Traveling the world full-time is a dream for many, but for Tom Grond, it’s a reality. From Simpelveld, Netherlands, Grond has visited 159 countries, including Vatican City, Kosovo, and Taiwan. His journey began with a vacation to Aruba in 2006, which sparked his passion for exploring new cultures. Over time, this passion evolved into a full-time career as a content creator, where he earns between $15,000 to $20,000 a month through ad revenue, brand deals, and affiliate marketing.
The Journey Begins: From Backpacking to Full-Time Travel
Grond’s first overseas trip was to Aruba, where he met people from around the world and discovered his love for learning about different cultures. After returning home, he worked as a process analyst for the Dutch government’s welfare department and saved up to backpack through 23 countries in 2008. However, his heart remained with travel, and in 2012, he quit his job to embark on a four-year solo journey around the world.
Instagram played a pivotal role in his transition from traveler to content creator. While working as a dive guide in Ko Tao, Thailand, he started posting pictures of his work on Instagram, using hashtags to reach a wider audience. These posts gained traction, and soon, hotels around the world began inviting him to stay for free. From there, his following grew exponentially, and by 2017, he was staying in luxury hotels in the Maldives.
Monetizing the Passion: From Free Stays to Paid Collaborations
As his following expanded, Grond realized he needed to start making money from his content. He began blogging in 2016, and by 2017, he was earning income through ad revenue. Today, half of his income comes from influencer partnerships, while the other half comes from affiliate marketing and advertising on his website. His business is based in Dubai for tax purposes, allowing him to operate globally.
Grond charges a minimum of $1,500 for a photo post on Instagram, $2,000 for a reel, and $1,000 for three Instagram stories. He receives about six inquiries a day, and while he doesn’t always choose the highest-paying offers, he prioritizes opportunities that align with his interests. For example, he once chose to visit Mongolia, even though it paid less than other destinations, because it offered a unique experience.
Balancing Creativity and Business
Grond spends about four hours a day creating content and engaging with his followers on Instagram. Blogging takes him about eight hours a week, and he often writes based on client requests. Understanding Google’s SEO strategy helps him decide what to write about, such as “25 Best Things to Do in a Destination” rather than “Four Best Things.” Regularly updating old posts also helps maintain traffic and engagement.
Unique Experiences and Cultural Impact
Grond has had countless memorable experiences, from almost being blown over the edge of a waterfall in Guyana to visiting Syria in 2019, where he witnessed the aftermath of conflict. He emphasizes the importance of changing perceptions through his content, noting that traveling to a country doesn’t mean supporting its government. His photos from Algeria and Pakistan helped showcase the beauty and diversity of these regions, challenging common stereotypes.
The Future of Travel: Slower, More Intentional Journeys
Despite his success, Grond admits that he doesn’t like to live as a tourist. After 4,000 days of traveling, he prefers to live in the moment and avoid the exhaustion of constantly visiting new places. He plans to slow down in the future, but for now, he’s excited about the opportunities that come his way.
Tips for Aspiring Travel Content Creators
For those looking to turn their passion for travel into a career, Grond offers several insights:
- Choose the right niche: Focus on topics you’re passionate about and that have monetization potential.
- Be patient: Building a successful blog or social media presence takes time and consistent effort.
- Create quality content: Write regularly, optimize for SEO, and update old posts to maintain relevance.
- Engage with your audience: Spend time interacting with followers to build a loyal community.
- Diversify income streams: Combine ad revenue, brand deals, and affiliate marketing to create a stable income.
Conclusion
Tom Grond’s journey from a curious traveler to a full-time content creator highlights the possibilities of turning a passion into a profitable career. With dedication, strategic planning, and a focus on quality content, anyone can follow in his footsteps. Whether you’re aiming to travel the world or simply want to make money from your hobbies, the key is to stay true to your vision and continuously adapt to the ever-changing digital landscape.
