10 Awesome Travel Bloggers You Should Follow (And Why)
Without a doubt there are lots of travel bloggers online — hundreds, perhaps thousands. And that’s just in the English language! Whether you are a backpacker, jetsetter, budget traveler, foodie, culture vulture — the list goes on — there’s a travel blog that fits your preferences. With so many choices, it is bound to become overwhelming. Let me make it easy for you — here is my personal recommendation of 10 awesome travel blogs you should bookmark today.
NomadicMatt.com Matt Kepnes made a life-changing decision in 2007: instead of following the typical post-MBA career, he grabbed his backpack and camera and hit the road. He’s been documenting his travels ever since. In 2013 he became a New York Times best-selling author (“How to Travel the World on $50 a Day”). Nomadic Matt appeals to the solo traveler on a budget with authenticity and tons of useful tips. Why You Should Follow Him: everyone else does!
LegalNomads.com Jodi Ettenberg traded her attaché case for a suitcase in 2008. As she travels and blogs, she also shares her gluten-free food discoveries from home and abroad. Jodi has maintained this diet ever since being diagnosed with celiac disease back in the early 2000s. Legal Nomads has been featured in major publications including Forbes, CNN, and National Geographic to name a few; today the site reaches over 3 million monthly followers. This former Canadian from Montreal now spends much of her time in SE Asia. Why You Should Follow Her: excellent writing plus what’s-safe-to-eat-travel tips.
EverythingEverywhere.com Gary Arndt consistently earns top awards for his writing and photography, so it’s not a surprise that he’s become the go-to expert for major media outlets (CNN, BBC, USA Today). He’s also the co-host of the popular podcast “This Week in Travel” (200+ episodes). Name a country — most likely he’s been there and can tell you about it.
Why You Should Follow Him: Gary gives you all the essential details + great photography.
YTravelblog.com This is the creation of Craig and Caz Makepiece, a married couple from Australia. They traveled a lot before starting a family; now they travel with their two young daughters. If you like family-style adventures, this is the travel blog for you. Anyone who is a Pinterest user will also love their pin boards. Why You Should Follow Them: it’s a fun read plus you get to learn some cool Aussie slang.
ThePlanetD.com Introducing the “D”s -Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil, a married couple from Ontario, Canada. They have traveled to over 100 countries and counting. Their motto: “Adventure is for Everyone.” Great travel stories come with lots of beautiful photos which makes The Planet D one very visually appealing site. Why You Should Follow Them: multiple travel writing awards and over 400k unique monthly visitors can’t be wrong.
TheBlondAbroad.com While posing for the camera, Kiersten Rich looks totally the part of the suntanned blond gal from California (she is). No doubt about the appeal to male readers. But this award-winning blogger also gives plenty of useful suggestions to the ladies about fashion, makeup, and accessories on the road. There are practical reviews about the latest cameras and luggage, too. Why You Should Follow Her: Kiersten will surprise you with her volunteer stints and down-to-earth stories of everyday people.
Adventurous Kate Kate McCulley is a 30-something solo traveler from the city of Boston. She quit her job at 26 to begin her journey. More than 60 countries later, she’s emerged as an influencer among her peers. She is witty and fun in the retelling of her experiences but also blunt and honest about issues facing women who travel alone. Why You Should Follow Her: great writing and photography with an edge.
GreenGlobalTravel.com How many blogs have both a motto and a mission statement? This one does! “Saving the World, One Story at a Time.” Bloggers Bret Love and wife Mary Gabbett are seriously devoted to the concepts of ecotourism, wildlife conservation, and saving indigenous cultures. Through their Green Travel Media company they offer digital media services to clients ranging from national tourism boards to international wildlife charities. Why You Should Follow Them: they will inspire you to travel more responsibly. (Tip to current college students: they offer social media internships.)
2TravelDads.com This is a self-described “Gay Dad Travel Blog” that appeals to a diverse audience of readers. Rob and Chris Taylor write about their experiences as parents traveling with their 2 young sons. If you enjoy family car camping adventures, you will appreciate their stories and recommendations on specific gear to rent or buy. Why You Should Follow Them: shared wisdom about the US National Parks and the Pacific Northwest (where they are from).
SavoredJourneys.com Here’s a site for readers who seek affordable luxury travel, food and wine experiences. Take a virtual food and wine tour as bloggers Laura and Nick Lynch show you all the possibilities. Just try not to salivate over all the gorgeous photographs and descriptions — double dare you! Why You Should Follow Them: “101 Dishes to Travel the World For” is their free downloadable ebook.
Deborah Regen is the author of the ebook Eco-Tours: A Collection of Interviews (on Amazon.com) and posts weekly on her travel website EcoTourLinQ.com.
