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 October 2011:
Top 5:
Why Your Twenties are Terrible/Awesome at Twenty-Something Travel
Your 20s can basically be one of two things: they can either be terrible, or they can be awesome. This is the decade when young adults have to make the big decisions — decisions that are often life-changing. All the pressure can be really stressful, and sometimes we make the wrong choices — or at least choices we’re unsure of. In this post, Stephanie takes a look back on her 20s so far and the decisions she’s made that have brought her to the life of travel she’s now leading.
Jordan is the Canada of the Middle East at Bacon is Magic
I would say “I totally get this” — except I’m not Canadian. Despite this, however, I do connect to this post. Ayngelina writes about how the country of Jordan surprised her. She notes that the people are happy, polite, and peace-loving — not unlike her fellow Canadians back home. It’s a far cry from the “scary” image of the Middle East that is often portrayed in the media. I can appreciate the sentiment that a different culture does not necessarily mean people who are fundamentally “different.” In the end, I think we’re all actually quite similar, no matter where we live in the world.
Amid the Ruins of War in Bosnia & Herzegovina at Wandering Earl
The war that ripped the former Yugoslavia apart was brutal. And it was recent. So recent, in fact, that a traveler cannot possibly escape the signs of it while traveling through the country. In this great post, Earl describes traveling through a place where buildings are riddled with bullet holes and the memory of warfare is still fresh. And yet, despite the country’s past, Earl reports finding friendly, positive people to welcome him. It’s this sort of place that can really inspire you.
A Night at Costa Rica’s Famous Brothel at Brendan’s Adventures
Don’t let the title of this post keep you from checking it out. Yes, Brendan did stay the night at the most well-known brothel in San Jose. But his story has nothing to do with lust and debauchery. Instead, he goes there with an unbiased journalist’s mindset, and simply reports what he sees as an observer. It’s a very unique story from a very unique perspective.
Making the Most of an Unexpected Situation at Katie Going Global
Katie’s first month in Russia did not go quite as expected. But, despite the slight disappointment (and quite a few tears) at first, Katie was able to look back on her first homestay experience and see the positives. She was able to come away with some fond memories and a few handy life lessons, which is commendable, I think. I’m all for traveling with as positive an attitude as possible and trying to see the good in every situation — even if it’s not an ideal one.
My other picks:
Then and Now: Evolution of a Traveler at Lateral Movements
Lauren looks back on herself as a traveler in 2003 as compared to now in this post. Her travel style has changed a lot in just a handful of years, from the way she books her flights to the way she looks at encounters with strangers. I enjoyed reading about her evolution.
Traveling With Strangers at OttsWorld
While following along with the Social Media Syndicate as they drove from London to Ulaan Baatar during the Mongol Rally, I admit that I was curious as to how complete strangers were getting along, cooped up for so long in a small car together. Well, Sherry was brave enough to share her side of it. The experience wasn’t all puppies and rainbows, but it still sounds like an amazing journey.
A Place Where the Time Has Stopped at Destination World
These photos will make you stop in your tracks. At least, they did for me. Magda’s photos of village locals in Vanuatu are just stunning. It’s amazing to think that such a simple way of life still exists in the world today. (Note: These photos do contain nudity, though. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.)
The Frank House at Hecktic Travels
This is a very moving post about a very moving piece of history. Dalene and Pete visited Anne Frank’s house in Amsterdam, and Dalene left feeling very touched by certain parts of the experience. I think it would be difficult not to be.
I Didn’t Get Robbed in Johannesburg! at Wandering Trader
There are some cities and regions in the world that are stereotyped as being quite dangerous. Johannesburg, South Africa, is one of those places. But Marcello successfully visited without any incident, and, in fact, was quite surprised with what he found.
Paradise in Arizona — Havasu Falls Photo Essay at Ordinary Traveler
These photos are just… wow. They make me long to be back out West again!
The Meaning of Home — The Travelers at MOCA NYC at Aaron’s Worldwide Adventures
It’s never easy for a traveler to define the word “home.” Is it a place? A person? A feeling? Aaron was asked to write a story based on the following prompt: “Write a personal story about leaving home at some point in your life.” Even though he had some trouble, what he came up with in this post is very heartfelt.
13 Awesome Miniature Photos from Around the World at Traveling Canucks
I’ll admit to being a sucker for cool tilt-shift photography. And these photos do not disappoint! I’d list my favorite of the 13 here, but I realize now that I simply can’t decide!
Getting Robbed by Fake Police in Bolivia — My Lucky Escape at Kaypacha Travels
This is a very, very scary story. But it’s important to be aware of scams like this so that hopefully you can be smart and aware and avoid them.
