With all the Travel Blogs and Sites to choose from there is something for everyone. I read a lot of travel blogs and follow some very good travel sites. There are basically five types of travel sites.
The General Blog, which has everything from travel tips and photos to read about my trip to some wacky travel destination or stories about “How I survived a night in a Lithuanian jail”.
Those that talk about budget travel which deal with everything from coupons, discount sites and staying in inexpensive (notice I didn’t say cheap?) places.
Then there are sites written for the 20 something’s, which if the truth be told some are in their 30’s now. These sites talk about everything from party places to adventure traveling to how to quit your job work anywhere and travel the world.
Next up women travelers, now this is an exclusive club. I read some of the articles but I am usually afraid to comment on them fearing I might be hunted down and attacked for encroaching onto woman land.
Then you have the top tier sites, those that deal in luxury travel. It’s like watching an episode of “lives of the rich and famous”. Stories of Tuscan Villas for $3000.00 per night that come with monogrammed towels and slippers with a balcony overlooking the unspoiled countryside and a private chef named Enrique.
Now I get something useful out of all of these sites.
General travel blogs have given me some useful tips, funny stories and articles on places I might not know about along with insights to the author’s travels.
Budget travel sites have turned me on to some great finds where I can search for low airfares or accommodations. As a result I have managed to stay in some nice places without breaking the bank and learn a few tricks when it comes to booking flights.
The 20 something crowd has opened my eyes to new ways and ideas for businesses and earning an income without having to be trapped behind a desk in an office. A lot of the people behind these sites are not demanding someone give them a job or provide a living for them, instead they are creating their own jobs on their own terms and they are highly creative. Don’t tell them though most are still very idealistic.
Travel sites geared towards women often offer great info on traveling alone or how to stay safe while traveling which everyone can benefit from. A lot of them tend to be very good at pointing out what to do and where to go when visiting various places. I still get visions of Amazonian women hunting me down when I read these blogs .. wait never mind that was a dream I had.
Luxury travel sites have that Ooooh, Aaaah factor. The perfect photos of accommodations that looks better than anywhere I have ever lived. But once I stop drooling over the private in room bar stocked with single malt Scotch, I do get some useful info out of the articles. I learn about out of the way places that a lot of people don’t visit and it feeds my auto accident needs. You know what I am talking about, like when you see a bad auto accident and you know you shouldn’t look but you can’t help yourself.
Of course there are others, like the cruise sites, the Disney sites and the Hi Mom and Dad look what I am doing with my tuition money sites. The bottom line is, there are a lot of great travel sites and when you find one share it with your friends. If you enjoyed the article tweet about it or hit the share buttons on the blog like Stumble Upon or Digg. Join the conversation and leave a comment. Writers like comments. Not just the ones that say “You’re great!” but the comments that add to the article or give your opinion, good or bad.
For a list of some of the travel blogs I like, head over here and check out some great sites.
Hey there, I think it’s kind of neat that you categorized sites like this – my only thought is that you’re description of sites for female travelers is pretty off base in my experience. There are specific issues that affect women traveling, but I’ve never run into one that didn’t welcome thoughts from all readers (in fact, check out my site sometime. While I fall into your first category, we do talk a bit about traveling as a woman, and I bet you’d find some of it useful!)
I find a lot of it useful, I don’t do muck backpacking but I find a lot of info there useful always. And I do check out your site often Julia. 🙂
Interesting post! I agree – even though I may not be able to afford what is written about on luxury travel sites I love to read them and daydream! I also enjoy travel sites with unique experiences. Now that you mention it most of the solo traveler sites i read are written by women but they often have great tips! My blog is a mix of good deals and my experience with interesting activities but I only cover Hawaii.
Mr. TravelingFool or should be more informal? How about TTF? I like what you have to say. If you know about a travel site dedicated to women of the Amazon, these Amazonians as you call them, please share! This would make it into my RSS reader indeed.
TTF is fine or Fool if you prefer either is fine. As far as the Amazons go you will have to have your own dreams. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.