As I looked out the small window at the island that we were approaching, the twelve-seat plane took a hard right turn.

The mountain loomed and I was sure the wing was going to scrape the side. Then, in the next second, we were down with a hard thud.

I love to fly. I’m one of those people who love everything about flying. From waiting at the airport to the anticipation of arrival, to getting my luggage.

But, even I have to admit, this was a hairy landing.

The one flight attendant opened the door, the six stairs automatically flipped down with a hesitant squeal, and the humidity wrapped around me like a long lost friend.

This tiny island off of Malaysia was a well-kept secret.

I raised my face to the cloudless sky and breathed in the scents only a tropical, virtually uninhabited island could have.

Two months before, while having coffee with a local public relations director in Singapore, I was madly writing down different ideas for future sponsorships, when she nonchalantly asked me if I knew about this island.

I was 3 years into my dream of traveling the world on sponsorship and was on the hunt for unique places to visit when this conversation happened, so my brain tingled when she asked.

“It’s a bit hard to get to but it’s so worth the trouble.” She warned. “Also, I’m pretty sure you won’t be able to get sponsored there, but it is a very wonderful place to visit.”

I sheepishly smiled back at her. I’m THAT girl! Tell me I can’t do something and, well, watch out.

Jump ahead I was being guided to a small motor boat that would take me to the other side of the island and to my private villa for a 5 day SPONSORSHIP!

Yep, I had not only gotten the whole things sponsored, but I’d secured a two page article of it in the local papers.

Needless to say, the trip was amazing. From the private chef, to the snorkeling, to the beach massages – I was in Malaysian heaven.

What was even more amazing is that at that point in my journey I didn’t have a million followers on social media.

I didn’t have a set niche. I didn’t have an online business. But what I did have was the desire. The belief in myself and my dreams.

Now, I get any sponsorship I can dream of. Now, I DO have the knowledge, the tools, the strategies. Now, I get to change lives by paving the way for others who want to see amazing destinations by teaching them how.

Want to know what I know? Of course you do!

Go ahead, believe in yourself!

What are travel sponsorships?

For those unfamiliar with the travel industry, the whole concept of traveling with sponsorships may seem foreign. It’s actually much simpler than you’d think. If you are on social media platforms, you can use your online presence to exchange for sponsorships.

Sponsors are not looking for the ones with the biggest following. Rather, they know quality is always over quantity. They are looking at the engagement rate. I got my first sponsorship when I had less than 1,000 followers. It’s all possible because I know how to build a tight community.

My audience will take my advice. They trust my expert view as I have established myself as a professional in my field. Choose your niche and post content related to it. Never try to be the Jack of all trades. It loses credibility when your sponsors think your content is not attractive or informative enough.

Travel sponsorships are a mutual win for both sides. You get to experience different journey and travel activities while sponsors can utilize your platforms to advertize their business.

Never think of this as an opportunity to travel for free. Because it’s NOT! You have to work hard for it and dedicate your time like any other businesses. It doesn’t happen overnight.

What you can do is skip all the trials and errors to go straight down the success path by following my tactics. I have tried everything. I know what works and what doesn’t. While there’s no instant success, there are shortcuts you can take.