To add your posts to Featured Posts Slider you need to edit your post and set it as featured for slider in Post Settings box.
' ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Show Featured Posts Slider on homepage", "id" => "blog_enable_homepage_slider", "std" => true, "field_options" => array( "box_label" => "Check Me!" ), "desc" => "You can mark posts as featured in post edit screen at the bottom settings box to display it in slider in homepage header.", "type" => "checkbox", ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Featured Posts Slider width", "id" => "blog_homepage_slider_fullwidth", "std" => "0", "options" => array( "1" => "Fullwidth", "0" => "Boxed", ), "desc" => "", "type" => "select", ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Featured Posts Slider height", "id" => "blog_homepage_slider_height", "std" => "530", "field_options" => array( "min" => 250, "max" => 800, "step" => 5, "dimension" => 'px', "animation" => true ), "desc" => "Drag to change value. Default: 530px", "type" => "slider", ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Featured Posts Slider items per row", "id" => "blog_homepage_slider_items", "std" => "1", "options" => array( "4" => "4", "3" => "3", "2" => "2", "1" => "1", ), "desc" => "", "type" => "select", ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Featured Posts Slider post details layout", "id" => "blog_homepage_slider_post_details_layout", "std" => "horizontal", "options" => array( "horizontal" => "Horizontal", "vertical" => "Vertical", ), "desc" => "Select where to show post details (title, description, category, etc) in blog posts inside slider. 'Vertical' value will work only if you set 1 items per row in option above.", "type" => "select", ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Featured Posts Slider posts titles style", "id" => "blog_homepage_slider_posttitle_font_decoration", "std" => "italic", "options" => array( "none" => "Normal", "italic" => "Italic", "uppercase" => "UPPERCASE", ), "desc" => "", "type" => "select", ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Merge slider slides", "id" => "blog_enable_homepage_merge_slider", "std" => false, "field_options" => array( "box_label" => "Check Me!" ), "desc" => "Check if you want to see different slides widths in one row.", "type" => "checkbox", ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Center active slide", "id" => "blog_enable_homepage_center_slide", "std" => false, "field_options" => array( "box_label" => "Check Me!" ), "desc" => "Check if you want to see current slide centered and near slides cropped. Work best with slides per row set to 2 or 4.", "type" => "checkbox", ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Featured Posts Slider autoplay", "id" => "blog_homepage_slider_autoplay", "std" => "3000", "options" => array( "10000" => "Enable - 10 seconds", "5000" => "Enable - 5 seconds", "3000" => "Enable - 3 seconds", "2000" => "Enable - 2 seconds", "1000" => "Enable - 1 second", "0" => "Disable", ), "desc" => "", "type" => "select", ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Featured Posts Slider navigation arrows", "id" => "blog_homepage_slider_navigation", "std" => "1", "options" => array( "1" => "Enable", "0" => "Disable", ), "desc" => "", "type" => "select", ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Featured Posts Slider pagination buttons", "id" => "blog_homepage_slider_pagination", "std" => "false", "options" => array( "true" => "Enable", "false" => "Disable", ), "desc" => "", "type" => "select", ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "type" => "EndSection" ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Welcome Block settings", "type" => "StartSection", "field_options" => array( "show" => true // Set true to show items by default. ) ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Show Welcome Block on homepage", "id" => "blog_enable_homepage_welcome_block", "std" => true, "field_options" => array( "box_label" => "Check Me!" ), "desc" => "You can display any HTML content in this block below your slider or header.", "type" => "checkbox", ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Homepage Welcome Block content", "id" => "blog_homepage_welcome_block_content", "std" => '
To add your posts to Editor's Picks Block you need to edit your post and set it as Editors Pick post in Post Settings box.
" ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Show Editor's Picks Block on homepage footer", "id" => "blog_enable_homepage_editorspick_posts", "std" => true, "field_options" => array( "box_label" => "Check Me!" ), "desc" => "", "type" => "checkbox", ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Editor's Picks Block title", "id" => "blog_homepage_editorspick_posts_title", "std" => "Editor's Picks", "desc" => "Change default Editor's Picks Posts block title. Leave empty to hide title.", "type" => "text", ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Editor's Picks Block subtitle", "id" => "blog_homepage_editorspick_posts_subtitle", "std" => "Featured posts from Camille", "desc" => "Change default Editor's Picks block subtitle. Leave empty to hide title.", "type" => "text", ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Editorss Picks Block posts limit (rows)", "id" => "blog_homepage_editorspick_posts_limit", "std" => "1", "options" => array( "1" => "One row", "2" => "Two rows", ), "desc" => "", "type" => "select", ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Editor's Picks Block posts category slug", "id" => "blog_homepage_editorspick_posts_category", "std" => "", "desc" => "If you want to show popular posts only from some category specify it's SLUG here (You can create special category like 'Picks' and assing posts to it if you want to show only selected posts). You can see/set category SLUG when you edit category. Leave empty to show posts from all categories.", "type" => "text", ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "type" => "EndSection" ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Single Post page settings", "type" => "StartSection", "field_options" => array( "show" => true // Set true to show items by default. ) ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Use smaller content width on single posts and pages without sidebar", "id" => "blog_enable_small_page_width", "std" => true, "field_options" => array( "box_label" => "Check Me!" ), "desc" => "This option add left/right margins on all pages and posts without sidebars to make your content width smaller.", "type" => "checkbox", ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Show author info and avatar after single blog post", "id" => "blog_enable_author_info", "std" => true, "field_options" => array( "box_label" => "Check Me!" ), "desc" => "", "type" => "checkbox", ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Show comments and share links in Single Post header below post title", "id" => "blog_enable_singlepost_header_info", "std" => true, "field_options" => array( "box_label" => "Check Me!" ), "desc" => "", "type" => "checkbox", ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Enable Drop Caps (first big letter) in single post pages", "id" => "blog_enable_dropcaps", "std" => true, "field_options" => array( "box_label" => "Check Me!" ), "desc" => "", "type" => "checkbox", ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Show Post Views counters in Single Post", "id" => "blog_enable_post_views_counter_sp", "std" => true, "field_options" => array( "box_label" => "Check Me!" ), "desc" => "This option will enable post views counter display on single blog post page.", "type" => "checkbox", ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Show related posts on single post page", "id" => "blog_post_show_related", "std" => true, "field_options" => array( "box_label" => "Check Me!" ), "desc" => "", "type" => "checkbox", ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Hide post featured image on single post page", "id" => "blog_post_hide_featured_image", "std" => false, "field_options" => array( "box_label" => "Check Me!" ), "desc" => "Enable this if you don't want to see featured post image on single post page.", "type" => "checkbox", ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Show prev/next posts navigation links on single post page", "id" => "blog_post_navigation", "std" => true, "field_options" => array( "box_label" => "Check Me!" ), "desc" => "", "type" => "checkbox", ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "type" => "EndSection" ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "type" => "EndTab" ); /** * FONTS TAB **/ $ipanel_camille_tabs[] = array( 'name' => 'Fonts', 'id' => 'font_settings' ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "type" => "StartTab", "id" => "font_settings" ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Headers font", "id" => "header_font", "desc" => "Font used in headers. Default: Playfair Display", "options" => array( "font-sizes" => array( " " => "Font Size", '11' => '11px', '12' => '12px', '13' => '13px', '14' => '14px', '15' => '15px', '16' => '16px', '17' => '17px', '18' => '18px', '19' => '19px', '20' => '20px', '21' => '21px', '22' => '22px', '23' => '23px', '24' => '24px', '25' => '25px', '26' => '26px', '27' => '27px', '28' => '28px', '29' => '29px', '30' => '30px', '31' => '31px', '32' => '32px', '33' => '33px', '34' => '34px', '35' => '35px', '36' => '36px', '37' => '37px', '38' => '38px', '39' => '39px', '40' => '40px', '41' => '41px', '42' => '42px', '43' => '43px', '44' => '44px', '45' => '45px', '46' => '46px', '47' => '47px', '48' => '48px', '49' => '49px', '50' => '50px' ), "color" => false, "font-families" => iPanel::getGoogleFonts(), "font-styles" => false ), "std" => array( "font-size" => '26', "font-family" => 'Playfair Display' ), "type" => "typography" ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Headers font parameters for Google Font", "id" => "header_font_options", "std" => "400,400italic,700,700italic", "desc" => "You can specify additional Google Fonts paramaters here, for example fonts styles to load. Default: 400,400italic,700,700italic", "type" => "text", ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Body font", "id" => "body_font", "desc" => "Font used in text elements. Default: Merriweather", "options" => array( "font-sizes" => array( " " => "Font Size", '11' => '11px', '12' => '12px', '13' => '13px', '14' => '14px', '15' => '15px', '16' => '16px', '17' => '17px', '18' => '18px', '19' => '19px', '20' => '20px', '21' => '21px', '22' => '22px', '23' => '23px', '24' => '24px', '25' => '25px', '26' => '26px', '27' => '27px' ), "color" => false, "font-families" => iPanel::getGoogleFonts(), "font-styles" => false ), "std" => array( "font-size" => '14', "font-family" => 'Merriweather' ), "type" => "typography" ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Body font parameters for Google Font", "id" => "body_font_options", "std" => "400,400italic,700,700italic", "desc" => "You