I started my travel business, Europe a la Carte in 2002, to promote less well known destinations in Europe. I planned to make money through commission on accommodation sales. Intiallly I made agreements directly with the accommodation suppliers and would receive 8 - 15% for introducing the customer. However this was a very slow process, the potential guest would contact me, then I would contact the supplier to check availability and price, then get back to the potential guest and then the guest would have to contact the supplier directly to make the booking, as I didn't want to handle guests money or credit cards.

I decided to start using affiliate links to hotel booking sites, where the potential guest would be able to check availability and price online and make a booking immediately to simplify the enquiry/booking process. Althought I'd make less commission, an average of 5%, the process would be automated, freeing my up to travel and write more. I also started to use affiliate links to sell car hire, travel insurance, travel books and airport parking.

However don't think all that you have to do if paste a few affiliate buttons or banners on your site and you'll start making a fortune. You have to sell the product in contextt. By that I mean if I write a destination guide for my website, there is a section in the guide of where to stay. The affiliate link is placed in the accommodation listing. If I write an post about choosing the best travel insurance sites, I will highlight the benefits of each insurance company with an affiliate link