Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Gilbride.
Hi Amy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey into the blogosphere started in 2018 when I officially created The Florida Travel Girl Blog. Before, I had always been an avid blog reader, and loved reading trip reports from other bloggers. I thought about starting my own blog often, but was never sure what to focus on. However, after moving to the Space Coast of Florida in 2010 from New England, I realized I had become quite knowledgeable about Central Florida attractions and experiences. When we were new to the area, my husband and I were eager to try different restaurants and explore every part of the state. After eight years in the Sunshine State, I found I had many stories to share. With that, I created my blog to show off hidden gems and fun adventures accessible to all Floridians. I currently run my blog as a side hustle while working as a systems engineer by day. My goal is to inspire people to take advantage of all the cool things to do in Florida and appreciate the beauty and quirks of this state.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being a travel blogger, I understandably ran into my biggest obstacle last year when covid-19 effectively put a stop to travel. After a solid year of growth, it was disheartening, yet understandable, to see my blog traffic plummet with everyone staying home. Suddenly, there seemed like more important thing to read about than figuring out which travel credit card to get next or taking Instagram pictures. However, I used that time to focus on local communities and ways people could support small businesses throughout Florida. Last year I compiled ten dining guides that feature thirty restaurants from different parts of Florida to help people find great food from local chefs. This in turn has helped my blog take a more local spin and these posts have become reader favorites. My other biggest challenge has been juggling my day job, family, my blog and traveling for the blog, but staying home last year helped with that.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I run the blog The thefloridatravelgirl.com. I have hundreds of posts that share restaurant guides, attraction guides and trip reports of my travels across Florida and beyond. I currently added a map feature to my blog which highlights different destinations for an easy user interface for getting travel ideas. I also run my Instagram account for daily travel inspiration and an Etsy shop with Florida themed printable. I am working on getting a YouTube channel up to showcase my experiences through video and also hope to write a travel book.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I strive for my blog and brand to be friendly and fun. My goal is to feature accessible experiences for all and I never want to be exclusionary. This is a creative outlet for me, but it has also been a great way to create an enthusiastic and supportive community. As a woman in tech, my goal is to uplift women, especially those in nontraditional roles like craft beer brewing and the culinary arts. I also aim for environmentally friendly and sustainable living and try and provide inspiration for this lifestyle through promoting plant-based restaurants and local travel. I like to keep my disposition similar to the state of Florida-sunny and a little quirky!
Pricing:
- $200/sponsored Instagram post
- $500/ sponsored blog post
Contact Info:
- Email: thefloridatravelgirl@gmail.com
- Website: https://thefloridatravelgirl.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefloridatravelgirl/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefloridatravelgirl/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/thefltravelgirl?lang=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWs64581QKNh9D1L1_r3JkA/about
Image Credits
myself or my husband, Amy and Andrew Gilbride
