T
hinking about launching a blog focused on your unique destination, boutique hotel, or worldwide family of properties? We picked 10 of our favorite travel and destination blogs to inspire you.
Before we get into our top picks, a word on what makes a great travel and destination blog. First and foremost, unique takes from real (human!) writers. Next, a strong point of view that allows them to add something fresh to the massive amount of Google-able information already out there about any given place on earth. And of course, great photos are a must-have, whether they’re fun selfies or gorgeous National Geographic–worthy images.
In no particular order, here are some of our favorite travel and destination blogs that meet all those criteria, plus a couple of bonus blogs produced by our Hawthorn Creative team. Their layouts, offerings, and content will provide plenty of fodder for designing or ramping up your own blog.
The Blonde Abroad
This is perhaps the most Instagram-ready blog on our list, packed with pics of its author sporting adorable sundresses and jumpsuits in exotic locales — but Kiki is the real deal, with the passport stamps to prove it (metaphorically anyway). A California native, she left her career in corporate finance in 2011 and has now visited more than 70 countries. This is a great source for solo female travelers to get destination recommendations and tips for planning ahead and navigating challenges. Her packing guides, travel outfits, and destination recommendations based on your astrological sign are all great inspiration for creating your own shareable posts.
Along Dusty Roads
Like Kiki, UK-based Andrew and Emily quit their jobs to devote their lives to traveling and writing about their adventures — which often take place on foot through awe-inspiring landscapes. Whether they’re covering popular destinations like Cinque Terre, Santorini, and Mexico City, or off the beaten track searching for quetzals along the Pipeline Trail in Boquete, Panama, they offer a bounty of information, often broken down into user-friendly fact boxes. The couple prioritizes “responsible, slow, and sustainable” travel, and the blog is heavy on trails, waterfalls, and beaches, illustrated by their gorgeous photos.
Marriott Bonvoy Traveler
The official travel guide and editorial voice of Marriott Bonvoy, this blog is jam-packed with serviceable destination content and trip inspiration. From vacation ideas for milestone birthdays and train-centric journeys to blog posts centered around distinct hotel experiences, the major hotel brand’s loyalty program publishes content that deftly balances marketing its properties with providing valuable tips for world travelers.
Nomadic Matt
For travelers on a budget, this blog by a New York Times best-selling author focuses on how to travel both affordably and well. You’ll find listicles like “9 Destinations Under $50 a Day” and “How to Eat Cheap Around the World” (Matt’s five-block rule is an example of his simple, savvy advice), alongside thoughtful posts like his reflections on whether traveling is really running away. This is not a blog to daydream by, but Matt is definitely the dude you want to consult on the practicalities, from finding deals on airfare and accommodations, to picking the best travel credit card, to saving money at home so you can leave home more often.
Expert Vagabond
This blog features another American native named Matt, who recently relocated to France with his wife and kids (he sometimes travels with the family in tow). This Matt also offers lots of detailed advice, with posts on super-specific topics like driving in Costa Rica, using virtual mailbox services, and renting a gondola in Venice. His blog is also heavy on tips for itinerant photographers like him, including reviews for travel tripods, camera backpacks, and online photography classes, as well as insights on becoming a “digital nomad.”
Adventurous Kate
Boston-born Kate is another blogger who left a traditional life behind to go on the road; now based in Prague, she’s been traveling for 14 years and has visited 89 countries. Her blog has a cozy feel, like you’re sitting down with her for a glass of wine and hearing a few of her fabulous travel stories, including her worst moments. Like Kiki of The Blonde Abroad, she’s especially interested in helping women safely travel solo, and she brings political and social awareness to her blogging. While Kate has been absolutely everywhere, perhaps her most extensive coverage is of Italy, one of her favorite destinations.
The Planet D
Dave and Deb are yet another couple who spend much of their time circling the globe. Named one of the Top 10 Travel Influencers in the world by Forbes, their blog offers detailed itineraries, destination guides, and what they call “bucket list experiences,” like safaris, historical sites, and the best beaches and hikes in the world. While Dave and Deb’s style is a bit less personalized than some of the other blogs on our list, they make up for that with the scope of their offerings, spanning food, attractions, accommodations, and tips for destinations across 130 countries.
Mosaic Traveler
Benchmark Resorts & Hotels comprises an impressive portfolio of properties, so naturally, the brand offers up an equally impressive collection of travel-focused blog posts on its website. Covering major trends in the travel world — think astrotourism and Western-themed “cowboycations” — and leaning on the expertise of freelance travel journalists, the company’s blog page is full of helpful guides, itineraries, and travel tips. (For even more editorial content from Benchmark Resorts & Hotels, check out their most recent custom magazine, produced annually by our Hawthorn Creative team!)
Green Global Travel
For travelers looking to see the world sustainably, Bret and Mary have carved out their own niche with a site focused on ecotourism. Their go-to guide for sustainable travel, wildlife conservation, and cultural preservation is ideal for nature lovers, hikers, foodies, and those seeking less-trodden paths, like the best places in Europe to avoid crowds. Along with profiling places, they also provide wisdom on being a better global citizen — such as supporting local communities when you travel and choosing responsible ways to see amazing animals.
Atlas Obscura
This community-sourced site gathers content from hundreds of travelers, who have together created what they term “a comprehensive database of the world’s most wondrous places and foods.” It’s a jam-packed bazaar, highlighting destinations, food, and attractions as “obscure” as the name promises: living root bridges in India, Maultaschen dumplings in Germany, the Museum of Fluorescent Art in Amsterdam, and on … and on … and on. For inspo, start in the Stories section, or navigate to a specific country to find posts on everything from non-touristy things to do in Paris to Florida’s best snorkeling spots — and just about everything in between.
Of course, we’d be remiss not to mention a couple of standout travel and destination blogs produced by our team of talented writers: First up, the Destination Concepts Inc. (DCi) blog — chock-full of inspirational, educational content from the destination management company’s seasoned event planners, from tips for coordinating event transportation to crafting festival season celebrations in Palm Springs.
There’s also the New Hampshire Lakes Region’s blog, called The Current, which serves as a one-stop shop on local happenings from Winnisquam to Winnipesauke. Whether you’re a Lakes Region resident looking to get to know the area better or are planning a visit to the scenic slice of The Granite State, you’ll find all the information you could hope for on what makes the region so special — think: hiking trails, historic landmarks, and top-notch eateries.
Want support crafting your own blog focused on your destination? Here’s how we can help you make it stand out.