For those of you familiar with my site, you’ll know that I used to do weekly posts featuring my favorite reads from travel blogs, as well as a round-up of world news. Now that I’m back in school, though, I haven’t had the time to do those round-ups each week. However, I kind of miss them! Sure, I can retweet my favorite posts on Twitter or share them on Facebook. But I like highlighting the really good stuff this way, too.
So welcome to Best Blogs of the Month! I’ll be doing these round-ups once a month, summing up my favorite 15-20 reads from the previous few weeks.
Here are my favorite reads from September 2011:
Top 3:
Expose: India’s Rickshaw Drivers Tell All at FOGG Odyssey
This fantastic photo essay profiles a handful of rickshaw drivers in Jodhpur, India. Not only are the photos themselves great, but this posts gives us Westerners a rare glimpse into what life as a rickshaw driver is really like. The reality isn’t exactly pretty, but it is raw and touching.
How 9/11 Changed Our Lives (and not just how you think) at Trans-Americas Journey
September marked the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the U.S. Many bloggers wrote posts in tribute to this day, but this one in particular really stood out to me. Karen and Eric lived just blocks from the twin towers, and were affected by the tragedy in more ways than one. Along with being evacuated out of their home for months, the attacks also made them reconsider their travel plans. It was because of 9/11 that they decided to travel the Americas.
What Does Off the Beaten Path Really Mean? at Legal Nomads
Jodi tells a lovely piece about riding the subway in New York, and turns her story into a call to action to step outside your comfort zone, even if it’s in your own neighborhood. This is a great way to look at getting “off the beaten path,” and Jodi’s writing is top-notch, as usual.
My other picks:
Bungy Jumping (naked) with AJ Hackett in Queenstown, NZ at TravelFREAK
I think you just have to read this one to believe it… My buddy Jeremy decided to let it all hang out on a bungy jump in New Zealand. He’s much braver than I am!
The Faces of Jamaica at Brendan’s Adventures
I love photos of locals, and this photo collection of Brendan’s is great. The guy with the grey dreadlocks is fantastic.
The Day I Became a Shark Photographer at The World is Waiting
Jumping into “shark soup” with a camera probably isn’t for everyone. But it had to be for Liv when she was hired as a photographer for a shark diving company. I was both jealous and terrified while reading this.
Why Hostels Make Me Hostile at Angie Away
And here I was, thinking I was the only one who’s not a huge fan of staying in hostels when I travel. I mean, I will stay in hostels, but I (like Angie here) don’t particularly tend to enjoy them.
Liechtenstein: The Strange and Beautiful at Adventurous Kate
Kate recently did a bit of traveling around Europe, and her adventures included a stop in tiny Liechtenstein. I’ll admit that I didn’t know much at all about this little principality before reading this post. And I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it’s a place I’d love to visit myself someday!
Random Notes from a Whirlwind Tour of South Korea at Johnny Vagabond
Want a glimpse into travel in South Korea? I know I did, which is why I ate up this post by Wes. As usual, it’s well-written and laced with good humor.
Another Never Again Moment — Masochistic Us at Jack and Jill Travel the World
Jack and Jill went up a hill. No, really. They did. A really big one. This is one adventurous couple who really enjoys mountain climbing. Or, at least that’s what you’d think, seeing as how they’ve climbed some mountains. But, as this post proves, it’s not always fun and games.
A Matter of Perspective at Hecktic Travels
Pete and Dalene have since moved on from Ireland, but this post about their travels through the Ring of Kerry is just beautiful. They write about how certain famous destinations (like this one) can either be really great or really terrible, depending on your personal experience and perspective. Their perspective on this day includes lots of sun and a double rainbow.
A Tour of Chernobyl and the Ghost Town of Pripyat at Never Ending Footsteps
Not many people can say they’ve been a tourist in one of the most well-known disaster sites in the world. But Lauren can. Recently during her travels through the Ukraine, Lauren took a tour to Chernobyl and the nearby town of Pripyat which was abandoned after the 1986 nuclear disaster. Her experience with “dark” tourism is a bit eerie, but fascinating to read about.
Mongolian Cloudscapes at Ottsworld
It was really tough choosing which of Sherry’s Mongol Rally posts I wanted to include here, since I followed her journey with Dave, Deb and Rick so closely. But then I saw this post. And I knew the amazing shots here had to make this list!
Smiles of Laos — Part 1 at Nomadic Samuel
Samuel has an eye for photos and video. His “Smiles of” series has taken his readers all over the world as he showcases happy people. I can never browse through one of these photo essays without breaking into a grin myself. I especially love this recent one from Laos because of all the adorable kids in it.
Remembering the Victims of Fascism and Communism in Budapest at Inspiring Travellers
Reading Andrea’s take on the House of Terror museum in Budapest was very enlightening. Perhaps it’s just me being a bit ignorant, but I really had no idea Hungary’s violent history is not really so distant at all.
Brussels — In Photos at Hecktic Travels
I know, I know, I’ve already featured Dalene and Pete once on this list. But you know what? I don’t care. The photos in this post about Brussels, Belgium, are just too good not to share! I’ll admit that Brussels has never really been on my radar. But maybe it should be!