can specify additional Google Fonts paramaters here, for example fonts styles to load. Default: 400,400italic,700,700italic", "type" => "text", ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Additional font", "id" => "additional_font", "desc" => "You can select any additional Google font here and use it in Custom CSS in theme. Default: Merriweather", "options" => array( "font-sizes" => array( " " => "Font Size", '11' => '11px', '12' => '12px', '13' => '13px', '14' => '14px', '15' => '15px', '16' => '16px', '17' => '17px', '18' => '18px', '19' => '19px', '20' => '20px', '21' => '21px', '22' => '22px', '23' => '23px', '24' => '24px', '25' => '25px', '26' => '26px', '27' => '27px', '28' => '28px', '29' => '29px', '30' => '30px', '31' => '31px', '32' => '32px', '33' => '33px', '34' => '34px', '35' => '35px', '36' => '36px', '37' => '37px', '38' => '38px', '39' => '39px', '40' => '40px', '41' => '41px', '42' => '42px', '43' => '43px', '44' => '44px', '45' => '45px', '46' => '46px', '47' => '47px', '48' => '48px', '49' => '49px', '50' => '50px' ), "color" => false, "font-families" => iPanel::getGoogleFonts(), "font-styles" => false ), "std" => array( "font-size" => '12', "font-family" => 'Merriweather' ), "type" => "typography" ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Additional font parameters for Google Font", "id" => "additional_font_options", "std" => "400,400italic,700,700italic", "desc" => "You can specify additional Google Fonts paramaters here, for example fonts styles to load. Default: 400,400italic,700,700italic", "type" => "text", ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Enable Additional font", "id" => "additional_font_enable", "std" => false, "field_options" => array( "box_label" => "Check Me!" ), "desc" => "Uncheck if you don't want to use Additional font. This will speed up your site.", "type" => "checkbox", ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Disable ALL Google Fonts on site", "id" => "font_google_disable", "std" => false, "field_options" => array( "box_label" => "Check Me!" ), "desc" => "Use this if you want extra site speed or want to have regular fonts. Arial font will be used with this option.", "type" => "checkbox", ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Regular font (apply if you disabled Google Fonts below)", "id" => "font_regular", "std" => "Arial", "options" => array( "Arial" => "Arial", "Tahoma" => "Tahoma", "Times New Roman" => "Times New Roman", "Verdana" => "Verdana", "Helvetica" => "Helvetica", "Georgia" => "Georgia", "Courier New" => "Courier New" ), "desc" => "Use this option if you disabled ALL Google Fonts.", "type" => "select", ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "type" => "EndTab" ); /** * COLORS TAB **/ $ipanel_camille_tabs[] = array( 'name' => 'Colors & Skins', 'id' => 'color_settings' ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "type" => "StartTab", "id" => "color_settings", ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Predefined color skins", "id" => "color_skin_name", "std" => "none", "options" => array( "none" => "Use colors specified below", "default" => "Camille (Default)", "black" => "Black", "grey" => "Grey", "lightblue" => "Light blue", "blue" => "Blue", "red" => "Red", "green" => "Green", "orange" => "Orange", "redorange" => "RedOrange", "brown" => "Brown", ), "desc" => "Select one of predefined skins or use your own colors. If you selected any predefined styles your specified colors below will NOT be applied.", "type" => "select", ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Body background color", "id" => "theme_body_color", "std" => "#FFFFFF", "desc" => "Used in many theme places, default: #FFFFFF", "field_options" => array( //'desc_in_tooltip' => true ), "type" => "color", ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Body text color", "id" => "theme_text_color", "std" => "#000000", "desc" => "Body text color, default: #000000", "field_options" => array( //'desc_in_tooltip' => true ), "type" => "color", ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Theme main color", "id" => "theme_main_color", "std" => "#F37879", "desc" => "Used in many theme places, buttons, links, etc. Default: #F37879", "field_options" => array( //'desc_in_tooltip' => true ), "type" => "color", ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Header background color", "id" => "theme_header_bg_color", "std" => "#FFFFFF", "desc" => "Default: #FFFFFF", "field_options" => array( //'desc_in_tooltip' => true ), "type" => "color", ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Category menu background color", "id" => "theme_cat_menu_bg_color", "std" => "#FFFFFF", "desc" => "This background will be used for main menu below header. Default: #FFFFFF", "field_options" => array( //'desc_in_tooltip' => true ), "type" => "color", ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "name" => "Footer background color", "id" => "theme_footer_color", "std" => "#1E1C1C", "desc" => "Default: #1E1C1C", "field_options" => array( //'desc_in_tooltip' => true ), "type" => "color", ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "type" => "EndTab" ); /** * BANNERS CODE TAB **/ $ipanel_camille_tabs[] = array( 'name' => 'Ads management', 'id' => 'banners_management' ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "type" => "StartTab", "id" => "banners_management", ); $ipanel_camille_option[] = array( "type" => "info", "name" => "Click ads position name to open settings box.
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Whether you’ve arrived into Milford Sound under your own steam via the Milford Track, or ridden the exciting 950m (3100ft) final descent from the Homer Tunnel to sea level by bus, we’re sure you’ll agree it is a magical place. The scale of the granite mountain faces, the flooded glacial valleys, and the mostly untouched forests, are simply breathtaking. Rudyard Kipling described this place as the eighth wonder of the world; it’s easy to see why.
Milford Sound has several permanent waterfalls, including Stirling Falls – more than three times the height of Niagara Falls. And Lady Bowen Falls; a short distance from the wharf area. Seeing as the granite landscape doesn’t absorb a drop of the annual 6,412mm (252in) rainfall, it made sense for Bowen Falls to be used to power the small town of Milford Sound. It is during the regular periods of rain in Milford when the waterfalls really come alive. Hundreds of new falls cascade down the steep faces of the mountains, and if you catch Milford on a rainy day, why not name your own?
If you choose to take an overnight cruise on Milford Sound, you’ll be choosing luxury, tranquillity, and stunning natural beauty. You’ll board the ‘Milford Wanderer’ mid afternoon and cruise the 15km (9.3miles) out to the Tasman Sea, passing by Lady Bowen Falls, and getting close enough to Stirling Falls to feel the fresh spray from the Wanderer’s deck. As the afternoon fades into the coloured light of evening the captain will drop anchor in a sheltered cove, where you can go exploring with specialist nature guides, either by kayak or in the vessel’s small craft, until it’s time to climb back on board for your carvery buffet dinner and some stargazing with a glass of New Zealand wine.
The next morning we suggest emerging from your private cabin in time to watch the sunrise, it should help to clear your head if you really enjoyed the Kiwi wine! Then tuck in to a hearty buffet breakfast. Your captain will once again point the Milford Wanderer in the direction of the Tasman Sea, take this opportunity to do some wildlife spotting: Dolphins of three different species, New Zealand Fur Seals, and Fiordland Crested Penguins can all be seen at the right time of year in the Sound, alongside New Zealand’s vast array of native and introduced bird life. Occasionally, and most recently in 2016, a pod of Sperm Whales made the 15km (9.3miles) trip into Milford from the coast, marine biologists attributed this to the uncharacteristically low levels of rainfall for that time of year, which in turn allowed Phytoplankton to thrive, the whales’ main food source. If you get to see whales on your cruise you’ll be among a very lucky few – don’t forget your camera!
Finally the Milford Wanderer will return to dock at the wharf, and we’re sure you’ll disembark rejuvenated, full of good food and great memories, to continue your New Zealand adventure.
Check out our Tui trip, Essence of the South Island, for an itinerary that includes the overnight option.
Several of our itineraries involve cruises on Milford Sound, it’s definitely one of the best ways to get out there and do it, to get up close with nature. The day cruise is included in our Weka itinerary, as well as our Kiwi, and Manuka trips.
Several companies operate daytime cruises from Milford Sound wharf, and we always aim to pick the most personal experience for our guests. We like the guys who only allow their vessel to be booked to half capacity, leaving you with plenty of room to chill out, roam around the decks, or visit the open wheel house and have a yarn with the Captain.
The two-hour Milford experience starts with a slow cruise up the left side of the fiord. Your captain will point out hanging forest, permanent waterfalls, and name some of the tallest peaks. The specialist nature guides on board can also help answer your questions about the geology and wildlife.
Once your vessel arrives at the Tasman Sea, the captain will turn her around and head slowly back up the opposite side of the glacial valley. On the return journey they like to point the bow towards Stirling Falls, and give you a chance, if you want, to be drenched by the spray of one of Milford’s highest permanent waterfalls. If there’s rain and wind, keep an eye out for Milford’s waterfalls to nowhere – try and grab a photo of the cascade before the wind blows it away.
We know that Milford Sound is right up there on many people’s bucket lists, and can be the greatest reason our guests choose to come to New Zealand in the first place. We have put together a list below of our trips that include either the overnight cruise, or the day trip. Or, if you’d rather have a workout whilst you explore Milford, check out our Rimu itinerary for a kayaking option instead!
Whichever you choose, know that the majesty of this place is reserved by its remoteness, and that by making the journey to Milford Sound itself, you are experiencing somewhere special, somewhere truly New Zealand in all its rawness, and somewhere that will stay with you long after you leave.
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Archaeological evidence uncovered around the site suggests that the area was first used for agricultural purposes back in 760 B.C.
The war of Vilcambamba Pachacutec in 1440 established the first settlement at the site. It was called the Tahuantinsuyo Empire which was later followed by the formation of the government of Manco Capac.
