Key Website Types to Enhance Your Travel Site’s Backlink Profile

Ready to take your travel website from “meh” to “magnificent” in search results?

Let’s be real: getting backlinks is the bread and butter of boosting your website’s SEO juice. While you might be tempted to chase every link in sight, focusing on the right types of websites is the key to building a truly powerful backlink profile.

This isn’t just about quantity; it’s about quality. The websites linking to your travel content should be authoritative, relevant, and trusted by both Google and your target audience. Think of it this way: a single link from a reputable travel publication can be worth more than a dozen links from low-quality, spammy sites.

So, where do you start? I’m about to reveal 10 website types that are practically begging for high-quality content like yours. Get ready to unlock your travel website’s true backlink potential.

1. Travel Blogs & Publications

This is the obvious starting point. Reaching out to travel blogs and publications in your niche is a no-brainer. These websites are already attracting a passionate audience interested in everything from solo adventures to luxury getaways.

How to get backlinks:

• Create high-quality content: Focus on providing unique and valuable content that goes beyond the usual tourist traps. Think “hidden gems,” local experiences, and expert tips that go beyond the typical guidebook.
• Offer compelling guest posts: Propose guest posts offering a unique perspective on a specific destination, travel style, or even travel planning hacks.
• Become a source for journalists: Position yourself as an expert on a particular travel niche and offer insights for journalists working on related articles.

2. Tourism Boards & Destination Websites

Tourism boards and local destination websites are a goldmine for backlinks. They’re constantly seeking fresh and engaging content to showcase their region’s attractions and events.

How to get backlinks:

• Create destination-specific content: Craft in-depth articles or guides tailored to specific destinations. Highlight lesser-known attractions, unique activities, and local experiences.
• Partner with tourism boards: Collaborate on joint content creation projects or offer exclusive travel deals that benefit both parties.
• Submit your website to their listings: Many tourism boards have directories for local businesses and attractions. Make sure your travel website is prominently featured.

3. Hotel & Accommodation Websites

Hotels and accommodations are always looking for ways to attract guests and showcase their unique offerings.

How to get backlinks:

• Create comprehensive hotel reviews: Offer in-depth reviews of hotels and accommodations, highlighting both the pros and cons.
• Partner on travel packages: Collaborate with hotels to create unique travel packages that include your services or travel guides.
• Offer exclusive deals and promotions: Partner with hotels to offer exclusive deals and promotions to your audience.

4. Airline & Transportation Websites

Airlines and transportation companies are constantly seeking content that inspires travel and encourages bookings.

How to get backlinks:

• Create travel itineraries featuring their routes: Develop travel itineraries that showcase their flight routes, highlighting unique destinations and experiences along the way.
• Write about their travel destinations: Create articles or blog posts focusing on the destinations their airlines or transportation services connect.
• Highlight their customer experience: Share positive reviews or experiences with their services, highlighting the unique features that set them apart.

5. Travel Forums & Communities

Travel forums and online communities are a great way to connect with passionate travelers and build relationships.

How to get backlinks:

• Engage with the community: Actively participate in discussions, answer questions, and share valuable insights.
• Offer helpful resources: Create comprehensive travel guides or resources that address common traveler questions.
• Contribute to relevant threads: Share your expert insights and link back to your travel website when relevant.

6. Travel-Related Businesses & Services

Think travel insurance companies, tour operators, activity providers, and more. These businesses are often looking for content that promotes their services or provides valuable information to their customers.

How to get backlinks:

• Create travel guides and resources: Offer comprehensive guides or resources that are helpful to travelers seeking specific services or activities.
• Partner on joint marketing campaigns: Collaborate on marketing campaigns that benefit both parties.
• Offer reviews and testimonials: Share positive experiences with their services and offer detailed reviews for potential customers.

7. Local & Regional News Websites

Local news websites often cover events, attractions, and activities within their region.

How to get backlinks:

• Create content about local events: Share stories about unique festivals, cultural events, or seasonal activities in their region.
• Provide travel tips for local destinations: Create travel guides that highlight the best places to visit, eat, and explore in their region.
• Pitch story ideas to journalists: Offer exclusive stories or insights related to their region that they might find valuable.

8. Travel & Lifestyle Magazines

Travel and lifestyle magazines are constantly seeking content that inspires their readers and promotes their brand.

How to get backlinks:

• Create high-quality content relevant to their audience: Offer in-depth articles, travel features, or photo essays that align with their magazine’s style and target audience.
• Reach out to the editorial team: Pitch story ideas or offer to contribute to their magazine as a guest writer.
• Offer exclusive content partnerships: Collaborate on exclusive content that benefits both parties, such as sponsored posts or travel guides.

9. Educational Institutions & Universities

Universities and educational institutions often have websites or publications that showcase research, programs, and activities related to travel, tourism, and cultural studies.

How to get backlinks:

• Partner with academic researchers: Offer your travel website as a resource for academics researching travel-related topics.
• Contribute to university publications: Offer to write articles or blog posts for their student publications or alumni magazines.
• Promote your website to relevant student organizations: Connect with student travel clubs or organizations that might find your content valuable.

10. Industry Events & Conferences

Attending industry events and conferences is a fantastic opportunity to network and build relationships with other professionals.

How to get backlinks:

• Become a speaker or presenter: Showcase your expertise by presenting at relevant conferences or workshops.
• Sponsor or partner with the event: Offer to sponsor the event or partner with the organizers, securing prominent branding and website links.
• Share event coverage on your website: Create content about the event, highlighting key speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities.

The Power of Backlink Diversity

Remember: it’s not just about getting backlinks from all of these website types but also about building a diverse and natural-looking backlink profile.

A diverse backlink profile is a sign of a healthy website that provides valuable information and attracts a wide range of audiences. This is what Google wants to see, and it’s what will help you dominate search results for relevant keywords.

Think beyond the obvious:

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and explore opportunities to earn backlinks from unexpected sources. For example, you could reach out to:

• Local businesses related to travel: Think restaurants, cafes, adventure companies, or art galleries.
• Travel photography websites: Offer high-quality images for their website or blog posts in exchange for backlinks.
• Travel-related podcasts: Become a guest on podcasts discussing topics related to your travel niche.

Building Backlinks is a Marathon, Not a Sprint

Building a strong backlink profile is a long-term strategy. It’s about consistent effort, building relationships, and providing valuable content that others want to share.

Don’t expect overnight success. Focus on quality over quantity, and be patient with the process. By focusing on the right types of websites and building relationships with those who share your passion for travel, you’ll build a powerful backlink profile that will propel your travel website to new heights.