Which travel blogs inspire me to travel, and to write about it? I’ve already weighed in on the most influential blogs of the year and hotel blogs worth bookmarking. But a lot of you have asked me which sites I read just for the fun of it (in other words, because I think they’re really good). Here’s your answer — my very own list of travel blogs that inspire me.
I’m listing them in alphabetical order, along with the reason I’m hooked:
Benet Wilson gets it. When it comes to airlines, it’s not what happens in the air that’s important — it’s what happens on the ground.
Candy Harrington’s blog is the ultimate authority on disability and travel.
Look! Pretty pictures. No, I mean really pretty pictures.
This blog dissects the day’s travel news with the insights of a travel insider. Very clever.
Chris Mohney and his team are the last word on coolness for the jet set.
If you want to travel smarter, this is the only blog you need to bookmark.
Lisa Lubin is not just a first-rate videographer. She’s also one of the bravest bloggers I know. You go, girl!
Lonely Planet. Blog. Enough said.
Everything you never wanted to know about cruising, but should.
Anne Campbell is a cruise goddess.
Author of The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich shows you how it’s done.
Tim Leffel’s Cheapest Destinations
If you want to save money on your next trip, Tim’s blog can help. But be warned: you’ll want to travel after reading it.
An inspiring collection of destination narratives, photos and personal reflections.
An overload of travel blogging goodness.
Claire Walter’s travel blog delivers a compelling mix of consumer travel news and destination information.
David Molyneaux, a master of old media, has also mastered new media.
Darren Cronian writes a terrific, pro-consumer travel blog.
Can you edit one of the best newspaper travel sections on the planet and blog at the same time? Why, yes! Jane makes it look easy.
Rolf Potts and his colleagues have created a must-read travel blog that features a nice blend of news, tips and notes from the road.
So good, the Travel Channel had to buy it. Can’t blame ‘em.
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
One of the most influential travel bloggers of 2007 is Christopher Elliott. And what a terrific idea to look at the influence of travel bloggers. As traditional print publications continue to cut their travel writing staffs and diminish their expertise, their influence on the public will wane. Here’s a holiday salute to all the travel bloggers all over the world and to the future influence of travel blogging.
David Molyneaux, former newspaper travel editor and now editor of TravelMavens.net and blogger at TravelMaven.typepad.com
I second everything David Molyneaux wrote in his comment. I would add that the same traditional print publications that are cutting their writing staffs are also shaving their freelance budgets and thereby not tapping into the expertise and experiences of freelance writers. Editors and staff writers cannot be everywhere at once. They cannot be authoritative on the many complexities of travel and knowledeable about every destination or type of destination. Freelance journalists like yours truly have also turned to the blogosphere, where we can report and write for an audience that appears to growing too.
Thank you Chris for including Travel Babel in this list. I’m beyond flattered. And it gives me something more to shoot for in 2008.
Claire @ http://travel-babel.blogspot.com
OK, now I’m embarrassed. I told Claire about her inclusion and she beat me to the punch with a thank you. Belated, but still very sincere, thanks for inluding me as well Chris. As I wrote in my blog today — you’ve managed to keep me on my toes over the years!
Candy Harrington
Elliot, This list is wonderful! I had not Timothy Ferriss’ new book, but got it during my delay at O’Hare last weekend and I’ve LOVED it (as well as the website you mention). I was just looking to ‘update’ my blog feeds, thanks for the always timely and insightful comments.
Kango Suz, freelance travel writer for the new travel search engine, Kango.com and blogger at http://www.startgo.com.
Thanks for the kind words, Chris. Here’s to a great 2008 for everyone.
Great work keep it !!!!!!
Good post, but have you thought about The 20 most inspiring travel blogs of 2007 before?
I chanced upon to view your blog and found it very interesting. Great … Keep it up!
I’ve been searching for different travel blogs so I could plan my next adventure. I am so glad I came across your site and read it. It’s a great help. Keep on writing..