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Have you read or written a post that you’d like me to consider for next month’s round-up? Leave a link in the comments!
A double-header by us?! Woot! Thanks so much Amanda! Another great round-up of posts!
Dalene recently posted..Canada House In Germany
What can I say? I love your stuff! Lol. Thanks for reading, and keep up the awesome blogging!
Great round-up as usual Amanda, offering for October is an interview with a man who stand up paddled his way down the mighty Mississippi River, all the way from MN to LA.
http://www.nomadsontheroad.com/2011/10/dave-cornthwaite-sup-interview/
Thanks, Mike. And what a cool interview! Not many people can say they’ve done that, that’s for sure!
Thanks for these…I saw a few old favorites, and some new ones I hadn’t seen before. Hope that one day one of my posts might qualify.
Good luck with school!
Nancy
NLM recently posted..Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem
Glad you enjoyed this round-up, Nancy!
Thanks for the shout-out on the Rickshaw Drivers. Was a fun day and I actually never really expected people to like it so much. Response has been great and it’s because of people like you supporting and listing it. So thanks so much!
T-roy recently posted..20 Interesting Facts About Colombia
My pleasure! I remember first reading the post and loving it because it was just so different from most of the other travel blog content out there. In fact, I got worried while putting together this list, because I was afraid maybe it had been published in August. Though, I think I would have included it anyway.
Thanks for the kind words, lady! I’m so glad the piece resonated with a wide variety of readers. I know I go to crazy places sometimes, but it’s more about mentality than geography. After all, you can travel far and have nothing to show for it but your pictures, or you can stay near your hometown and have a multitude of wonderful stories, just because you kept an open mind. Over the years, I’ve worked on keeping my mindset more positive but also being open to those random opportunities, which has led to great experiences both at home or away.
Jodi recently posted..By: Jodi Ettenberg
You are very welcome, Jodi. I totally agree that travel should be more about mentality than geography. I’m not currently traveling long-term (and likely won’t be in the near future), but I, too, try to stay positive and approach ALL travel opportunities with inquisitiveness and the expectation that I can get something out of them. Thanks for such a great post!
There are certainly a great list of blogs on here most of which I am familiar with and keep up with on a regular. I must say I never heard of TravelFREAK so I will check them out.
I read a good variety of blogs (or, at least I try to) every week, but I know I can’t possibly read them all. However, I’m glad you enjoyed this list, and it’s good to hear that I introduced you to at least one new blog! Jeremy over at TravelFREAK is a really great writer.
Thanks for featuring me, Amanda! It’s truly an honor!
Jeremy recently posted..A perfect summer day with the Amisfield Wine Company
You are very welcome, Jeremy! I loved that post! (And no, not just because of the photos…)
Thanks for featuring my sharky tale Amanda – glad you enjoyed it. I’ve enjoyed some new reads on your list too!
Liv recently posted..Come to Australia…and get Killed!
No problem, Liv! I have a weird fascination with sharks, so your post was awesome to read! And I’m glad you found some other new reads on this list.
I read that bungy jumping post last month. It should have disclaimer on it. ;-P
Gerard ~ GQ trippin recently posted..traveling couples’ {digital} dinner party
Hahaha. Well, it does have “naked” in the title….
Some great reads!
Cam recently posted..Win a FREE TRIP with Intrepid Travel!
Thanks, Cam! Glad you stopped by!
Thanks Amanda! I really appreciate being included here and you’ve lead me on the path of discovery to some posts I haven’t read
Nomadic Samuel recently posted..Friendly Children | Jaipur, India | Travel Photo
My pleasure, Samuel! I had a hard time choosing which of your posts from the last month I wanted to feature, actually. I liked so many of them!
I’m glad I could introduce you to some new posts/sites though. After all, that’s why I do this.
Thanks so much for including me – you rock!
Lauren recently posted..Lauren Vs. Food: My First Week in Asia.
YOU rock, Lauren! I’m loving following your RTW trip.
Some of the blogs are really great. Thanks for putting all together – will check some of them.
You are very welcome. Hopefully you’ll find a few new posts you like from this list.
Thanks for including me! I was surprised how many folks I consider to be legit travelers agreed with me… I thought I was the outcast of the group =) Looking forward to seeing your list for next month!
Angie Orth recently posted..A Dream Come True: Africa, Here I Come!
You’re welcome, Angie! You’re definitely not the “outcast” when it comes to disliking hostels… Thanks for the great post!
Here’s a travel blog to have a look at when you get a chance: http://www.MikesRoadTrip.com, would love to be included in your “favorites.” Cheers!
Mike’s Road Trip recently posted..‘Rachel’ You’re one Serene Mountain Lake
I’ve checked out your blog before, Mike, but I’ll definitely keep an eye on your October posts! Thanks!
Woot! Thanks for including us along with some other great posts. I’ve really gotta do some catching up on reading since there were some here I haven’t read.
jill- Jack and JIll Travel recently posted..Unwillingly stuck in Cusco – a minor tribute to Steve Job
You’re welcome! I’ve really been enjoying following your travels. Though, I, too, get really behind sometimes! There’s just so much great stuff out there to read, and not enough time to read it!