My love of travel began as a child when my parents would take us off on holiday to see the world; whether we were canoeing across lakes in Canada, skiing in the Alps or relaxing by the pool in the Balearics.
I then began to venture off on my own from visiting cities such as Berlin and New York, living in Cairo or caring for pilgrims in Lourdes.
It has also recently been statistically proven that once one returns from a holiday and the ‘blues’ set in, they begin searching for their next trip. I myself am terrible for this, after recently returning from Dalyan in Turkey I am desperately trying to decide where to visit next.
This is where travel blogs come in. It is only within recent years that I have become an avid reader of travel blogs and the phenomenon itself is still relatively new. Travel blogs not only aim to inspire but also to offer you tips and guides on destinations. Not sure what to do in Rome? There will be a travel blog out there which will offer you a step by step guide of the best places to visit.
For when you are not reading the Classic Collection Holidays blog and are looking for inspiration for your next luxury holiday, I would love to share with you (in no particular order) the 6 best Travel blogs that have inspired me in the past.
Mrs. O Around the world
Mrs O, otherwise known as Ana Silva O’Reilly, is by far one of my most favourite blogs and is one of the most wonderful people I have had the pleasure of meeting…digitally. For those with a passion for luxury travel and looking for honest reviews on luxury hotels and destinations, this blog is the one for you.
With destinations including many of Europe’s most loved countries Mrs O is the go to for the best hotels, places to visit and where to eat: ‘A perfect weekend in Milan’ is one of my favourites. Another reason to love Mrs. O around the world is her wonderful use of images. Each blog post is accompanied by multiple images each capturing the look and feel of their subject.
I challenge you not to start searching for your next luxury holiday after visiting!
The Travel Hack
The Travel Hack is a blog that I have recently discovered and now adore. Monica Stott, founder of The Travel Hack offers ideas and tips of stylish adventure travel. After travelling around Australia in a campervan Monica has visited a number of destinations both in Europe and long-haul, aiming to provide you with first-hand travel experiences and advice on how to make the most of your trip. It is also worth mentioning that Monica is an avid photographer and her photos are truly stunning.
Here’s my favourite post from The Travel Hack this year: http://thetravelhack.com/morocco/camping-in-the-sahara-desert/
Lee Abbamonte
Now, as travel bloggers go, Lee is a professional. As one of the worlds’ most travelled people and the youngest American to visit every country in the world, he has every destination covered. From a post on any destination you could want to visit to his travel guides; this blog is your one stop for all your travel needs.
My favourite post and one that makes me want to immediately head straight to the airport and jump on a plane, is Lee’s ‘The Best of Bermuda’. The post highlights the best of the islands and the pictures…well they are beyond postcard perfect. http://www.leeabbamonte.com/caribbean/the-best-of-bermuda.html is a destination which is definitely top on my wish list – thanks Lee.
Global Grasshopper
Graham and Becky are the UK based husband and wife behind GlobalGrasshopper aiming to provide their readers with posts on wonderfully unique locations and hotels across the globe. With an extensive list of destinations under their belt and handy top 10 lists this blog is ideal for those wanting to get the best out of their holidays.
My favourite post is ‘10 of the most beautiful places to visit in Croatia’ which captures some of the country’s best sights http://www.globalgrasshopper.com/destinations/europe/10-beautiful-places-visit-croatia/. As with all good travel blogs, GlobalGrasshopper provides their readers with stunning photography to further inspire.
Velvet Escape
Keith Jenkins – Velvet Escape
Founder of Velvet Escape, Keith Jenkins left his successful ten-year career in finance to head in a different (or many) direction and discover a world of luxury travel. For those looking to see the world in style, I would recommend Velvet Escape. Keith offers engaging blog posts accompanied with gorgeous images, on the best places to visit, things to see and do in numerous destinations across the world.
My favourite post in particular is ‘Five classic Italian beach escapes’ http://velvetescape.com/2013/07/luxury-beach-getaways-italy/ which highlights the best places to visit on luxury beach holidays in Italy. From the stunning Amalfi Coast to the quaint island of Ischia it will certainly encourage those looking for luxury on the Italian coast.
40 Before 30
40 Before 30 is one of the blogs that has inspired me in travel most and I had the pleasure of meeting founder Jayne Gorman, earlier this year. Jayne’s quirky blog engages readers with travel posts from across the globe. The blog takes you through Jayne’s travels as she aims to visit 40 countries before the age of 30 and she’s almost there!
I have many favourite posts on 40 Before 30 but the most recent one that makes me a little green-eyed with envy is when Jayne visited the stunning Anassa hotel in Cyprus http://www.40before30.com/2013/05/29/self-indulgent-cyprus-spas/
And there is my top six travel blogs to inspire you on your next luxury holiday. I would also like to mention that another reason why I love the travel blogs above is that, especially the UK based writers, offer excellent posts on UK travel ideas for when you are not abroad.
So, whether you’re looking to travel the world one holiday at a time or simply visit somewhere more local, travel blogs are the best and most honest for reviews and tips. As I said, I challenge you not to begin to think, or even book your next holiday after visiting my top six travel blogs.
Do you agree with my choices? Feel free to comment below
Where are you off to next? Tweet us @ClassicHols
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