It is thought that Machu Picchu was first inhabited by 300-1000 inhabitants, who were of the highest class or “Llactas”.
The valleys around these areas were important for their agricultural contribution, however after death of the Emperor Pachacutec, it lost its importance, with the establishment of new sites like Ollaytantambo and Vilcambamba. The building of these new sites by his successors, in more accessible terrain made Machu Picchu less appealing.
From 1527 to 1532, two brothers Huáscar and Atahualpa fought against each other in a civil war over the Inca Empire. Their father, Inca Huayna Capac had given each brother a section of the empire to manage, one in Huáscar in Cuzco and Atahualpa in Quito. When Huayna Capac and his heir, Ninan Cuyuchi, died somewhere between 1525 and 1527, the two brothers Atahualpa and Huáscar went to war over who should rule. The population who had come to live in the Machu Picchu area from rural or remote locations left after the war ended to return to where they came from. Later another brother, Manco Inca was sent into exile in Vilcambamba, and Machu Picchu was deserted.
Antonio Raimondi was an Italian geographer and scientist from Milan who visited Machu Picchu in 1851. In 1867 Augusto Berns arrived to mine the site.
Hiram Bingham re-discovered the ruins in 1911. He documented and publicised his “discovery”.
Of all the Peru landmarks, Machu Picchu (which in the Quechua native language, means “Old Peak” or “Old Mountain.”) is the one categorised as both one of the best known and also most mysterious of the ancient Inca sites. Call it cliche to label it the jewel of Peru’s crown or it’s most famous contribution to the 7th wonders of the world, but Machu Picchu has remained in the limelight since it’s discovery by Hiram Bingham in 1911. It stands at 2,400 meters above sea level and it’s precise stone construction is spread along a narrow and uneven mountain vista, tucked up against a 400m sheer cliff, overlooking the Urubamba Valley and River. The whole city was hidden (and thus saved) from marauding conquistadores for centuries and its high remote location makes if feel like it is floating on a sheet of mist.
Local guides will tell of legends withed down from Inca ancestors, archaeologists will give you another perspective all adding to the sites enigmatic status, but it’s actually quite hard to put your finger on the reasons why this citadel in the clouds is just so fascinating.
Many of the discoveries in and around Machu Picchu have led to more questions than answers around it’s true purpose. The more discoveries made it seems, the wider the variety of possibilities.
Rather than give you a list of dates, numbers and scientific facts, this page is going to offer you a treat, so you can wow your guides and make them think you’ve been on a crash course of anthropology and/or Incan philosophy!
I probably don’t need to tell you that Machu Picchu’s walls, caves and buildings are widely adorned with intricate carvings in the citadel, boasting carefully selected cave entrances, strange altars, 600 impressively engineered terraces, a 1km long aqueduct and exquisitely engineered buildings. Quizzical llama lawnmowers help to keep the grass around the buildings all beautifully manicured, showing off their best features. It is indeed a sensory feast for 21st century eyes staring firsthand at structures built by Incan hands more than a thousand years ago!
Did you also know that the positioning of the buildings are no accident. Inca people were master astrologers, the milky way had particular significance, and they arranged structures within the citadel to align with the cosmos or rising of the sun at specific times of year?
Standing amongst these features, everyone marvels at the masterful engineering the ancient Incan builders managed to achieve way back in the mid 14th century. You may find yourself getting lost in stories told by local legends if you walk through the various buildings with a local guide (like our Cynthia Valledares). When you also understand the significance of the structures around you from a spiritual and ritualistic point of view – it is not at all difficult for ones mind to be blown!
The technique used to build the structure is called called “ashlar”, this means that stones that are precisely cut to fit together without any mortar. This method is so precise that not even a credit card can slide between stones. Peru has experienced hundreds of years of seismic activity, yet the stones the Inca’s crafted stand strong, mostly undamaged by natures powerful forces.
Some of the most interesting architectural features of Machu Picchu are all closely huddled together over it’s total area of 32,592 hectares, an assortment of structures, each with an archaeological and spiritual back story that would make even Indiana Jones proud!
Looking out over the central plaza to the far end of Machu Picchu , we find the Sacred Rock, something you will notice in almost every Inca village. The Inca practiced placing a sacred stone in close proximity to the building site and this was dedicated to the site itself, which adds to the intrigue of the site; what did this mean to these people, and what daily practices took place right here where you stand, some say they can still feel the energy of these people and the land they revered so much.The Sacred Stone of Machu Picchu was carefully placed at the base of Huayna Picchu (or little peak), a place from which it’s possible to ascend right up to the summit, for a magnificent view down the valley. After your hour-long hike to the top of the peak, you can choose to stop off on the way back down at the Gatekeeper’s shack for a signed memoir, verifying you have conquered the steep climb up Huayna Picchu. The rock, resembling the shape of the top of the mountains behind it is a shrine where the Incas carried out special rituals and pachamamas (offerings to the earth).
The Sacred Rock is a powerful symbol in Machu Picchu, and is recognised as being a spiritual area for meditation and absorbing positive energies.
Many visitors like to include Temple of The Moon cave, another enigmatic structure situated approximately 1280 feet or 390 m below the summit of Huayna Picchu facing North. This is less than an hours walk from Sacred Rock, and will reward you with not only grand Inca structures to marvel over, but also spectacular views down the valley.
The Central Plaza of Machu Picchu is laid out with rows of many roofless stone structures embedded among steep terraces, facing outward for a grand view of Huayna Picchu. The lush green grass colour in the middle of the plaza can be likened to an island sitting amongst the rest of the Inca stone buildings that make up Machu Picchu. It’s an enticing and inviting spot amongst the buildings for Llamas and other grazing animals to frequent for a tasty meal. The Central Plaza’s grassy field also provides separation from the Sacred Plaza and Intiwatana to the residential areas on the farther side of the complex.
One of the buildings bordering the plaza is the Temple of the Three Windows. From this standpoint we look out to see a pretty view out on to the green central field, if we carry on from here, a flight of stairs at the back of the Sacred Plaza takes us back down to the Central Plaza.
At the very lowest end of the Central Plaza we find what is known as the Prison Group, this is essentially a network of cells, passageways, and niches extending both underground and up to the plateau above. Right in the center of this group of structures, we find the Temple of the Condor, some visitors and locals call this the main attraction because of its attention seeking condor carved in stone right above a rock pile. Behind this striking carved condor head, is a doorway leading to a tiny underground cell.
The Temple of the Condor in Machu Picchu has to be one of the highlights (although you will find it difficult to choose one) of your exploration of these Inca ruins. It is an exquisite example of Inca stonemasonry. The Inca took a natural rock formation shaped by the elements millions of years ago, and skillfully shaped it into the outspread wings of a condor in flight. The Condor represented spirit and higher levels of consciousness, so the Inca considered the Condor to be of elevated importance in the animal, and spirit kingdom.
On the floor of the Condor temple you can see a rock carved in the shape of the condor’s head and neck feathers, this section of the rock makes up the figure of a three-dimensional bird. Historians speculate that the Inca used the head of the condor here as a sacrificial altar. Underneath this is a small cave that used to contain a mummy, the hierarchal importance of which perplexed archaeologists like many other mummified remains found in this area. Behind the temple, is situated a prison complex. The prison comprised of many human-sized niches and an underground maze of dark dingy dungeons. The close proximation of the alleged sacrificial temple and the prison structures conjures up visions of how the Inca may have used them for sacrifice or other rituals. Similar Inca prison sites, record events outlining the handling of an accused citizen… word has it that the prisoners would be shackled into these niches for up to 3 days to await their fate. The jury could nominate their death for such simple sins as laziness, lust, or more in line with Victorian punishments, theft.
If you are a photographic enthusiast, you will want to take a small hike to Machu Picchu’s Funerary Rock Hut. It’s believed this location was the place where Inca nobility were mummified, and like many places chosen for overseers to rest, the vantage point from the hut offers a dramatic view over the whole complex.
Every day herds of Alpacas and Llamas arrive via the terraces near the Funerary Rock Hut to graze leisurely on the grass. These furry manicurists keep the lawns short, neat and tidy for our benefit whilst filling their stomachs with rich green grass. From this position we look out towards the start of the Inca Trail, in contrast to many of the skinny mountainous trails in the region, it is easy to see because the Inca Trail is a well developed wider road that connects the Cusco region directly with Machu Picchu.
The hike up the long sturdy stairs that lead to the Funerary Rock Hut will give your muscles a good workout, but the rewards at the end of this short but relatively steep hike are worth every drop of sweat. The views from this viewpoint will stay in your memory along with many snapshots of your unforgettable trip to Machu Picchu.
From this point we take a detour back down the stairs to arrive at the Royal Tomb.
Walking down and to the left descending a long set of stairs, we approach the Royal Tomb. This cave-esque area of Machu Picchu is decorated with ceremonial niches and adjacent to the Temple of the Sun is a carefully carved Inca cross. The cross design resembles steps, and represents the three levels of existence in the Inca world. The first step, symbolised by the snake, is representative of the underworld or of death. The second step represents the present, or human life, symbolised by the jaguar. The highest step represents the celestial or spiritual plane of the gods, and is symbolised by the condor.
