Let’s be real—sometimes, planning a trip feels harder than the trip itself. Flights, hotels, where to go, what to do—it’s a lot. That’s why I always turn to travel blogs. The good ones don’t just give you facts—they give you real stories, honest opinions, and the kind of insider tips that turn a trip from basic to unforgettable.
Over the years, I’ve bookmarked dozens of travel blogs, and I keep going back to the same few. Why? Because they don’t just show you where to go—they show you how to experience it like a local, like a dreamer, like a seasoned explorer.
So if your passport is itching for a stamp or your Google Flights tab is open again, these are the best travel blogs to follow right now for serious destination inspiration.
1. Nomadic Matt – Budget Travel and Solo Adventures
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Best for: Budget travelers, solo explorers, gap year students
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Why follow: Matt Kepnes is the OG of budget travel blogging. He breaks down how to travel cheap without sacrificing experience. His guides are practical, no-fluff, and based on over a decade of experience.
Don’t miss his posts on how to travel Europe on $50 a day.
2. The Blonde Abroad – Female Travel and Lifestyle
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Best for: Solo female travelers, fashion-forward explorers, wellness trips
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Why follow: Kiersten is a former corporate worker turned global nomad. Her blog is visually stunning and filled with travel guides, photography tips, and honest experiences.
She also runs women-only tours—perfect if you’re looking for community and safety.
Visit The Blonde Abroad
3. The Culture Trip – For Local Vibes and Hidden Gems
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Best for: Off-the-beaten-path destinations, foodies, art and culture lovers
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Why follow: It’s not a personal blog but a collective of writers covering unique spots around the world. Great for people who like their travel with a side of history, art, or culinary adventure.
Looking for non-touristy things to do in Rome? They’ve got you covered.
4. Expert Vagabond – Photography Meets Adventure
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Best for: Adventure seekers, photographers, thrill lovers
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Why follow: Matthew Karsten mixes beautiful storytelling with stunning visuals. From backpacking to scuba diving, his adventures are immersive and inspiring.
If you’re into drone photography and digital nomad life, this blog delivers.
5. Salt in Our Hair – Couple Travel with Aesthetic Goals
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Best for: Couples, Instagram-style travel inspo, tropical destinations
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Why follow: Hannah and Nick create gorgeous visual content with super helpful guides and videos. Think Bali, Greece, Morocco—with beautiful backdrops and real advice.
Perfect if you want to travel like it’s a Pinterest board—but with real details.
6. Travel Noire – Black Travelers and Cultural Connection
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Best for: Culturally-rich travel experiences, Black travel community, group trips
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Why follow: Travel Noire highlights Black voices in travel and curates unique guides to destinations that focus on connection, heritage, and empowerment.
Great if you want to see the world through a culturally conscious lens.
Bonus: Niche Blogs You’ll Love
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Y Travel Blog – Family travel, road trips, long-term exploration
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Legal Nomads – Food-focused travel, great for gluten-free travelers
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Our Escape Clause – Couple travel with detailed itineraries
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Against the Compass – For destinations most people overlook (hello, Sudan!)
What Makes a Great Travel Blog?
Not every travel blog will vibe with you—and that’s okay. But the ones that keep me coming back usually offer:
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Authentic visuals – Real photos, not just stock images
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Helpful details – Not just “Go to Paris,” but how, when, and why -
Honest voice – Transparency about safety, costs, and struggles -
Cultural respect – Celebrating destinations, not exploiting them
Final Thoughts: Inspiration Starts Here
You don’t need a plane ticket in your hand to start your next journey. Sometimes all it takes is a well-written blog post, a dreamy photo, or a story that hits just right.
These travel blogs do more than show you places—they make you feel something. They remind you why the world is worth exploring, and that whether you’re flying to Tokyo or taking a weekend trip to a nearby town, travel is about perspective, not just location.
So, start reading. Start dreaming. And then? Start packing.
