The world is a big place and people love to see it in person. With all of the exotic locations that international travelling offers, it is no surprise that millions of people travel the world every year. Some people take short trips and vacations, while serious travelers do it full-time. These travelers leave their lives and sense of security behind in exchange for a life of freedom on the road.

With so many people exploring the realms of the world, there is no shortage of travel blogs. Travelers share their personal experiences and give advice and suggestions to other prospective travelers. From the amateur traveler to the seasoned, full-time traveler, each person has a story to share.

1. Lonely Planet – Travel guides, discussions, suggestions on places to see, and traveling tips.
2. Blogabond – Collection of travel blogs from independent travelers discussing their personal travels around the world.
3. Vagablogging: Rolf Potts’ Vagabonding Blog – One man’s personal blog entailing all of his travels, thoughts, pictures, and advice.
4. Old World Wandering – A couple recounts their journey through Europe and Asia, on their way to live in Shanghai.
5. Karie and Scott: Our European Adventure – A couple discusses their traveling experience through Europe as they make their way to Barcelona.
6. Family Travel – A family tells their travel stories and gives tips and advice to other families that want to travel together.
7. Uncornered Market – After a couple quit their jobs to see the world, they detail their adventures through China, Germany and other countries.
8. Soul Travelers 3 – A family of three share their stories as they travel around the world.
9. The Lost Girls – Three friends travel the world and share their stories, tips, and advice for other travelers.
10. Globestompers – A man talks about his world travels after he gave up his life as a sales executive in favor of traveling.
11. One Year on Earth – Newlyweds take one year to travel all over the world.
12. Travel Betty – A blog targeted to women travelers, written by a woman that has seen many parts of the world.
13. Ott’s World – A woman takes a year off from corporate America to travel to all of the places she always dreamed of going.
14. Trail of Ants – A man named Ant discusses his two-year trip around the world.
15. Vagabonding – A man named Mike talks about his one-year journey through Asia and Africa.
16. Overland Tales – A man takes not only one, but two trips around the world and details his travels.
17. Renny BA’s Terella – A man tells about exploring all the things Norway has to offer.
18. Reflections in the Nile – An English woman speaks about her journey and experiences in Egypt.
19. Olga, the Traveling Bra – A humorous blog following the travels of Olga, a black and lacy bra.
20. Michael J. Totten – A journalist tells his daily story of living and traveling in the Middle East.
21. Candy from Strangers – A woman with a love for candy travels the world to experience candy from all over the world.
22. Everything, Everywhere – One man’s detailed account of traveling the world on his own.
23. Hedgehogs Without Borders – A young couple’s 18-month trip around the world and their eventual engagement.
24. One Week Job – A man works his way around the world, taking on different jobs at every destination to pay for his trip.
25. Ed’s Gone South – A man journeys across South America on a motorcycle.
26. The World by Sea – Two friends tell their story about traveling the world on a boat, including their charitable efforts at different destinations.
27. Lifecruiser – A husband and wife travel around Sweden and other countries on a boat.
28. Eating Asia – A food-focused blog about a couple’s journey through Asia and the foods that they dine upon.
29. Amateur Traveler – A compilation of stories, tips and advice from different world travelers.
30. Killing Batteries – Highly detailed blog from a travel writer giving specific information about each place he visits.
31. Viator Travel Blog – Numerous travelers share their experiences and give advice and helpful suggestions.
32. Nomad 4 Ever – Inspirational blog by a man traveling in Southeast Asia and living a nomadic lifestyle.
33. Nerd’s Eye View – A woman’s journal about her travels around the world, capturing the perspective of the stereotypical “nerd”.
34. Budget Trouble – An outspoken woman shares her experiences traveling all over the world.
35. Notes from the Road – Beautiful photographs compliment one man’s blog about his world travel destinations.
36. Underneath the Mango Tree – A writer details his own experiences traveling to different places around the world.
37. Chris Around the World – A travel journalist gives advice and tips on travel and details her own personal travel experiences.
38. The Practical Nomad – Writer tells of his own journeys around the world and gives practical information on travel, including advice on destinations and getting the best deals.
39. Contemporary Nomad – Two men leave their jobs and their lives behind to travel the world.
40. The Professional Hobo – A writer left her secure lifestyle to travel the world, getting some of her expenses paid by trading labor for accommodations.
41. The Tranquilo Traveler – A man focuses his travels on Central America.
42. Wanderlust and Lipstick – A blog geared toward women that travel the world. Includes the experiences of different women travelers, advice, and suggestions.
43. A Luxury Travel Blog – Focused on the finer side of traveling. Includes luxurious destinations suggestions and advice on fine dining and accommodations.
44. The Man in Seat Sixty-One – A man’s account of traveling through different countries by train. Includes tips and advice for other train travelers.