This revered site has been the focus of numerous mummy excavations. Over 100 skeletal remains have been discovered here, 80% of which were women. For this and several other factual reasons, historians surmised that the area was inhabited primarily by Inca high priests and an elite selection of chosen women.
Immediately to the left of the royal tomb lies a series of 16 ceremonial baths, cleverly linked together via a skilfully engineered viaduct. At the top of this system we find the watershed hut, which passes beside the rock quarry emerging at the Sacred Plaza.
The Intiwatana at Machu Picchu, is referred to by Inca and modern people as the “hitching post of the sun”. One of Machu Picchu’s primary functions was that of astronomical observatory. It is a carved rock pillar with construction planned to orient towards the four cardinal points. As accomplished astronomers the Inca used the angles of the pillar to accurately predict the solstices. The sun was an integral part of the Inca way of life and greatly influenced agriculture which supported the life of the whole community. The Inca considered the Sun the supreme natural god and during the winter solstice on June 21, it is said that the high priest would rope a golden disc to the Intiwatana, to symbolically catch the sun, returning it back to earth, thus ensuring another bountiful season of crops.
Sadly the Intiwatana is the only structure of its kind left standing by the Spanish conquerors, who went on a aggressive campaign to wipe out all structural references to Inca religion. Many visitors report that Machu Picchu feels like one of Earth’s magnetic focal points, it emanates a mystical quality and carries an inherent spiritual or metaphysical power.
When you’re sitting on the edge of heaven, perched high above the valley at the Sacred Plaza looking down at the Urubamba River below, it’s hard to deny the etherial sense this place is embued with. Turn around behind you, and absorb the genius of the ancient builders who created these stone plaza and temple structures, framed magnificently in the background by the spectacular mountain peaks of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu to the left and right. How could you not be moved and humbled by this experience?
The big little mountain that everyone forgets. Huayna Picchu is like a jewel in the crown of Machu Picchu. Standing at 2,720 metres (8,930 feet), it towers above and behind the citadel of Machu Picchu. Only 400 people are allowed daily to climb Huayna Picchu in 2 groups – first departing at 7.00AM second at 10.00Am. The steep (both hands and feet needed) climb winds up the side of the rock faces and through a tunnel. It takes about 1.5-2 hours up and about 45 minutes to 1 hour down. For many people climbing Huayna Picchu is one of the highlights when visiting Machu Picchu. The view from the top highlights how the structures and terraces below are built on seemingly impossible places like they are almost glued to the mountain side. You are in for a breathtakingly beautiful panorama of the site of Machu Picchu below, but also the snowcapped mountains and grand valleys beyond.
Hanan and Urin according with the Inca tradition. This essentially means upper and lower, or heaven and earth. The upper realm = included the sky, the sun, the moon, the stars, the planets, and constellations (milky way in particular) and was called hanan pacha (in Quechua). The hanan pacha was inhabited Inti, the masculine sun god, and Mama Killa, the feminine moon goddess. The lower realm is where earth spirits reside, or the people who inhabit the earthly realms.
Ancient Inca rulers forged trails and communication systems through this region over 18,600 miles long, paving mountain tracks, building runners and swing bridges from straw ropes. Most of these structure still exist today, and it’s quite astounding to think that the well worn steps you are walking on when traversing the Inca or Lares trails were hand constructed by Inca stonemasons so very long ago.
The most popular trails leading to Machu Picchu are the Lares Trail and the Inca Trail. There is also the Salkantay trek, but the two most raved about journeys by far are the Lares and Inca trail. The Lares takes you through many more villages, without the same level of foot traffic you may encounter on the Inca Trail. You can also opt for cycle and kayak options, where you can visit a small village on Lake Titicaca’s reed islands and hang with the locals. Experiences like these are magical, they add a few more days to your adventure, but you’ll leave with a whole new sense of the meaning of immersion in another uniquely Peruvian culture. Check out this comparison between the Inca Trail vs. Lares Trails or take a look at our Jaguar trip which gives you the option of visiting these places and many more.
A trip to Machu Picchu along the Inca trail is the epitome of a spiritual and wondrous experience to one of the worlds most fascinating ancient wonders of the world. An unforgettable experience is not something you have to ‘try’ to achieve when visiting Machu Picchu – you’ll be taken on a journey of curiosity and wonder in all directions.
Facebook Review:
Noel Carroll reviewed Active Adventures – 5 star – 29 July ·
Jaguar trip to Peru. Great guides, accommodations, activities, food. Absolutely the best adventure I have had, and I have been blessed with quite a few. Would definitely consider another one. Hiking the Inca trail on this trip was the hardest and most rewarding thing I have done.
Other pages that may be of interest:
Best Time To Trek Machu Picchu | Machu Picchu Tours |4 Day Machu Picchu Trek
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Machu Picchu’s geographical position is 13.1631° S, 72.5450° W. It’s located 74.7 kilometres (46.4 miles) from Cusco. See How To Get To Machu Picchu
During the warmer months of September, October, November and December the weather is fairly mild with a good average temperature of between 8 degrees celcius (44 degrees F) and 20 degrees celcius (68 degrees F).
The population of Machu Picchu was most likely between 1,000 and 1,200 at any given time – but the ruins have been uninhabited for hundreds of years now. Today – the closest town to Machu Picchu is Aguas Calientes, with a permanent population of around 3000 people.
The native spoken language is ‘Quechua’ – the ancient Inca language. Spanish is the colonial language, introduced by the Spanish on their arrival in November 15, 1532
Machu Picchu is usually covered in mist until mid morning, giving it the feeling of hovering amongst the clouds. Most rainfall (during the rainy season) is seen in December, January, February and March. Machu Picchu has dry periods in May, June, July, August and September. On average, the warmest month is September. See Best Time To Visit Machu Picchu
In the Quechua native language, “Machu Picchu” means “Old Peak” or “Old Mountain.”
Machu Picchu is recognised as one of the Seven Wonders of the World and is featured on many intrepid travellers bucket list.
There are several options for getting to Machu Picchu, other than by foot of course. Trains operate, as do busses, both public and private. Small group tour busses are less crowded if you can find them. You can visit this page for more information about transport to Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu is a city at altitude, so it’s a great idea to stay a few days and enjoy being treated to some authentic Peruvian hospitality. It’s a pleasant day hike from Aguas Calientes if you are only interested in a flying visit to Machu Picchu itself. If you are going to walk one of the “trip of a lifetime” journeys to get there however, you’ll need a moderate level of fitness. Again, taking your time to acclimatise and investigate the local villages, or other ruins along the way makes for a much more “cruisy” (as we say in New Zealand) adventure to the city in the clouds.
Physically, the key I dangled from my finger was little more than an intricately cut, nearly weightless piece of brass. But as I looked down at this particular sliver of metal for the last time, it felt like much more.
I couldn’t count the number of keys I’ve had over the last five years. Plastic hotel key cards, tiny padlocks for hostel lockers, a smile through the peephole when relying on the couch and kindness of a friend. I chose that life for myself and I loved it, but I also recognized when it was time to slow down. The key I held in my hand was mine for longer than any I’d had since I left New York in 2011. I squinted down at it one last time and marveled at the miracle that I’d never lost it.
I felt a surge of emotions as I slipped it off my Diet Coke keyring and handed it back to my smiling landlord, en route to the ferry that would carry me away from the island that has always felt like home.
When I first arrived back in Koh Tao, I wrote a post about my anticipation of more than six months of stillness. Those six months are over, and I’m now back on the road in Brazil. I’ve already begun sharing parts of my latest Thailand adventures with you, but in many ways I needed to soak them in and let them settle fully before I was able to reflect on how this chapter would fit into my greater journey.
While I began this trial period of having a home base again with much excitement, I also had some reservations. I was worried about feeling fidgety, about my wanderlust taking hold and about giving up such a gorgeous chunk of time that could potentially be spent exploring some exotic new continent. As someone who genuinely panics on occasion about running out of time to see everything they want to see in the world before they die, this was a concern. I also worried about trying to run a business from a remote Southeast Asian island, and if I would make myself irrelevant by effectively benching myself for half a year.
Y’all – I had nothing to worry about. Sure, I was a little restless at time, and yes, island fever did kick in. In my last month I was pretty excited to begin a new adventure (my final week, in which the weight of leaving kicked in and I woke up every morning filled with dread over all my looming goodbyes, was another story.) And there was a serious adjustment period to the idea of having a routine. After years of non-stop mental stimulation and constant adapting to new environments, my brain needed to be re-wired a bit to appreciate the beauty of weeks in a row where my days were pretty much played on repeat and consisted primarily of office hours.
But it was exactly what I needed. One day, when I was kicking myself for not making progress on a project I so longed to finish before leaving the island (spoiler alert: not even close) and stressing over whether or not I’d made the most of my downtime, I made a list of all I had accomplished. And you know what? It was a pretty badass list.
• I spoke at my first TBEX conference
• I signed deals with PADI, Capital One, Kayak, and Abbot, among other major brands
• I automated or outsourced several parts of my business that were no longer feasible for me to complete alone
• I set up a new affiliate program and set wheels in motion to create new income streams
• I signed with a business manager that I’m already over the moon to be working with
And thanks to the large amount of work time I had, the low cost of living and traveling in Thailand and the fact that by staying stationary I seriously cooled it in the spending department:
• I saved almost $14,000 for future trips and adventures
Heck yes! When I read through those bullet points, I feel proud. Taking time off from being a full time nomad meant I had time to be proactive and do more than just keep my head above water. And after seriously depleting my savings over an indulgent summer, it was both necessary and very mentally soothing to take some time to refill them.