Travel Mystery — Why Australia Will Never Have Burger King at LandLopers
I’ll end this month with a fun post from Matt about one of Australia’s quirks.
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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!
Thanks for including us in this great round-up!
Cam recently posted..Photo of the Week: The World’s Busiest Street Crossing
You are very welcome! I’ve looked at that post of yours at least 5 times now. Still just as cool the 5th time around.
This is a great list, thanks for sharing. Learned about some new bloggers reading through it! We’d love to participate in next month’s roundup:
http://www.thespainscoop.com/7-reasons-to-visit-penedes-barcelona-style/
-Scoopettes
The Spain Scoop – Scoopette recently posted..Yoga Retreat First Week in December in Rural Bages, Spain!
I’m glad I could introduce you to some new bloggers here! I’ll be sure to check out your post for next month’s round-up.
Thanks for reading!
Hi Amanda – Thanks for mentioning me with all of these great posts – now I’ve got lots of reading to do!
Lauren recently posted..Eating Dans Le Noir
My pleasure, Lauren! Thanks for sharing the link with my on my FB page. I really enjoyed it!
Thank you for including me on your list
I’m glad you liked the photos 
You’re welcome! The photos definitely deserve being shared!
Thanks so much for including our photo essay of the gorgeous Havasu Falls. Great round up of posts. I especially liked reading Kaypacha Travel’s story. I now know to be leery of accepting a cab from a stranger in Bolivia!
Christy @ Ordinary Traveler recently posted..Travel Shot: 3:10 to Yuma
You are very welcome, Christy! Those photos were amazing.
And I’m glad I could introduce you to a few new reads with this post!
Thanks for sharing some of your favorite posts, I always find at least one or two that I missed!
Laura recently posted..Coyoacán and the Casa de Cultura Jesús Reyes Heroles
Great! At the end of the day, that’s the reason I put this together!
I thought I’ve been to all the travel blogs out there – I guess I’m wrong! Thanks for introducing us to yet a few more great travel blogs to follow!
We would also love to be considered for your next month’s round up. Feel free to review the posts over at http://www.idelish.com!
Shirlene from Idelish recently posted..Our G+ Page is now Live & How to Create Your Own Google+ page!
There are ALWAYS new travel blogs to discover, it seems. I’m glad I could introduce you to a couple!
And thanks for leaving your link. I will be sure to check it out!
Aww thanks for the shout out Amanda! Glad you found it to be heartfelt! And glad to be amongst such fantastic company!
Aaron @ Aaron’s Worldwide Adventures recently posted..How I Harnessed the Power of Social Media to Get What I Wanted
No problem, Aaron! I’m glad I stumbled across this post of yours!
Great wrap up. And as a bonus I’ve found a few more travel blogs to check out.
Alouise recently posted..My Weekly Wednesday Wrapup for November 9
Thanks, Alouise! And yay bonus blogs to read!
So honored to be included on your list Amanda! Thank you! Awesome to be mentioned with so many other great bloggers. Now I have 2 or 3 new blogs to add to my list to read!
Mica recently posted..Photo Story: Doing ‘nada’ on Koh Yao Yai
It was a really great, useful post, Mica! I knew as soon as I read it that it was definitely worth sharing! And I’m glad I could introduce you to a couple other blogs/posts at the same time!
Amanda thanks so so much for including me. I really want to get the word out that Jordan is completely safe and there is no reason at all not to visit.
Ayngelina recently posted..Food Photo Friday: Making bread in Jordan
Well you’re doing a great job spreading that message, Ayngelina. I loved that post, and have really been enjoying all of your Jordan coverage.
Sweet list as usual Amanda. My entry for this month is An Englishman, a Grizzly bear and a cub walk into a bar… http://www.nomadsontheroad.com/2011/11/an-englishman-a-grizzly-bear-and-a-cub-walk-into-a-bar/
Thanks, Mike! And thanks for the link! The title certainly has me intrigued…
Much appreciated Amanda! Now hopefully you’ll make it to Bosnia yourself as I’d love to hear your thoughts about the country as well!
Earl recently posted..Eurail Adventure: Sighisoara to Sibiu
You are very welcome, Earl! And your post certainly has me considering trying to at least add a 1-night stop in Bosnia next summer when I’m in Eastern Europe! Perhaps I can travel through the former Yugoslav states on my way back to Austria from Bulgaria.
Thanks for including me! It was a super personal post so I’m glad it resonated with people.
Stephanie recently posted..When Trusting Authority Almost Killed Me
My pleasure, Stephanie! The post certainly resonated with me, as a fellow 20-something always contemplating these sorts of things.