One of the best things about reading local blogs before you go on a trip is that you can get a perspective that you won’t find in your guidebooks. You’ll be able to find that special café, that hidden courtyard, that magic “je ne sais quoi” because you’ve done your armchair travel ahead of time. Or, if you can’t go on vacation, reading these blogs just might be the next best thing. Enjoy!

General

• Heather on Her Travels provides some really useful information about a variety of places and adventures, from camping to castle-hopping.
• Robin Locker’s My Melange will have you booking a ticket to Europe in no time—and finding the most lovely sights imaginable while you’re there.
• Slow Europe will help you relax and really see the sights; no quickie tours here, just lots of pointers to locales with good vacation rental options.
• Europe A La Carte will send you to delightful, off-the-beaten-path experiences, like the best places to find flying cow sculptures or divine banana cake.
• The Soul Travelers 3 offer much inspiration to any traveler, but especially to families.
• Follow the journey of the Traveling Scholar across Europe and beyond.
• The fabulous Global Grasshopper covers more than just Europe (as its name would suggest) but we figured you would really enjoy this. Are you reaching for your passport yet?

France

• The Paris Blog is a fantastic, frequently updated view of the City of Light from an expat perspective.
• My Secret Paris by Lisette offers a personal view into the hidden gardens of Paris, as well as favorite bistros and shops.
• Paris Through My Lens is a charming photo blog with insights into the city and its people.
• Be Paris Wise for an injection of cultural savvy about all things French.
• Invisible Paris is a must-read. Be sure to check out the free walking tours.

Germany

• Evocative pictures abound at Berlin Reified, with its focus on Berlin’s food scene, design, and events in the city.
• SlowTravelBerlin will help you take your time to enjoy the city.
• Berlin 101 offers more than just an introduction to this buzzing metropolis.
• Mostly Berlin offers you a personal and thoughtful perspective on Berlin’s many offerings.
• Take a peek at Munich Daily Photo to get a sense of Bavaria’s capital.

Italy

• Ever wanted to live in a certain boot-shaped country? You’ll gain some good insights on its highs (and lows) From Australia to Italy.
• Feed your fantasies of running of to Tuscany to become an artist with Have Dogs, Will Travel.
• Learn all about Moving to Italy from a retired IT consultant (and expat) with this thorough and helpful blog.
• Living Venice gives you a perspective that goes beyond canals and campaniles.
• Check out the Rome Photo Blog for some sights (and insights) you probably won’t find in your guidebook.
• Don’t miss My Bella Vita—you’ll be in Calabria faster than you can say “Buonissimo!”

Spain

• Explore Barcelona’s wonders and events with Barcelona Sights, and you’re sure to find something new no matter how many times you’ve been there.
• The Barcelona Photo Blog does a good job capturing the wonders of this amazing city.
• Follow the Tortuga Viajera (Traveling Turtle) and discover daily life as an American expat in Spain.
• Get crazy with La Vida Loca in Spain. Crazy in a good way.

Netherlands

• One Year in Amsterdam: a picture really is worth a thousand words.

Greece

• Ah, Greek Islands. Need we say more?
• If you’re in search of city life, get your Daily Athens photo fix.

Eastern Europe

• Life in Slovenia provides excellent insight into Slovenia’s history, culture, and daily life.
• Visit Prague and beyond with Florin at Exploring Europe…enjoy!
• Great Britain & Ireland
• Mind the London Underground Tube Diary for a hilarious glimpse of everyday life on London’s transit system.
• You’ll be able to find A Good Place for a Cup of Tea and a Think with these reviews of London’s various cafes.
• Get a Bloody Brilliant take on life in London from a Jersey girl. (That’s Springsteen Jersey, not the Channel Islands Jersey.)
• 40 Shades of Life is a friendly and insightful introduction to Cork, Ireland’s second-largest city.
• Scott Ramsay will take you to the Edge of Britain and back during his month-long roadtrip.
• I Eat My Pigeon is a humorous take on expat life in Dublin (click on “About” to see how this awesome blog got its name.)