But developing a Wanderland HQ was about more than just ticking things off my to-do list or watching my bank account grow again. It was also about getting to experience one special place deeply and meaningfully. And while after six years of traveling to and from Koh Tao I might have thought I knew it inside and out, I was reminded that I’ll never be done exploring. Who knew that on this teeny tiny island – just 13 square miles! – there was so much to discover. Look out for posts about the following new-to-me experiences on my favorite old island:
• A cooking class
• Several new hiking trails
• New yoga studios and workshops
• Three new dive certifications at three different dive schools
• A Koh Tao Loy Kratong, one of my favorite Thai holidays
• A new hotel and a new apartment to review
And of course, I didn’t stick just to Koh Tao the entire time – nor could I have, as visa restrictions alone force me off the island every sixty days and out of the country every ninety. My longest period off the island was two weeks, though in general I stuck mostly to weekend trips. Here’s where I went:
• Bangkok — many, many times for many different reasons!
• Koh Samui for a couples getaway and later a girl’s weekend
• Koh Phangan for a villa vacation with my expat crew and later for a Full Moon Party with some friends visiting from home
• Khao Yai National Park for a camping and hiking trip
• Hua Hin for some alone time with Ian
• Khao Yai wine region for a “Wanderland Vacation” – what my group of friends in Thailand calls the trips I plan for them!
• Khao Sok for my friend Janine’s birthday
• Siem Reap for a visa run turned Cambodia trip
• Phuket for a work campaign
While about half those destinations were repeat ones, half were in fact new to me. Thailand continues to amaze, and I’m ever adding to my list of new corners of it to explore.
Yet by far the greatest aspect of the last seven months was the people I spent it with. While I truly treasure my independence and my own company and did occasionally miss it over those seven months (no one is ever truly alone on Koh Tao!), I wouldn’t trade the world for the amazing company of my Koh Tao community. I treasure the friendships I have made on that island and what keeps me coming back, year after year, is the fact that I feel so deeply bonded to my friends there, that they feel more like family. Getting to spend so much time with them was a gift.
So yes, this perpetual nomad loved having a home base. Did it come with its sacrifices and drawbacks? Yes, but every lifestyle choice does. Did Koh Tao occasionally drive me insane with its limited resources and small island limitations? Yes, but that’s what I call “the paradise tax.” Somehow, in looking for an equilibrium between work and play, a sense of adventure and a sense of home, independence and community, I seem to have stumbled onto the far edges of this elusive thing they call balance.
And so the question I asked myself when I first held that key in my hand – is having a part time home base again a part of my new normal? – seems to have answered itself. I’ve dropped hints at this here and there, but now it’s official — I’ll be returning back to Koh Tao in late 2016 to do it all over again.
I can’t wait to continue sharing more about my time in Thailand with all of you! Holler in the comments if there’s anything about Koh Tao, re-establishing a home base, or any of the other destinations I visited that you’re anxious to hear more about.
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5 Ways Travel Opens Our World
No matter what your reason for traveling is, there’s no denying that travel can change a person. I’m certainly not the same person I was when I started traveling more than five years ago.
In fact, I’m not even the same person I was just one year ago. The more of the world you see, the more you learn about that world and about yourself — plus where you fit into the mix.
“Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” – Mary Ritter Beard
They say that travel is one of the best educations. But it’s not just facts and historical dates you learn as a traveler. Travel also opens your eyes – and in turn opens the world to you.
This month I’ve partnered up with the flight search experts at Momondo to share some of the different ways travel has opened my world after 5 years of travel adventures.
Eating Scorpions in Thailand
Mark Twain once said that “travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” When you travel to countries very different than your own, you’re given a chance to set aside your conceptions (or misconceptions) and observe how things really are.
When you set aside your prejudices and open yourself to new cultures and experiences, you’re not just opening your mind to new languages or food or music – you’re also opening your mind to new ways of thinking, living, and understanding.
Even though you may feel like you have nothing in common with the person sitting across from you on the bus 10,000 miles from home, the reality is that, as humans, our similarities far outnumber our differences. Once you are open to this concept, you quickly start noticing the things that all strangers – regardless of race or religion or way of life – have in common.
And suddenly the world becomes a lot less intimidating.
Making New Friends In South Africa
Growing up, your parents probably taught you all about “stranger danger.” But forget about that when you’re traveling. When you’re open and open-minded on your travels, you’ll want to talk to that stranger on the bus or that tuk-tuk driver or that surfer who just caught that awesome wave. It’s the locals in a destination who know the best places to eat or the best spot to catch a sunset.
When you talk to strangers, you also help break down barriers. When you can share a joke with someone who doesn’t speak your language or make an effort to communicate with a shy kid on the street, you make a connection. And connections are what help strangers become friends.
Moto Taxi Ride
You don’t have to be an adrenaline junkie to enjoy traveling. In fact, you don’t even have to be all that outgoing at all (I know plenty of people who identify as introverts who still love to travel). The trait you do need is the ability to just say YES.
Travel is sometimes just about the destination – the beaches and colorful towns and snowy landscapes. But often it’s just as much about what happens along the way. Say yes to a ride on the back of a motorbike. Say yes to that scorpion on a stick. Say yes to a polar plunge in frigid Arctic waters. To steal Nike’s slogan: “Just do it!” You’ll be surprised at how much you’re capable of doing if you allow yourself to be spontaneous once in a while.
Trekking in Greenland
We’ve already talked about being open and open-minded on your travels. And one of the best ways to facilitate this to stay curious and continue pushing yourself.
Talk to that stranger on the bus even if you’re a bit shy. Hike a little further to see what’s over that next ridge even if you’re tired. Find out what will happen if you face your fear of heights or spiders or deep water. I think all travelers are inherently curious people, but cultivating and expanding that curiosity on the road is important, too.
Playing with Northern Lights in Iceland
When you talk to strangers and say yes to adventure and open your mind to things that are “different,” you often become kind of different yourself. As a travel blogger, I’m always aiming to inspire people to get out of their comfort zones and open themselves up to the world.
I want to convince people that traveling doesn’t have to be scary, and I do this by showing people the world through my eyes.
You don’t have to be a travel blogger to inspire others though. Simply telling your friends and family about the great new dish you had in Mexico or the interesting history you learned about mosques in Turkey can go a long way in inspiring others to travel and open their minds, too.
My friends at Momondo believe that “the world is open to those with an open mind,” and want to know how traveling has affected YOUR view of the world around you.
They’re even running an Instagram competition where you can win a 360fly camera by showing them how you’re playing your part in breaking down barriers and opening your mind.
Visit LetsOpenOurWorld.com to learn more & enter for a chance to win. ★
How has travel opened your world? Let me know in the comments!
This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.
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Have I ever told you guys that I’m like, the worst secret keeper in the world? Sure, when it comes to someone confiding in me about their secrets, I’m a lock-it-up-and-throw-away-the-key kind of girl. But the second I have a confidential tidbit of my own, you will find me either (a) giggling wide-eyed in the corner smiling like a crazy person until someone makes eye contact with me and I blurt it out immediately (b) physically covering my mouth with my hands in a futile attempt not to blab (c) taking out a billboard and plastering it with painfully obvious clues in an attempt to get people guessing or (d), all of the above.
Today, I’ve partnered with Hawaiian Tropic® to share my secret sojourn – and announce the next one! You guys know Hawaii is my happy place, and I’ve gushed about my love for the fiftieth state over and over again here on this blog. What you don’t know is after I left Maui in 2014, I dipped over to Oahu for five days of 100% authentic Aloha Therapy.
Even better? This October, I’m going back again!
I’ve been waiting a long time for the perfect moment to share these happy memories with you. For me, visiting Hawaii is an experience of complete sensory overload, and I wish the same for every visitor to these amazing islands! Here’s what I got up to while visiting my dear friend and amazing ambassador of aloha, Wim, for the second time in she and her husband’s Oahu home – and some tips on how you can do the same.
Go hiking • Feel the island beneath your feet!
Yes, most travelers are drawn to Hawaii’s blue waters, but hikers know the green mountains are equally alluring. This hike to the summit of The Summit of Kea’au on Oahu’s West Coast was as stunning as it was exhilarating. I’m lucky that my local ohana knows secret spots like this, but there are plenty of well-marked trails for first time visitors to check out, too!
Thanks for these last three photos, Wim!
Go snorkeling • See the beauty of the underwater world!
Did you know its illegal to visit Hawaii and not submerge yourself in its crystal shores? Okay, that’s not technically true, but you’d still be nuts not to add snorkeling – or scuba diving! — to your itinerary there. On this trip, Wim and I got our underwater fix by signing on for a snorkeling trip on the boat her husband works aboard out of Wai’anae. These trips are a little more-off-the-beaten-path than similar trips leaving from Waikiki or the South Coast, so you’re more likely to be the only boat in the bay. And there’s no better way to take in the scenery of the island’s West Coast!
Kayaking • Smell the salty sea as you paddle across it!
