TRAVEL BLOGS
I fervently believe one of the best ways to see the world is through the eyes of fellow travelers. But be warned – living vicariously through them will make you want to hit the road yourself (ask my MasterCard…) Here are some of my faves:
A Pair of Panties & Boxers -Monica’s blog about her travels through the world and travels through life. Either way she travels, it’s food for her soul. She’s always hungry!
Border Jumpers -The adventures of Bernard Pollack and Danielle Nierenberg as they travel to nearly every country in Africa.
Ciao Bambino – an online family travel resource written by and for parents. Ciao Bambino inspires families to explore the world through family travel tips and insight, as well as thoroughly vetted reviews of the best accommodations with children of all ages.
Expat Blog – great interactive site for expats and wannabe expats to share tips, experiences and insight
The Great American Travel Dream is the blog of Jessica Colley, one travel writer always dreaming of her next meal or next trip.
Heather on Her Travels – this site is so well-organized, easy-to-use and helpful for suggestions, I have found myself returning time and again since discovering it
Isabelle’s Travel Guide – Isabelle’s site is full of great tips for any kind of traveler, including phrases, passport info, info on worldwide locations and a personal travel journal
Jessie On A Journey: A budget traveler who loves nothing more than her backpack.
Lifecruiser – fun, long-running site from a Swedish couple who writes all about their travels – honest and witty
Living Venice – the first Venice blog I ever found, and still my favorite! Nan’s photos and heart-filled insight into an American expat’s life in Venice is inspiring, information and so incredibly beautiful. A great read if you’re heading there and want an authentic experience.
Matador - some of the best travel “top 10 lists” I’ve ever seen are right here!
SoulTravelers – a FAVORITE! This family has been spending the past several years in one ongoing journey around the world – personal and interesting. Plus they are living my dream!
Travelocafe – Informal ideas for traveling on a shoestring. Great navigation on this site!
Travels With Two – A guide for couples with limited vacation time looking for ways to unplug, relax, reconnect and see the world, penned by awesome travel blogger Melanie Waldman
TheVacationGals – Tips for vacations, no matter what kind you’re looking for – family, couples, girls’ weekends - you name it, these gals have advice on it.
Vagabond3 - Bob & Jade have been everywhere and the articles sharing their experiences are real and hilarious – and don’t forget to check out the videos! (They’re the best part :)
Vagabondish – Self-described “TravelZine for Today’s Vagabond,” this is a travel site about backpacking with funny stories and lots of advice. Informative AND hilarious!
Wanderlust & Lipstick – An incredible women’s travel resource – solo or group travel
RESOURCES
Below are some of the sites I use often and check in with regularly to find great deals, cool spots and other information for my upcoming trips:
BootsnAll Travel – call themselves “The Ultimate Resource for Independent Travellers” – and they are. Will also help you with booking needs. I joined….you should too.
DailyCandy – everyone knows their city-oriented “trend-of-the-moment” newsletters, but sign up for their travel version, which comes out weekly, and get high-end info and discounts on great luxury spots around the globe.
GoPlanit – sign up for recommendations from the site’s experts, plus tools to help you organize and plan your trip and articles on various destinations
HotelChatter – the best on the web when it comes to what’s trendy and exciting in the world of hospitality. If a hotel has bad wi-fi or a great martini, they know about it.
Johnny Jet – one of the first bloggers I ever met, Johnny Jet’s weekly newsletter is personal, honest and full of personal pix. His site has links to everything you could possibly imagine.
Kayak – my ultimate source for fare comparison; I’ve used them for deals on every business trip I’ve ever taken!
RailEurope – best source for European rail travel tickets, great customer service, fair prices and updated schedules.
Raveable – one of the fastest growing hotel review sites, voted one of Travel + Leisure’s top 2009 travel sites, who is also kind enough to feature Yours Truly as one of their preferred bloggers :) Check out my profile!
Seat Guru – they’ll tell you everything you ever wanted to know about your in-flight experience, including where the best places to sit (per plane type!) and other in-flight amenities
TripAdvisor – I don’t rock their hats for no reason – I never book a hotel without reading TripAdvisor’s reviews FIRST. Also, the Owl has possibly the best blog EVER. And they host killer TBEX parties.
Connect!