Switzerland

One Big Yodel discusses life and culture in Switzerland with cheer and good humor.

Scandinavia

• Pack your warm clothes and discover Life in Northern Sweden.
• Sneak a peek at the gorgeous Oslo Daily Photo blog.

Budget Travel

• EuroCheapo isn’t just for frugal folks—it has great tips that people at any budget level can leverage.

Culinary Travel

• Parla Food brings you to Italy and elsewhere with mouthwatering photos.
• Enjoy the Flavors of Abruzzo to learn about home cooking and life in Abruzzo.
• Get your stout, hefeweizen, and pilsner fix at Boaz and Bailey’s Beer Blog, which covers mostly European beers and pubs.
• Piacere will make you very, very hungry, probably for some homemade pasta with artichokes or ricotta torta.
• Londonlicious covers London’s restaurant scene. In case you haven’t noticed, the Brits have learned how to cook. (Yes, things besides tea and scones.)
• My Kugelhopf covers, among other delights, Swiss chocolate. You’re welcome.
• Peek in the Traveler’s Lunchbox for your next great meal.

Adventure Travel

• Climb mountains with Ryder-Walker Alpine Adventures—or at least take a look at their fabulous blog.
• The Bike Hippies blog is worth it for the beautiful pictures as well as the tales of cycling adventure.
• Can you recommend any other great European travel sites?

Extreme sports are great for the thrill seekers but can also offer a unique experience for the general traveler.  These 30 blogs cover many different types of extreme vacation ideas whether you are looking to do some bungee jumping, cliff diving, or just be one with nature.  We hope this list helps you fulfill your quest for the thrill of a lifetime.

General Extreme Vacationing Blogs and Info

This group of sites contain all kinds of general information regarding exciting adventure travel excursions worldwide:

• ACTIVITOURIST – The Worlds Best Activity Travel Destinations
• Amazing Tours
• Wild Junket: A Rollercoaster of Adventures Around the World
• Vacation Tour
• Madventures from The Travel Channel

Bungee Jumping/Skydiving

For the true hardcore adrenaline junkie here are some nice resources for Bungee Jumping and Skydiving, proceed at your own risk!

• Places to Bungee Jump Around the World
• Bungee Jumping FAQ
• World’s Wildest Bungee Jumping Locations
• The Worlds Highest Bungee Jump
• 5 Perfect Places to Bungee
• Accelerated Freefall
• Just Skydivers
• Skydiver Network
• Skydive Chick
• My Skydiving Club

Hiking/Mountain Climbing/Backpacking/Camping/Biking

You do not need to be as much of a daredevil for these extreme trips, but they can certainly help you get closer to nature!  You’ll find no room service here:

• Backpacker Magazine
• Trek Life
• On the Road – Camping and Hiking Tips
• All Climbing
• Mountain Insider
• Triple Blaze – Camping and Hiking Resource
• ABC of Hiking – Complete Hiking Portal
• Trails – Your Complete Trail Resource
• Northern Camping – The Camping and Outdoor Adventure Blog
• Single Tracks – Your Biking Resource

White Water Rafting/Kayaking

Extreme watersports are also very popular and can help the quench that need for excitement.  Here’s what we’d recommend:

• The White Water Rafting Blog
• Rafting America
• Kayak Adventures
• Kayak Quizotica – Huge List of Kayak Related Sites
• Water by Nature – Whitewater Rafting Worldwide

North America

No matter how many pictures you‘ve seen, nothing can prepare you for seeing the Grand Canyon in person. Bryce Canyon will blow your mind with its stunning rock formations and scenic vistas. Monument Valley is guaranteed to make you feel small, in a good way. Crater Lake is home of the bluest water you may ever see, while Yosemite shows you unparalleled beauty in the form of cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoia. Sedona brings you amazing red rock formations, and vortexes, if you’re into that.