My favorite adventure of the trip found me fighting the current with a paddle in hand. Our destination? The twin islands of Moko Nui and Moko Iki, off the coast of Lanikai Beach. Several watersports shops in Kailua offer kayak rentals and can give advice on the day’s conditions. We called around for a good price and then strapped a double kayak right to the top of Wim’s car, but some shops are willing to drop your vessel right off on the sand if you don’t have your own wheels.
Plan to spend about an hour round-trip paddling, wind and weather dependent, and of course allow plenty of time for island exploring once you reach your destination! Not sure you’re ready to tackle the challenge solo? Various tour operators offer guided paddles out to the Mokulua Islands, as well.
Keep in mind that there’s no shade on the way out or on the sand once you arrive – make sure your Hawaiian Tropic® Silk Hydration™ Weightless Sunscreen Lotion SPF 15 makes it into your beach bag!
Beaching • Hear the sound of the waves crashing!
Waikiki might get all the attention (and it certainly does deserve it!) but Oahu allegedly has more than 125 beaches – don’t forget to explore a few more. My most memorable Oahu beach day was a simple trip to Ewa Beach with Wim’s two adorable dogs in tow. Can we talk about the size of these gentle giants? They were bigger than me!
Want to have a spontaneous adventure of your own? Toss out the map and stop anytime you see a patch of sand!
Island Exploring • Tasting the incredible flavors of Oahu!
When we weren’t frolicking in Oahu’s great outdoors, we were browsing its cute shops and enjoying its amazing eateries. My favorite discovery of this trip was Cinnamon’s Café, an alleged favorite of the secret service and white house staff whenever Obama is on-island. Try the red velvet pancakes – you’ll thank me later.
• Tan lines are for amateurs – slather on the SPF with Hawaiian Tropic® Silk Hydration™ Weightless Sunscreen Lotion in SPF 15 or 30 and keep your golden glow even and enviable. This bottle of goodness not only protects your precious skin but also goes on so lightweight you’ll forget you’re wearing it – until you’re home toasting your sunburn-free tan, that is!
• If you end up going overboard on the outdoors and find yourself feeling a little pink, fear not – there’s plenty to do in Oahu that doesn’t require direct sun. Don’t hide in your hotel — slap on some Hawaiian Tropic® Silk Hydration™ After Sun Lotion, let its shea butter and aloe work their magic, and go explore!
• Looking for a more complete packing list? Check out this post to see what I brought for ten days on the islands!
Wim loves to joke that I’m her annual island visitor, but I’ve brought shame upon that title by not stepping foot on the islands in two full years. Which is to say that I’m wildly overdue for a return.
This September, I’m righting that wrong. Aloha State, here I come! While the details are still up in the air, the plan is first head to Oahu for some urban exploring in Honolulu followed by some suburban bliss with Wim and her adorable new twin babies. Next, a stint in Maui to hunker down in Pa’ia for a few days followed by a road trip around Haleakala. There’s even a chance Big Island might get thrown into the mix too!
Regular readers know how dear I hold this corner of the earth, and I’m simply beside myself at the thought of returning. I’m so excited to jump headfirst into planning. One thing’s for sure, I’ll be sure to keep you guys posted once plans firm up – mostly so I can ask for your brilliant advice, as usual.
Want to get into those island vibes no matter where you’re headed this year? A dose of Aloha Therapy could be as close your nearest Walgreens. Get the sun protection you need while being transported to Oahu, Maui, or whichever island captures your tropical imagination!
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Hawaiian Tropic #AlohaYourSenses #Sweepstakes
Good luck and happy sun soaking! Do you guys love Hawaii and the aloha lifestyle as much as I do? Do you have any tips for my upcoming trip? Let me know in the comments!
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As a pretty recent convert to the cult of California, there are almost endless options of new destinations for me to explore in the Golden State. Yet still, when planning out my two weeks there last fall, I was itching to return to Palm Springs. I’d loved my brief stay there the previous year, and vowed to return for longer as soon as possible. Locals warned the desert town would still be scorching in September, but I didn’t let a little thing like triple digit temperatures get in the way of a weekend with my dad, my boyfriend, my dear friend, and my dog.
First, we had to get there. Kat, Ian, Tucker and I took the scenic route and spent about three hours with the top down, winding our way from San Diego to Palm Springs. Much of it was charmless highway, but the final stretch through the San Jacinto Mountains on Route 74 were breathtaking. Tucker agreed.
I nearly fainted with excitement when we pulled down our Airbnb rental’s charming midcentury modern street. Palm Springs is lined with gorgeous hotels and restaurants, but with our pup in tow we knew we’d be best suited by a pet-friendly rental where we could make ourselves at home and cook most of our own meals. Airbnb had an impressive selection of rentals that allowed pets, and I hemmed and hawed over which of the gorgeously retro homes we should make our own for the weekend.
We settled on the The Sycamore House.
The property manager gave us a tour as we swooned, pointing out every detail to each other. Three cozy bedrooms each had their own character, while a chic living and dining room opened out to a spacious yard. And of course there was a pool, arguably the most important aspect of any Palm Springs pad.
Palm Springs is a treasure trove of mid-century modern architecture, one of the many features that first endeared me to it. You don’t really have to do anything in particular while you’re there — just being there, soaking up the impeccable style that the residents so meticulously preserve, is ambitious enough.
Later that evening, my Dad arrived after work from Los Angeles and we reveled in the luxury of preparing a home-cooked meal on the patio, snuggling on the couch for a movie, and making plans for the rest of the weekend ahead.
The next morning, Tucker agreed to guard the house while we peeled off for brunch at The Ace Hotel and Swim Club, where I’d attended a gorgeous wedding the prior spring. My dad and I had taken our lazy canine companion to the Palm Springs Dog Park for a morning adventure, and he was ready for a nap. As he snoozed, we had a beautiful meal at King’s Highway, and worked it off with a walk around the grounds while I reminisced about the nuptials.
But it wasn’t long before we were back at the house. Can you blame us for not wanting to stray? Kat whipped up a beautiful batch of homemade sangria, while Ian and I got down to the crucial work of exploring which pool float my dad had brought from his own backyard was our favorite.
doing some light dog reading
frozen grapes on a stick — my favorite summer snack!
Our one goal for the day had been to ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which just so happened to be around the corner from The Sycamore House.
Unfortunately, our trip overlapped with a two week period the attraction was closed for upgrades. While we were bummed at first, in the end it was a gift in two aspects — a reason to return, and a full day to do nothing but laze poolside. It was absolutely perfect and just what we needed. Words can’t explain how good this day was.
That night, we enjoyed another home-cooked meal and and another early night in. We had quite an adventure planned the next day — one you’ll read all about in an upcoming post — and so we fueled up with an elaborate breakfast lovingly prepared by Ian. Am I a lucky girl or what?
Later that night, after returning from our exploration, we decided to give the pet-friendly restaurant scene of Palms Springs a try. I checked my usual resource, Bring Fido, and settled on the colorful Lulu California Bistro, where Tucker was able to supervise the sidewalk throughout our entire meal.
He’s pretty indifferent to strangers, which we had to apologetically explain over and over again as he turned his snout up to the adoring crowds who fawned over him as they passed by. What can I say — we’re all just guests on the Tucker Show.
The trip was near flawless. The MVP of the weekend was definitely our sweet digs — we loved that house something fierce! The only bummer of the weekend was the fact that the hot tub we’d been looking forward over the evenings wasn’t working, and repairmen were poking around throughout the otherwise peaceful weekend.
Other than that, we really only had nitpicks that are only even worth mentioning because it’s a high-end rental that you expect high-end service from — there was no charcoal for the grill, no wood for the stove and the shampoo and conditioner levels were super low when we arrived (to his credit the property manager ran over immediately when we called about the grill). Even with those minor annoyances, we couldn’t stop raving about The Sycamore House and I’d recommend to friends far and wide traveling with or without pets — and with Airbnb’s search filters, it was easy to find a Tucker-friendly property. Want to give Airbnb a try, anywhere in the world? Get a free credit towards your first stay by clicking the button at left!
Palm Springs impressed me just as much the second time around. I had a blast spending unfettered quality time with some of my nearest and dearest humans — and my absolute favorite canine, who showed me Palm Springs is indeed a pet friendly destination. I love this quirky, trendy town in the desert, and have a feeling it will be a regular fixture in my California adventures for years to come.
Have you been to Palm Springs?
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OK, still here? Hi! Thanks for sticking around. I don’t write about blogging often because this is a travel website not a blogging website, but I’ve seen a lot of articles on travel blogging lately, which have many points I disagree with, and I want to offer a counterbalance to some of the prevailing wisdom out there.
Travel blogging is a crowded field — and it gets more crowded by the day. After all, the idea of “getting paid to travel the world” seems like an amazing thing to try to do. You get to visit wonderful places around the world on someone else’s dime! It’s a dream job, right?
Well, first, running a blog is really hard and time-consuming. Putting posts up is not going to result in money falling like rain (though judging by some of the people I’ve seen on paid trips, it can amount to a drizzle). You have to work for it. It takes persistence. Unless you hit the Internet “viral” lottery, you should expect to plug away for a least a year with minimal success.
Building a blog is like building any other business: success takes time, patience, and dedication.
Think of travel blogging like the restaurant business: Just because there are a lot of restaurants doesn’t mean that that they are all good or that you shouldn’t open one of your own! Instead, people who open a restaurant or desire to be a world-class chef look around and say, “I can do this better.” That’s the mindset you should have about your travel blog.
