So many travel blogs look exactly the same.
Or even if the design of the blogs isn’t identical, they are all hijacked with the same intrusive ads, peppered with the same stock images and follow the same ‘tips’ that are designed to make them rank in search.
A lot of travel bloggers follow advice from other travel bloggers, which means they end up using the exact same WordPress theme for their websites. When those travel blogs are also all pushing the same affiliate links (for Discover Cars, Viator, and other popular affiliates) the websites are pretty much indistinguishable from each other.
This is one of the reasons I love Squarespace — it’s so much easier to build a customised website that is unique to you.
Another quick rant: the majority of the “best blog” lists on the internet focus on the same travel blogs that have been around for a decade. There are so many more than the biggest travel blogs though (I’m thinking of websites like Nomadic Matt and A Blonde Abroad), and many newer sites have more elegant design.
My background is in digital content management for travel brands like Tourism New Zealand, which means I’m more familiar with UX, SEO, and other elements of web design than a lot of bloggers. It has been a huge advantage in getting traffic and making a living from my own travel blog.
Additionally, this indicates that I am more critical of many travel websites. I want to see creative design, great user experience, and great content. It’s a lot to ask, I know. But there are some travel blogs out there absolutely killing it.
- For me, the best travel blogs have:
- Original storytelling
- Original images Clear layouts
- A unique point of view.
- So, who meets the brief?
Each of these travel blogs has a stunning design and is simple to use.
1. Along Dusty Roads
Not long ago, I went on a hike with a new friend I met in a coliving space in Tenerife.
On the drive to the trailhead, we discovered we both run our own travel sites. Getting deep into industry chat, we started discussing our favourite travel blogs — and almost immediately we both brought up Along Dusty Roads.
These guys set the bar in terms of photography, site design, and the depth of their content.
Such a great example of a travel blog doing what a travel blog should do; providing genuine travel advice and inspiration.
2. The Common Wanderer
The incredible photography and sleek design of The Common Wanderer travel blog make it one of my favourites on the internet.
Mark and Mim appear to work well together because they have created a stunning travel website. I love that they include more personal stories in their travel guides because it makes them seem so real to me. Their print and preset store is also epic.
3. Petrina Darrah — A New Zealand travel blog
Beautiful design has been a big focus of my travel blog (yes, I’m nominating myself).
Design doesn’t necessarily help search performance, but it definitely enhances the experience of anyone who visits my site. I regularly get feedback from readers that they enjoy how visually appealing my website is.
My aim with my travel blog is to build a long term business I’m proud of, so having a beautiful blog design is part of establishing a strong brand for myself.
4. Sommertage
Sommertage is a travel blog by Kathi and Romeo, “Free spirited Wanderers and Freelancers” from Austria.
I love the visual nature of their blog, which has stunning photos and a gorgeous pastel colour palette.
I also really like that they seem to have monetised their site through sponsorship content, which means it’s free of ads (right now, anyway). It really changes the look and feel of the site when there aren’t intrusive ads everywhere.
Kathi and Romeo say they want to focus on giving their honest opinions about places, and from what I can tell that’s what they have done. The number of destinations seems to be focused on places they have actually visited, and the posts themselves are genuinely geared towards providing helpful information — at least, that’s the impression I get from reading their New Zealand content. I can usually tell if someone hasn’t done all the activities they talk about in a post!
5. Petite Suitcase
Scarlett, the woman behind Petite Suitcase, is a travel photographer. The images on her website, which were taken in Italy, are all beautiful and evocative. Her writing style comes across as genuine and sincere, and I adore her intense focus on Italy, her adopted country. Her travel blog design is simple and straightforward, putting her images at the forefront.
Sixth, illumination Mel Legarda is the London-based blogger and content creator behind illumelation, a slow travel and culture blog.
Her photography is gorgeous, and her travel blog is a nice mix of service-style writing with informative blog posts (itineraries, comparing eSIMs) and more personal stories.
I appreciate Mel’s British-Filipino blog because I am well aware of this list’s whiteness. It’s nice to hear Mel’s perspective on travelling in the Philippines.
7. Art Distance
Art Distance is a stunning travel blog by Hannah, an art historian and travel blogger based in London.
Her travel blog’s thoughtful and meticulous design demonstrates that she truly understands art, which is something I adore.
8. Wander Lush
Emily Lush has to be one of the most committed travel bloggers out there.
Her posts are incredibly detailed and informative, written with great care and skill. Her photos are also extraordinary.
I love looking to Wander Lush for inspiration — I think this is a great example of a travel blog built on a foundation of passion and originality.
Her focus on Georgia lets her really show off her (impressive) expertise on the country, and the depth and breadth of content is amazing.
9. 68 North
68 North might be more of a photography website rather than a travel blog, but this is truly one of the most helpful travel sites I have ever used.
When I went to the Lofoten Islands in Norway to hike for two weeks, I followed Cody Duncan’s advice religously. He has detailed hiking guides, as well as plenty of useful information on visiting the Lofoten Islands.
I love this example of a niche destination travel blog.
10. Laura the Explorer
Laura the Explorer is a global travel blog that features detailed itineraries and beautiful photography.
Laura’s clever use of features like image shapes to create visual interest in her blog posts is something I really enjoy.
11. Not a traveling blog
What I love about Monica’s website is how clean and simple it is.
She also takes incredible photos, which adds a lot to the visual appeal of the site and her authority as a travel blogger, but the simplicity of the blog design makes it easy to read and digest her detailed guides.
Monica is an interesting case though, as she is also a developer and has been able to code a lot of her own site. I think this blog example is another great indicator that you don’t need to be on WordPress to succeed — if you have good content, you’ll attract the right readers.
12. Roam and Thrive
A slow travel blog by Alex, a professional photographer, Roam and Thrive has a sophisticated design that is calming to browse.
