect if your guide is visually rich—share reels, stories, travel hacks, or highlights from your favorite stops.
      • TikTok is amazing for quick, punchy tips or storytelling. Immerse them in the location and use relevant hashtags to draw more people to your video.
      • Pinterest works great for evergreen travel content, and Facebook groups are goldmines for niche communities.
    • Just be consistent, show up authentically, and don’t be afraid to repurpose content—turn a blog post into an Instagram carousel, or a tip into a TikTok. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel every time.
  • Collaborate with Travel Influencers and Bloggers
    • You don’t need mega influencers with a million followers—micro-influencers (5k–50k) often have very engaged audiences. Reach out to creators who cover your niche or destination, and offer them a free copy of your guide in exchange for an honest review or a shoutout.
    • You can also pitch guest blog posts, newsletter swaps, or podcast interviews with travel bloggers or content creators. It’s all about building relationships and getting in front of new audiences who already trust the person introducing you.

  • Collect and Share Social Proof
    • Once people start using your guide, you’ve got pure marketing gold. Ask for feedback, screenshots, or quick testimonials. User photos, reviews, and kind words show potential buyers that your guide actually works—and that’s way more convincing than anything you could say about yourself.
  • List Your Guide on Relevant Platforms
    • Make it easy for people to find and buy your guide. To maximize visibility and sales of your self-published travel guide, you should list it on a mix of global retail platforms, niche travel-oriented sites, and relevant social media.
    • If you're publishing your book with IngramSpark, use Share & Sell shareable purchase links that direct readers to a dedicated purchase page for your book. You can set special prices for particular segments of your readers or for special events such as flash sales, gifting, and more. 
  • Run a Launch Campaign
    • Your launch is your big moment—don’t just quietly drop your guide and hope people stumble across it. Build some buzz ahead of time! Post sneak peeks, teasers, and countdowns.
    • Share your “why”—why you wrote it, what it solves, and what readers will get out of it. Offer a limited-time launch discount, or a fun extra like a bonus itinerary or packing checklist. You could even go live on Instagram or TikTok to walk people through the guide and answer questions. The more energy you put into the launch, the more momentum you’ll create.
  • Keep It Alive with Ongoing Promotion
    • Marketing isn’t a one-time event. After your launch, keep showing up.
      • Update your guide with fresh info and let people know.
      • Run seasonal promos like “Plan Your Summer in Croatia” or “Winter Escapes Under $500.”
      • Keep posting on social media with tips, stories, and highlights. Turn guide content into blog posts, checklists, or videos.
      • You can also bundle your guide with others or offer add-ons like travel maps or budget planners. Keep the momentum going, and your guide will continue to sell long after the initial hype.

At the end of the day, creating and marketing a travel guide is about more than just listing destinations—it’s about sharing your unique travel perspective, solving real problems for real travelers, and inspiring people to explore with confidence.

A great guide combines practical insights with personal touches, and when backed by smart, authentic marketing, it has the power to stand out in a crowded landscape.

Whether it ends up in someone’s backpack or bookmarked on their phone, your guide can become a trusted companion on countless adventures. So dream big, plan smart, and start sharing your world—one page at a time.

 

IngramSpark Staff

IngramSpark® is an award-winning independent publishing platform, offering indie authors and publishers the ability to create, manage, and globally distribute print and ebooks.