Just because you travel and write doesn’t mean you can write well or can become a good travel writer. Go back to my early posts from 2008 — they are horrible. I mean god-awful. There is a big difference between the content I produced then and the content I produce now. Sucking — at first — is part of the journey. You aren’t going to be great out of the gate.
But how do you quicken the curve to greatness? Here are nine things you MUST do to succeed in travel blogging (or any blogging field, really):
I am always shocked at how few travel bloggers develop their skills by reading. Very few read any marketing, strategy, business, or self-development books. Running a blog is running a business, and if you don’t go to “school” and constantly learn, you’re going to fall behind. Every successful person I know is a voracious reader. They constantly try to improve their skills and knowledge. You must always be student. You must always learn.
After all, why reinvent the wheel?
Read what experts have to say, learn what works, and apply the tips you pick up to your blog. If someone has been there and done that, why try to learn that through trial and constant error? Read the best way to do it… and do it! I read a lot besides travel books. I consume marketing books, management, writing, history books, and biographies. Even if you only get one idea from the book, that book was worth it. I read at least one book a week and am often reading multiple books at a time. Travel, history, business, fiction — I consume it all.
If you only do one thing from this list, make it this one.
Some of my must-reads are:
If you do only one thing from this list, make reading more it!
Whatever you are going to write about, try to present that subject in a way that hasn’t been done before. If everyone is sharing sponsored content, don’t. If everyone is writing text, make a video. If everyone is serious, be funny. If everyone has complex designs, go simple and visual. If everyone is doing one-off blog posts, create a story through a series of posts that keep people coming back for more.
Always innovate — do something different and unique.
For a long time, I avoided spending any money on this website. I bootstrapped everything and viewed every expense negatively. “That designer would be nice but I can’t afford it. I’ll just create a crappier design myself.”
But I soon realized money spent wisely is an investment. Now I pay for designers, SEO auditors, conferences, video and audio editors, copy editors, and much more. This allows me to improve the reader experience, develop useful products, work on other projects, and free up time to write. I focus on my core competencies and hire the rest out.
It’s easy to say, “Oh, that conference is too much. I don’t want to spend that much.” But if that conference results in one strong business connection that leads to new sales or a guest posting opportunity, then the conference is worth it. (See below for some good conferences to attend.)
Businesses invest in themselves — and you need to do the same. It can be easy for me to say now, but even when you start, spending a little bit of money can go a long way. I didn’t start out hiring lots of people. I hired one person, then another, then another. Even if you spend a few hundred dollars on snazzier banners, that can go a long way to improving your readers’ experience.
Back when I started blogging in 2008, it was easy to maintain a general budget travel website. You could cover a wide range of travel topics and face little competition. There was only a handful of bloggers. Now, there are too many long-established blogs and websites to do that. (And you’d also be way behind in Google search results.)
I recommend being as narrow and focused in your topic(s) as possible. Whether it’s RV travel, Turkey, Thailand, NYC, or your small town, the power of search lets everyone define their niche and still be able to reach millions of potential readers. In fact, being niche now is better than trying to be a more general resource site like mine.
Moreover, focusing lets you become an expert. You can be the person to whom readers always turn for information on this subject or that destination, which allows you to cultivate a bigger presence online.
Don’t try to be everything to everyone. Go narrow. Go deep.
Businesses sell something — and so should you. Whether it’s a course, a book, t-shirts, tours, or just other people’s products via affiliate marketing, give your audience an opportunity to support your website. Offering products for sale allows you to be independent from sponsors and brand deals and not compete with other travel bloggers for spots on press trips (see below). It allows you to scale your website and your revenue. Many products offer value to your readers by going more in-depth and in detail than a blog post usually allows.
There are few travel bloggers that produce products. Most of the time, travel bloggers end up making money by creating sponsored content and getting paid to go on trips. That’s cool if that is something you want to do, but that is time-consuming and requires you to be constantly working (and it’s soul-sucking). You never have time to relax or do something for yourself. It’s not a hamster wheel you want to be tied to.
Products allow you to generate something once and earn revenue while sleeping, sightseeing, or getting a suntan on a beach!
Why do people still buy guidebooks? Because they want an independent opinion on destinations. If everything you write is sponsored by someone, you’ll hit a limit to your number of readers. Sure, some people won’t care and will follow your adventures no matter what, but a larger majority of people will feel that you can’t relate to their experience and will seek to find information elsewhere.
Consumers want relatable and independent travel content because they want to learn that they can make it happen too. (Just look at the comments on this post if you don’t believe me!) If you’re in fashion, you can showcase all the makeup you want because a reader can look at that and think, “Yeah, I can do that too! To the mall I go!” But when you’re talking travel, people can’t look at your free, multi-thousand-dollar trip to the Maldives and say, “Yeah, that’s realistic for me too! To Expedia I go!”
Think about it. When you see someone having a $10,000 holiday, how do you feel? Do you think “Wow! That’s pretty!” or “Wow! I can do that too! I’m going to book that!?”
Sponsored trips, blog posts, and one off brand deals will help you travel and provide eye candy for your readers but it won’t create the expertise and relatable experiences that will have them coming back to you over and over for concrete advice or product purchases.
I’ve yet to see a pure travel blog get huge by only taking sponsored trips (though there are number of fashion/travel hybrid blogs that are gigantic). The most successful bloggers in many niches avoid one-off partnerships and sponsored content because it dilutes their authenticity. (On the other hand, long-term partnerships are wonderful as they can bring value and unique deals to your readers.)
Avoid too many one-off trips paid by someone else, write about relatable experiences, and grow larger!
(And when you create products, you don’t need the money from these trips! Win-win!)
Networking with other travel bloggers can help you become better known in the industry (which is a good thing), but by reaching outside of the industry, you can be the travel person everyone else turns to for quotes, interviews, and advice.
And that is going to pay more dividends than just sticking to travel conferences. Yes, attend industry events (you’d be stupid not to!) but don’t attend only industry events.
Find where your expertise overlaps with other industries and meet the successful leaders in those industries. Then you can find people who know nothing about travel and be their travel expert on their websites. It’s how I’ve connected with so many finance, entrepreneurship, and tech experts. Here are some good conferences to attend:
While running a blog means you are going to say “I” a lot more than in magazine or newspaper writing, that doesn’t mean you should write only about yourself. If your blog is solely a journal or trip down memory lane, write about anything you want. But if you’re looking to run a professional blog that creates a sustainable business, remember that it’s not all about you.
It is – and always will be – about the people reading your website.
Whether that is by providing practical advice, telling them a good story, or making them laugh, remember that it’s all about how you can be in service to them.
If you are going to write about yourself, do so sparingly or relate it to the bigger picture of travel on the road. Don’t write about your new shoes, what food you ate, your thoughts on whatever, or the mundane details about your life. Few people really care about that. We read writers because they connect with us on an emotional level, tell good stories, and allow us to visualize ourselves in the places they talk about it.
Far too many travel blogs are a glorified personal diary but the most successful ones tell stories of places and better their reader’s travel experience!
Rome wasn’t built in a day — and your blog won’t build itself overnight either. Maintain realistic expectations about your blog. Don’t expect anything but hard work for the first year. Don’t rush. Build something that will last. The light is always at the end of the tunnel, but too many people give up right before the end. Keep going. You’ll make it!
****Creating a travel blog is a time-consuming process. Writing about your trip to Paris is only a small part of the story. Successful blogs focus on content and are customer-centered and reader-centered. It’s easy to reach small or mid-tier status but if you want to stand out, focus on reader-centric content, being niche, creating products, and sticking to best practices.
If you’re looking for more in depth advice, I have a very detailed and robust blogging course that gives you a behind the scenes look at this website and features case studies, expert interviews, monthly webinars, free themes, tech support, and more. You’ll learn everything I know about creating a successful blog. If you’re interested, you can learn about the course here.
The post 9 Ways to Become a Successful Blogger appeared first on Nomadic Matt’s Travel Site.
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Last week, I celebrated five years of travel with a big ‘ol look over my shoulder at the last twelve months of border hopping. Today, I’m switching gears and celebrating the other big anniversary that rolled around this month – half a decade of blogging under my belt. I guess time really does fly when you’re having fun and replacing Apple laptop chargers!
Considering what a momentous number this one is — if Alex in Wanderland were a high school graduating class, we’d be having our first reunion right now — I’ve decided to write not just one but a whole week’s worth of behind-the-scenes blogging posts. I kind of feel like I owe it to you guys as you’ve politely requested it many times before – your response when I asked if you were interested in posts on this topic was overwhelming – and outside my anniversary roundups I’ve barely said so much as a peep on the topic.
That said, if you’re not so into anything to do with the business side of blogging, feel free to skip this stuff and come back next week, when I’ll be back to covering my time in Thailand (including answering the frequently asked question of “Is Koh Tao safe?,” mapping out a new hiking route, and giving you a tour of Bangkok Treehouse.) If you are into these kinds of posts, I might occasionally sprinkle more of them in. So we’ll see how it goes!
We’ll kick things off with our usual roundup of facts and figures, a few highlights of this year’s content, and some heartfelt reflections.
• Posts Written: 168. This averages out to 14 per month, or roughly one post every other day. It seems like so many, but it’s actually significantly less than I published the previous two years!
• Photos Uploaded: 3,836 – not even counting social media!
