5 travel blog examples beautiful design

These are some of the travel sites I admire most on the internet.

So many travel blogs look exactly the same.

Or even if the design of the blogs isn’t identical, they are all hijacked with the same intrusive ads, peppered with the same stock images and follow the same ‘tips’ that are designed to make them rank in search.

A lot of travel bloggers follow advice from other travel bloggers, which means they end up using the exact same Wordpress theme for their websites, and they all end up looking exactly the same. When those travel blogs are also all pushing the same affiliate links (for Discover Cars, Viator, etc) the websites are pretty much indistinguishable from each other.

This is one of the reasons I love Squarespace — it’s so much easier to build a customised website that is unique to you.

My background is in digital content management for travel brands like Tourism New Zealand, which means I’m more familiar with UX, SEO, and other elements of web design than a lot of bloggers. It has been a huge advantage in getting traffic and making a living from my own travel blog.

Here’s another quick rant — most of the ‘best blog’ lists out there cover off the same travel blogs that have been kiking around the internet for a decade. There are so many more than the biggest travel blogs though (I’m thinking of websites like Nomadic Matt and a Blonde Abroad), and many newer sites have more elegant design.

These travel blogs are all gorgeous in design and easy to navigate.

1. Along Dusty Roads

Made on Squarespace

Not long ago, I went on a hike with a new friend I met in a coliving space in Tenerife.

On the drive to the trailhead, we discovered we both run our own travel sites. Getting deep into industry chat, we started discussing our favourite travel blogs — and almost immediately we both brought up Along Dusty Roads.

These guys set the bar in terms of photography, site design, and the depth of their content.

2. The Common Wanderer

Made on Squarespace

The incredible photography and sleek design of The Common Wanderer travel blog make it one of my favourites on the internet.

3. Art Distance

Made on Squarespace

Art Distance is a stunning travel blog by Hannah, an art historian and travel blogger based in London.

I love the thoughtful, careful design of her travel blog, which makes it clear that she really does know her way around art.

4. Wander Lush

Emily Lush has to be one of the most committed travel bloggers out there.

Her posts are incredibly detailed and informative, written with great care and skill. Her photos are also extraordinary.

I love looking to Wander Lush for inspiration — I think this is a great example of a travel blog built on a foundation of passion and originality.

5. 68 North

68 North might be more of a photography website rather than a travel blog, but this is truly one of the most helpful travel sites I have ever used.

When I went to the Lofoten Islands in Norway to hike for two weeks, I followed Cody Duncan’s advice religously. He has detailed hiking guides, as well as plenty of useful information on visiting the Lofoten Islands.

I love this example of a niche destination travel blog.

Laura the Explorer


Some other articles you might be interested in:

Petrina Darrah

I’m a freelance travel writer from New Zealand with bylines in National Geographic Travel, Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure and more.

I’ve travelled up and down beautiful Aotearoa and I love sharing my insights into the best places to visit.

If you love good food and good views, you’ve come to the right place. Browse around, and let me give you all my best local recommendations!

https://www.petrinadarrah.com/about
Previous
Previous

Is Squarespace good for blogging?

Next
Next

How to monetise a Squarespace blog