If you’re comparing affiliate programs for travel bloggers, start with fit and earnings potential.
This guide shows you how to evaluate programs and choose the ones that best match your niche, audience, and content strategy.
What to consider before you join
Know your niche
Your niche determines which programs will convert for you. Match programs to the trip types you cover, such as hotels, tours, flights, transport, gear, or insurance.
The closer the program aligns with your core topics, the stronger the CTR and conversions will be.
Consider your audience’s needs
Think about what your readers consistently search for: where to stay, what to do, and how to plan a trip.
Choose programs that provide products matching those intents and that cover the destinations your readers actually travel to.
Evaluate commission and EPC
Commission % alone doesn’t tell you how much you’ll earn. Prioritize EPC (earnings per click), cookie windows, and conversion rates.
Often, a lower-commission program with strong conversions earns more than a flashy, high-percentage program.
Assess tracking and reporting
Reliable and real-time tracking helps identify what’s driving revenue.
Pick programs or aggregators that provide click, booking, and revenue data you can act on, ideally all in one place.
Check program reputation and support
Favour established affiliate programs known for consistent payments, clear terms, and responsive affiliate managers.
Good support and reliable tracking reduce the risk of missing commissions and accelerate optimization.
Quick decision checklist
• Product fit for your content (hotels, tours, flights, insurance)
• Geo coverage for your audience
• EPC trend and cookie window
• Deep-linking and link-building tools
• Reporting you’ll actually use (program or aggregator)
• Compliance requirements (brand rules, no-bid terms)
Key takeaways
Pick 2–4 core programs that match your niche and audience. Track EPC monthly and replace underperformers.
Tools like Stay22 help route readers to the highest-earning partner without locking you into one brand.
FAQ
How many affiliate programs should a travel blog join?
Most bloggers start with two to four strong programs that fit their niche.
Using too many programs at once can dilute your efforts, so prioritise those with the highest EPC and most relevant product fit.
Is a higher commission rate always better?
No. A high percentage means little if the program rarely converts.
EPC and conversion rate usually determine earnings more accurately than the commission rate alone.
Do beginners need an affiliate network or direct brand programs?
Beginners often find networks and aggregators easier because they simplify onboarding and unify reporting.
Direct programs work well once you know which products and brands consistently convert for your audience.
Read Also
• top travel affiliate programs
• Travelpayouts vs Stay22