• Comments Replied To: 5,118. That last number went down quite a bit as well which makes me sad because it means there were less comments to reply to – receiving comments is my greatest joy as a blogger and I’ve definitely been bummed by the internet-wide trend to towards less of them as more people read on mobile devices or comment socially instead.
• Group Press Trips Accepted: 2 – Bonaire/Aruba and Trang/Satun
• Group Press Trips Turned Down: 15 – including to Curacao, Italy, Sweden and St. Thomas (those were the ones that really hurt to say no to). I include this number just to emphasize that when I do accept press trips, it’s because they are truly the perfect fit for me. The rest I either turn down with a heavy heart because I’m already busy with my own independent travels, or with a polite no thank you because I’m not interested or I need to focus my time and energy on other projects.
• Unique Monthly Visitors: Nearly 150,000! Y’all, I’m so grateful.
• Monthly Page Views: I hit a high of 300,000 page views, but generally still hover around a quarter million per month. Traffic has leveled out somewhat, which I’m okay with considering I’ve cut back on posting and spent most of my year focusing on restrategizing my business flow as opposed to growing content – but now that I’m back in the drivers seat I hope to head in that direction. I’ll have a lot more details in my upcoming post on goal setting and reflecting!
I had fun with writing this year — after all, I published my first poem (ha!) — and focused a lot on writing non-destination specific informational and inspirational pieces, something I’d like to further explore in the coming year. That said, I’d like to push myself to get a little more creative and experiment with different writing styles. One note — because I’m so behind chronological time, some of these posts were written in year five but cover travels that happened in year four.
Most Commented
Ten Things I’ll Miss About Thailand • Stillness at 26 • My Travel Plans for 2016 • How I Afford To Travel the World
Musing-est
What Matters Most is How You Walk Through The Fire • Five Gifts Travel Gave Me • Confessions of a Reformed Picky Eater • How Yoga Won Me Over • What the &!*# is Burning Man? Two Burns Down And The Question Still Burns • Back to the Beginning in Grand Cayman
Greenest
Planning An Eco-Friendly Dive Trip • Green Your Burn • Steripen Vs. Clearly Filtered • Solid Conditioner Review
Times I Laughed At My Own Jokes
Basically my Entire Belize Series Post Titles • Tucker’s Tails Series
Most Useful
The Wanderland Guide to Travel Planning • How to Vote Abroad • Where to Eat in Martha’s Vineyard • What to Pack for Bonaire • The Pet Friendly Guide to San Diego • Burning Man Budget 2015 • Central America Tops and Flops • Road Trip Facts and Figures
Best Photos
Joshua Tree National Park • Loving Lac Bay • Fifteen Photos That Will Put Burning Man On Your Bucket List • Vegas’s Hip and Historic Downtown
Literally My Only Post Ever To Go Viral on Facebook
Newsflash: Guatemala City Doesn’t Suck
Greatest Adventures Shared
Yoga at a Mayan Ruin • Dancing at Batabano • Glass Blowing in New York • Running my first 10K • Going to Bonnaroo • Diving in Bonaire • Seeing Britney • Burning • Road Tripping • Diving with Sea Lions
Let’s start with the bad news. Blogging is a job, and sometimes I am terrible at it. So, so cripplingly bad. Like if I applied how bad I can be at blogging to being, say, a bus driver, I’d be the one who is like, constantly on Google Maps trying to figure out where they are supposed to be taking a left and mowing down mailboxes and checking those directions on my phone while accidentally leaving old ladies behind on the curb and cringing and yelling helpless apologies out the window. Sometimes I just feel like I have no idea what I am doing.
My biggest problem? Email. I just do not answer it. I mean, I try, I really do. I open every one with the intention of eventually responding. It’s just that I never actually hit reply, and then three months later I’ll be in a yoga class transitioning into warrior one and suddenly I’m like OMG I NEVER WROTE BACK THAT ADVERTISER THAT WANTED TO GIVE ME TONS OF MONEY/AMAZING READER WHO MELTED MY HEART/INSERT REALLY IMPORTANT CORRESPONDENCE HERE. This is a large problem.
Also, I have very little idea what is going on when it comes to any aspect of blogging other than “photographing things,” “writing stories,” and “chatting with people in the comments.” When I hang out with other bloggers and they talk about analytics analyzation and site speed and newfangled social media sites, I nod serenely before politely excusing myself to the bathroom where I furiously attempt to Google away my confusion. This is another large problem.
But this was a really exciting year in terms of being totally clueless. I have reached the income level at Alex in Wanderland where I feel comfortable reinvesting a large percentage of what I earn right back into my business. And that means giving money to people who are way better at certain things than I am, so they can do it for me. I’ll talk more about this in my upcoming post on how I make and spend money blogging, but the short version is that in a year I’ve gone from one part time assistant to one management team and two part time assistants, and it has been a monumental shift for me in discovering how to scale a one-woman business while still feeling grass roots and keeping the fire burning in this passion project.
While I’m calmer and more at peace with the ups and downs of blogging than ever before, I have accepted that being occasionally crippled by insecurity, inadequacy and fear that you’ve made it onto the industry blacklist are an unavoidable aspect of self-employment, and I’ve started to feel comfortable with what my strengths and weaknesses are. I might still be a hot mess a large percentage of the time, but I am developing a great team who keeps me laughing and helps me hold it together.
And now for some good news. Have I ever told you all the story of how I first stumbled upon travel blogging? I don’t know where in the world my wanderlust came from, I suppose some of it I was born with and some of it was stoked by tumultuous teen years. But I do know that I was in high school, a restless kid in the suburbs, when I stumbled upon the first travel blog I’d ever laid eyes on, Thirteen Months. If only I could remember the weird internet wormhole that brought me there! What I do vividly remember is reading every word of this couple’s extended round-the-world honeymoon story, running into my mom’s room with a laptop to show her this absolute internet craziness, and just completely marveling at the idea that this couple found a way to travel for longer than an annual two week vacation. The world just cracked right open for me. How funny to think of going back in time and telling my younger self that at thirteen months, I was just getting started – and now I’ve been going for two hundred and sixty of them.
Five years in, I still romanticize the idea of a traditional career path, which I envision consisting of coworkers to happy hour with, weekends off to play with, and fashionable young professional finds from the sales rack at Ann Taylor Loft – I feel like I’d really do well in a blazer. They say you work harder for yourself than anyone else, and sometimes the idea of clocking in and out of a job that someone else holds the stakes in seems delicious to me. But then I remember that along with those perks come frequent drawbacks like commuting, cubicles, and having to request time off for vacation. And that’s a nice little reality check.
The fact that I wake up the vast majority of mornings at my own leisure, my only alarm clock my own excitement to get started on a job I adore, is an incredible blessing. For me blogging started from an incredibly selfish place – I wanted so desperately to hold onto these magical travel memories before they slipped from my forgetful mind – but came full circle to a really rewarding one where I get comments and emails and messages from people for whom Alex in Wanderland was their very own Thirteen Months. It was their aha moment, as Oprah would say — and I do love to say things that Oprah would say — that there are people out there making a nontraditional travel-based lifestyle work, and maybe just maybe they can do it too.
Travel humbles me at every step and constantly reminds me that for every passport stamp I earn there have been hundreds of other explorers out there doing it bigger, better, and with a carry-on, but I am truly honored to think that reading my story could open a door that says, “hey, here you go, here’s the answer to that question that you weren’t sure how to ask.” Because that’s exactly what reading travel blogs, the heartfelt diaries of the hopelessly restless, did for me.
In spite of the inherent struggles of entrepreneurship, I am fully aware that there’s no path I’d rather be walking. Once, while playing the “if we won the lottery” game with a couple of friends, I was startled to realize that there’s really no powerball that would ever see me abandon blogging. Sure, if a cool couple million showed up in my bank account I’d probably drop many of my monetization efforts, but stop sharing my photos and stories of my travels? Never. Being able to answer the question “what would you do if you won the lottery” with “basically, what I’m doing right now” – I am grateful.
I love taking this time once a year to pause, reflect, and write about where I am in this journey of entrepreneurship and self-employment. It always gives me great clarity on where I’ve grown, where I have work to do yet, and how much I have to be thankful for.
Top of that list? You! If you’re reading this blog, you’re a part of what makes Wanderland. I wouldn’t be where I am doing what I’m doing without you stopping to spend a few minute of your day with me, and I never lose sight of that privilege. Whether you’ve emailed me with advice, shared your story in the comments, or just silently followed along (please do feel free to say hi sometime!), I’m sending a big ‘ol dose of gratitude out to the universe for ya. You guys make my day.
Thank you.
Want to Write Your Own Five Year Blogaversary Someday?
Great news for all you fellow aspiring bloggers out there! This week is Travel Blog Success’s Summer Sale!
I rarely stop yacking about how Travel Blog Success helped me make Alex in Wanderland what it is today — a financially successful and creatively fulfilling travel blog that’s kept me on the road for five years. It’s the first thing I recommend to those who write to me for blogging advice, and was instrumental in getting me to where I am now! Our secret member’s Facebook group gives me daily inspiration, feedback, and hearty laughs. Yes, the warmest community in travel blogging is on sale now!
And one more thing — spots are still available for August slots of my Featured Blogger. Come hang out in my sidebar (plus other perks!) Get in touch for more details.
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