If you want to travel right, you need to learn from the best. That’s why you should start following all the blogs on this list. Think of them like the gospels of the backpacker, with each one offering a different angle on the same story: exploring the world your way. Do you love scoring a bargain business class flight, or would you rather learn how to travel the world on a crust of bread? From the luxurious to the austere, we’ve got dream weavers and penny pinchers. So check out the list!
1. Nomadic Matt
It’s impossible to discuss travel blogging without first mentioning Nomadic Matt. Run by travel expert Matthew Kepnes, Nomadic Matt has been a mainstay of travel blogging for almost as long as travel blogging has been a thing. He’s the author of “How to Travel the World on $50 a Day,” and his blog has a heavy focus on practical advice.
Matt’s advice on traveling on a shoestring is always worth reading, even for veteran backpackers who think they know it all. On top of this great advice, you might also want to have a look at the incredibly useful resources page, which includes links to everything from tour companies to other blogs. Overall, Nomadic Matt is bursting at the seams with useful details to help you make the most of your trip, while saving all the pennies you can along the way.
How to find Matt: https://www.nomadicmatt.com/
2. Ladies What Travel
On the other end of the spectrum is Ladies What Travel. Run by the dangerous duo Keri and Emma, this blog focuses on the finer things in life. Ladies What Travel is all about luxury that’s actually affordable, and is particularly aimed at anyone with a steady job. They have lots of helpful advice on how to make the most of your weekends and annual leave, cramming as much awesomeness as possible into those few precious days of freedom.
How to find Keri and Emma: http://www.ladieswhattravel.com/
3. Go Hobo
Swinging back to the other end of the spectrum, the ever-cheeky Go Hobo is aimed squarely at travelers who would rather dumpster dive than pay for dinner like a sucker. Learn how to live out of a caravan or travel the world as a housesitter. They also have a big focus on the great outdoors and DIY solutions. The site is likewise big on promoting the sharing economy, and bringing travelers together to make the most of what they’ve got. It’s a great philosophy, and a great blog to follow.
How to find them: https://gohobo.co/
4. Burger Abroad
You might assume from the name that this is a blog about a homeless hamburger enthusiast, but you couldn’t be further from the truth. Run by seasoned backpacker Amanda Burger, this blog is arguably the best vegan resource you’ll find anywhere online. Amanda’s travel guides offer solid intel on how to survive across the world as a vegan, with some great tips on how to eat ethically in some of the most carnivorous countries on the planet.
How to find Amanda: https://www.burgerabroad.com/
5. Fit Travels
Another blog that knows its target audience well is Fit Travels, which follows the adventures of fitness junkie Sarah. Sarah will have you keeping fit while on the road, and offers some great advice on good destinations for anyone with an active lifestyle.
How to find Sarah: http://fittravels.com/
6. Fresh Off The Grid
Oh, how I love this blog. Megan McDuffie and Michael Van Vliet’s Fresh Off The Grid combines passions for food and travel in one delectable package. Their biggest selling point is their list of great recipes for backpackers, campers and nomads of all stripes. Forget instant noodles, how about these easy to make camp tacos? What about this made-from-scratch campfire pizza? Still not hungry? Well, check out their extensive list of vegetarian meals, or this practical guide to single pot camp cooking. Trust me, you’ll be coming back for seconds.
How to find Megan and Michael: https://www.freshoffthegrid.com/
7. One Mile At A Time
Let’s change pace again, and talk about business travel. One Mile At A Time is run by German-born travel expert Ben “Lucky” Schlappig. Along with his quirky humor and great travel tips, Lucky also happens to be the world’s only self-professed fan of airports (at least that I’m aware of).
Contrary to what his nickname might suggest, Lucky leaves nothing to luck, and is all about offering advice on how to get the best deals possible on flights and accommodation. He’s a guru when it comes to frequent flyer points, and only ever travels first or business class. Read his blog, and you too might be scoring some complimentary champagne on your next red eye.
How to find Lucky: http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com
8. Exploring Kiwis
The name says it all. Sarah and Nathan explore, and they’re New Zealanders (a.k.a., Kiwis). They’re always on the move, and have an endless supply of fun travel stories to inspire you. It’s vibrant, colorful and inspirational.
How to find Sarah and Nathan: https://exploringkiwis.com/
9. This Is The Place I Was Telling You About
Another traveling couple, Texans R’el Dade and Marcus Lloyd will inspire you with their photography and shared adventurous spirit. They have a big focus on U.S. travel, revealing hidden gems that could be in your neighborhood. Plus, they love food and coffee, and always seem to know the best place to grab an espresso.
How to find R’el and Marcus: http://www.thisistheplaceiwastellingyouabout.com
10. Landcruising Adventure
If you think travel is just for college dropouts, then you obviously haven’t met Dutch couple Karin-Marijke and Coen and their third wheel, the almost 40-year-old BJ45 Land Cruiser. This trio is on an epic adventure across the globe, and want to show you how to quit everything and hit the road in a banged-up old rust bucket. Their blog is as practical as it is fun, with everything from how to drive through a river to getting your engine blessed in Bolivia.
How to find Karin and Coen: http://www.landcruisingadventure.com/
11. Girl Vs. Globe
Finally, I couldn’t finish this list without mentioning Girl Vs. Globe. Scottish-born Sabina would be no different to thousands of other travel bloggers — if it wasn’t for her delightfully upbeat personality. Her blog has a heavy focus on eco-friendly travel, sustainable fashion and vegan eating. If you want to travel ethically, then pay Sabina’s blog a visit.
How to find Sabina: http://girlvsglobe.com/
Did I miss your favorite blog? If so, let me know in the comments below!
— Ryan Mallett-Outtrim