Rural New England in peak leaf season is crisp, cool, and colorful, with something in the air that is indefinably magical. The Everglades promise a landscape of mangroves and Spanish moss, plus alligators and the occasional panther.

Old Faithful shoots thousands of gallons of boiling water up to 185 feet into the air, every 90 minutes or so. In Canada, Lake Louise’s glacial waters will astound you with their emerald beauty. Dinosaur Provincial Park, in Alberta, is home to an incredible number of all kinds of fossils.

Asia

The Stone Forest in China has sheer, pillar-like rock towers that make it look like an imaginary landscape. Wulingyuan scenic area is equally beautiful, showing visitors swooping peaks, ravines, and pinnacles, interspersed with flowing streams and exotic wildlife. Baishui Terrace, also in China, is a naturally formed staircase of calcium carbonate that looks like it’s carved from marble, made glossy by continual spring water running down its steps. Mt. Fuji is Japan’s highest peak, serene and dramatic. Lake Baikal, Russia, is the most voluminous freshwater lake in the world, with about 20% of the world’s fresh water. Cappadocia in Turkey must be seen to be believed—its tufa landscape has been carved into amazing shapes and multilayered caves over the centuries both by the elements and by human hands. Snorkeling the Red Sea will remind you that some of our greatest natural treasures are underwater. In the Dead Sea you can float with ease and let the mineral-rich water soften your skin. Ahhhh. Nearby, you can visit Wadi Rum, Jordan’s desert extraordinaire.

Africa

Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, rises dramatically from the surrounding plains. No wonder so many have felt compelled to climb it. Dragon’s Breath Cave, Namibia, is reputed to be the largest underground lake in the world. Discovered fairly recently, not many people have seen it—only experienced cave divers can visit. Madagascar’s evolution has brought it some incredible biodiversity, while Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania, is the 12-mile remnant of a large volcano and home to many species of wildlife.

Europe

Don’t stand too close to the edge of Pulpit Rock, Lysefjord, Norway.

If giant sand dunes are your thing (and really, who doesn’t love a good sand dune?) the Dune of Pilat, France is a must-see. The Camargue, also in France, is a marshy plain between the arms of the Rhone River and the Mediterranean, home to wild white horses, flamingoes, and black bulls. On the colder end of the spectrum, the Eisriesenwelt Ice Caves in Austria are truly magical. The Giant’s Causeway in Ireland is composed of basalt “stepping stones” that are unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. The Cliffs of Moher are another Irish jawdropper.

South America

The Moreno Glacier, Argentina, is one of just a few non-retreating glaciers. To describe the Blue Hole in Belize as an underwater cave doesn’t even begin to do it justice.  Salar de Uyuni, the salt desert of Bolivia, gives new meaning to the words “desolate landscape,” yet its surreal beauty is unearthly. Angel Falls, Venezuela, is the world’s highest waterfall, with a plunge of over 2600 feet. If that’s not enough waterfall for you, Garganta del Diablo, or “Devil’s Throat” is the largest portion of Iguazu Falls in Argentina, and rightfully named—just looking at it is guaranteed to set your heart pounding. The Galapagos are renowned for their flora and fauna. The Amazon River and its surrounding rainforests are also marvels of ecology. The Andes, the world’s longest mountain chain, form the jagged, snowy spine of South America.

Australia/Pacific

The Hot Water Beach in Coromandel, New Zealand, sounds like the right vacation destination for anyone who is a little stressed out. Australia is full of interesting geological sites, among them Kata Tjuta: unearthly, rounded red rock formations. As for the Great Barrier Reef…just go, already.

The Pacific ocean and its islands are home to natural wonders that include the active volcano Kilauea; Palau, known for its amazing dives; and Papua New Guinea’s “Lost world” a recently discovered region of unique wildlife and plant species.

Elsewhere

Take a look at the polar ice caps—quick, before they melt! While you’re there, gaze upon the Aurora Borealis/Aurora Australis, the unforgettable glow in the night sky at the extreme northern and southern latitudes of the planet. The Leonid and Perseid meteor showers are your chance to “wish on a falling star” (or several) even though, technically, they aren’t stars. Swimming amidst bioluminescence is another unique experience of nature. Finally, there’s also the Marianas Trench: so deep, you can’t visit. In fact, outer space is more accessible.