EIGHT OTHER BLOGS TO INSPIRE YOUR WANDERLUST

 

When I begin looking for my next destination, I don't often turn to guidebooks or the Travel Channel. Instead, I gain most of my wanderlust from reading other blogs. Bloggers tend to be the best way to learn what you need to know about a destination, not just what they want you to know.

We're honest, often sharing both the good and the bad. Most travel bloggers explore the "less touristy" places, the spots you would've never read about elsewhere. They show those quirky roadside attractions, that beautiful secret hiking trail, or that underground pub hidden beneath the city.

In my time as a travel blogger, I've had the opportunity to meet and connect with some of the most talented, wonderful, and inspiring people. Each with their own story, their own travel niche, and their own blog to help share their story with the world. With that, I've put together a list of eight other travel bloggers that inspire me and might inspire you too.

Here are eight of my favorite travel bloggers (in no particular order):

1. Young Adventuress

The first travel blog I ever read, which would eventually inspire me to start my own. The website's writer, Liz, is extremely blunt, funny, and adventurous. What originally drew me to her articles was her ability to "tell it like it is" without sounding like a total ass. She's originally from the Eastern U.S. but now lives in Wakana, New Zealand. I'm completely envious of her helicopter rides over glaciers, treks across Mongolia, and ability to respond to hate comments with just the right touch of *sass*.

 

Photo Courtesy of @YoungAdventuress

 

2. Adventure Mom

Nedra, the voice of Adventure Mom, has become a dear friend over the last three years. We originally met on a press trip to Ohio Shores & Islands, where we instantly bonded over our shared FOMO and ended up auditioning for the Amazing Race together at the end of the trip. We're both picture fanatics and will chase a sunrise together whenever we have the chance (even in snow storms).

Adventure Mom is a Midwestern-based adventure blog for families. Her two sons must have the coolest childhood in all existence...just last week they got to roll down hills in giant zorb balls. Jealous. You can always expect her to not only write articles, but make readers feel like they were there as well. Her adventures have added thousands of items to my already insane bucket list.

 

Auditioning for the Amazing Race with @AdventureMom

 

3. The Worldwide Webers

I originally found this trio on Instagram, where I have grown to love their sense of adventure. They have a toddler who has already visited 33 countries (she's not even two) and rarely visit the basic tourist destinations. Instead, you'll often find them on a rowboat in Myanmar, the mountains of Bhutan, or on African Safaris.

I think it's safe to say they are #familygoals and I envy the patience they must have traveling the world with a young family. I can barely keep myself in line traveling, which means a poor toddler under my supervision would probably end up in Kenya when I'm in Canada. Sigh.

 

Photo Courtesy of The Worldwide Webers

 

4. Ten Miles Behind

I originally met Erin on a trip to the Dominican Republic, and instantly fell in love with her passion for the world. She's a badass solo female traveler who quit her corporate NYC job to travel more places than I can remember.

What separates Erin for a majority of travel bloggers is her big heart. She spends much of her time volunteering, whether in Goa, India or South Africa. It's common for travel bloggers to only travel in ways that they benefit. I will even admit that I don't do much volunteering on the road. Erin finds a way to follow her dreams, while also making the world a better place. She's amazing.

 

Photo Courtesy of 10 Miles Behind Me

 

5.  Andrew Muse & Kicker

Andrew doesn't run a blog, but instead makes insane video diaries about his life on the road. He and his dog Kicker are a one-of-a-kind pair, who spend much of their time backcountry skiing, paragliding, ice climbing, and traveling the Western United States in a van.

I originally met Andrew briefly at Columbia Sportswear's Director of Toughness Audition. After meeting and learning more about his lifestyle, I instantly became obsessed with getting an adventure dog of my own. It has yet to happen...BUT SOON.

If you ever think a pet will slow down your travels, all you need to do is watch one episode to change your mind.

 

Photo Courtesy of Andrew Muse

 

6. The Traveling Praters

Tonya Prater and her family spent eighteen months traveling the United States in an RV. At the time, she homeschooled three teenagers (DAD...WHY DIDN'T WE DO THIS.). All of you know that I'm currently living on the road, and I can thank Tonya for being one of the first people I met who showed me it was possible. Her blog highlights things to do all over the United States, including quirky roadside attractions, unique shops, and delicious restaurants.

Tonya is also from the Midwest and someone who I enjoy talking to whenever our paths cross. She's a lot like me: just someone who started a blog that morphed into something bigger than she ever imagined.

 

Photo Courtesy of The Traveling Praters

 

7. Travel Babbo

Travel Babbo wins the award for "most insane family travel blog". Eric, the dad who runs the site, is an amazing and inspiring person to follow.

Eric's family spends most of their time traveling from one side of the world to another. I'm not sure how they ever become accustomed to a time zone, because it seems as soon as they might get settled they are then jetting off to another distant land. Every year, each of his kids get to pick one place they want to go in the world with their dad. A couple years ago his eight-year-old daughter said Antarctica...so they went to Antarctica.

Eric is also an incredible photographer. If you don't follow him on Instagram, you should. He has a special talent of capturing incredible frames of both family and culture all over the world.

 

Photo Courtesy of Travel Babbo

 

8. The World Incorporated

I have a slight fear of settling down and getting stuck in a real-world job. Whenever I read Amanda's blog, it automatically makes me feel better about the future.

Amanda isn't a nomad, nor does she work in the travel industry. Instead, she shows travelers that just because you have a full-time job doesn't mean you have to quit traveling. She's an amazing soul, both inside and out, who was one of the first bloggers I ever met. I was a scared little blogger who had no idea what she was doing, and Amanda (a fellow Michigander) took me out to explore Detroit where we talked about our shared love of travel and writing.

If you are looking for a genuine and real blog, this is it.

 

Photo Courtesy of The World Incorporated

 

What other blogs do you follow? Paste the link, I'd love to check it out!