Many people believe that travel bloggers must travel to faraway, exotic places. In reality, there are things to do, amazing dishes to try, and rich history to absorb almost anywhere, even in your own town, state, and country. In fact, some of the most interesting travel articles I read are about the lesser known things to do and see in cities that aren’t perennially on “most visited” lists.
If you’re visiting Chicago for the first time, you should absolutely gaze into the Cloud Gate in Millennium Park, ascend Willis Tower, and visit Navy Pier. And searching the Internet for tips and tricks about visiting Chicago delivers about 2.1 billion (yes, billion with a “b”) results that recommend those same three things.
But what happens after you’ve checked the most popular attractions off your travel bucket list? Finding travel bloggers who have been there, done that and can expertly share richer advice is a lot harder. And it’s those experiences that really give you a taste of the town, not the most visited, touristy stuff. (In Chicago, be sure to check out my friend, Julie, who lives in the Windy City and can tell you that these are the best museums you’ve never heard of in Chicago.)
Don’t live in a town as big and sexy as Chicago? Let’s take a look at the little Oklahoma town of Pawhuska in Osage County. The area’s history was rich enough to inspire a New York Times bestseller, Killers of the Flower Moon. Today, the tiny community of 3,400 draws an average of 6,000 visitors each day thanks to the Pioneer Woman Mercantile. And while that’s one specific destination, my friends Steve and Ann over at Postcard Jar have written many blog posts from their experiences in this one, small Oklahoma town including 70+ Things to do in Pawhuska.
I realize that I live in the world’s third-largest country, both in terms of area and population. So even if I traveled non-stop for the next 50 years, I still wouldn’t see it all. But I write my travel blog from America’s heartland in Kansas City, not from one of her coasts. To be a great travel blogger, you just need to be curious, seize every travel opportunity possible, and share your perspective and experiences in a meaningful way.
I have to agree with you regarding Instagram and how it is making travel shallow. It’s also giving a false impression of travel. Travel isn’t all about the flowing sundress on the paradise beach. It’s also about flight delays, rip-off taxis and anything else that stands in our way of reaching our destination.