2012 GRRR! Shoutouts to sites recognizing Grrrl Traveler

Shoutouts for the Best of 2012

 It’s been a while since I’ve done one of these shoutouts, but I thought it more than fitting to do one now.

 Sometimes, we can only notice good things in our lives, in retrospect.

Or maybe, we do recognize good things, but just don’t have enough time or energy to enjoy it.

Grrrl Traveler’s 2012 has had some  pretty good moments.

Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to languish in it. Since I’ve been back in the U.S., I’ve been stuck in the post-gap year mire of deciding what to do– Where and what’s my next move? How long will I be here? How I’ll make an income to support myself, my future.… all the serious questions start coming back when you’re back in the U.S.A.! All of this makes it hard keep up with blogging.  Life becomes an emotional roller coaster. I’ve declined offers to do guest posts on other travel sites. I’ve asked myself if Grrrl Traveler offers helpful advice to anyone at all. I’ve even contemplated blog suicide!

In all this madness, I’ve failed to honor and share some fantastic sites, which believed in Grrrl Traveler.

I’m hoping to repair that now. Here’s my 2012 roundup thus far:

September’s Awards & Interviews

•  Recently, I was interviewed in Go! Girl Guides and the article just came out (click here). Their motto is Helping Women Travel the World; thus, the site packs tools which can help female travelers be, well… more independent. The interview was fun and thought provoking and I hope you’ll enjoy it because I did! I’m grateful to the Go! Girl Guides team; you’ve lifted me from my comatose state.

•  This month, I’ve also been awarded GoAbroad.com‘s Blogger of the Week Award (click here ).  GoAbroad is a big and reputable resource for those looking to study, volunteer, intern or teach abroad. It’s loaded with great articles and tips for those travelers, seeking a more long-term stay abroad, through study, volunteering or work.

Top Women Travel Blogger lists

I generally avoid Top 100 Blogger lists. These days, they’re mostly generated by SEO, site traffic and social networking vs. quality content. I’m not saying all lists are crud; there are some really good travel bloggers out there. But to be at the top of SEO ranks takes a lot of work: networking exposure, attending travel blogging conferences, joining travel challenge trips, guest posts, etc…  Some have made it into a career and even hire interns. I don’t have that kind of time.

So if a good travel site finds me and places me on their Top Blogger List, then I’m surprised. I don’t do much to promote myself the way many ‘top travel bloggers’ do.

1.   I travel on a low budget and I fund all my trips directly out of my own pocket. (i.e. no press trips)
2.  The only “travel challenges” I seek are ones that I create and hunt down because they’re ultra low-budget or …FREE! (i.e. I certainly don’t get “blog exposure” or advertising out of that!) 
3.  My reviews are all found on my own. I write about them, because I think they’re *neat finds*; not to mention, travelers and the locals owners (mostly, from developing countries) can benefit from my sharing.  
4.  I rarely have sponsored advertising. I’ve not even opened my site to guest posts. 

Why I write:

If there’s a way for a travel blogger to shoot themselves in the foot, I’ve already done it!

The main thrust that’s always compelled me to maintain my blog is…  I don’t want others to have to have to go through the difficulties or stresses I’ve gone through as a solo gal. I’ve written in the hope expats wouldn’t be so lost in South Korea… to share with travelers, what can be done when you’re not working with extravangant means …and to show solo females like myself, how they can use fear to find courage.

I’m here to say, it’s all possible. You don’t need bank-breaking means to travel . If you have a dream and a will, then you can find a way.  …But it’s up to you, so make it happen!

2012 GRRR Shoutouts:

Here’s three sites, which will rock your inspiration to follow your dreams,  pursue your frenzied passion and seek your own DIY path. I’m honored to be on their list of Top Female Travel  Bloggers. These lists also mention pretty cool travel chick bloggers out there; they’re kickass and making their travel dreams happen!  

 10 Women who will teach you how to kickass at travel and life. Do It While You’re Young. (DIWYY)

10 Inspiring Travel Blogs by Women. All Women Stalk.

The 5 Best Women Travel Blogs to Follow in 2012. Findertrip

Quotes:

Imagine the honor of being asked for quotes on article, by someone whom you’re a fan of…

One of my favorite travel sites is Dave’s The Longest Way Home. He’s one of the few blogs I’m a regular subscriber on. Dave’s been living a nomadic existence and looking for ‘home’ for over 7 years now (he’s got a little counter on his website to count the days-months-hours he’s been traveling), which is pretty badass and very real.  I like to think of him as being the ‘Bear Grylls’ of long-term travel (albeit perhaps, not as extreme as wrapping urine-soaked t-shirts around his head or wrestling crocodiles, but he did hike Mt. Everest in winter with a duct taped shoe). If you want informative travel tips, fantastic country guides with insights into cultures and great travel photography, Dave’s your man!  Dave’s also been working on an autobiography of his life and travels, so stay tuned… should be riveting.  

Financial planning for long-term travel: preparation  
Is long-term travel about avoiding responsibility? 
Long-term travel abroad & staying healthy 

Thanks again, to all those sites which have recognized Grrrl Traveler this year! You all rock!

Until,