Hannah Cox from betternotstop shares her advice on the best adventure websites (full disclosure - we didn't ask Hannah to include Explorers Connect but we're very happy to share her article!)
It’s relatively inexpensive to start up your own blog or adventure website. A self-starting Adventurer can create a social media account, blogger or WordPress site quite easily for free.
Not all sites are created equal though. Many blogs are a great free source of information and reviews – in fact, according to BlogHer, 81% of U.S. online consumers trust information and advice from blogs.
That’s why it’s so important to trust the blogs you are reading. Sponsored posts, reviews, and affiliate linking are all understandable and sometimes necessary sources of income for Adventure Websites.
However, a good Adventure Website will focus on creating interesting and great content for its readers foremost. It then will provide you an opportunity to support its writers through fundraising, speaking engagements, book sales, and events.
For many Adventurers, it’s a great way for them to connect with their Audience, and answer the many questions they get asked about their experiences.
Over the years I have followed many different Travel & Adventure blogs. These have provided me invaluable advice and support in my own adventures and research. I wanted to share with you the blogs that have inspired me the most.
I wanted to share with you the Adventure Websites that have inspired me the most.
These are the ones that I am signed up to the newsletter, ones I support through fundraising contributions and have literally, bought the book.
In a veritable sea of information available online, these are the websites that stand out to me. To help you navigate this list, I’ve also linked to one of my favourite articles on each site.
STANDOUT ARTICLE: HOW TO BE A TRAVEL BLOGGER
I’ve been a fan of Alistair since he was crowned “National Geographic Adventurer of the Year’ in 2012. Travelling the world over five years on his bike, with a budget of £8,000 is one of the most epic adventures I had ever heard.
Alistair is the creator of microadventures – advocating us to add adventure into our lives during the ‘5-9’. As well as enjoying my own micro adventures while I was in the UK, I have also bought all of Alastair’s books (and gifted them) finding them bursting with actionable advice and support, with beautiful photography.
His adventures along with Tom Allen’s inspired me to go on the adventure I am on now. He is a fantastic speaker (I’ve seen him twice) and his creativity towards what an adventure can entail I find brilliant.
I find his blog a bit difficult to navigate, which is a shame as its FULL of useful stuff. Make sure you sign up to his newsletter.
2. TOM ALLEN
STANDOUT ARTICLE: A COMPLETE BREAKDOWN OF HOW MY LOCATION INDEPENDENT LIFESTYLE WORKS.
Again, someone whose blog I enjoyed so much, I bought his first book, Janapar – followed by the film. I then supported on Kickstarter his next two projects and have had him come and speak at a festival I worked on (We had technical difficulties which he was lovely about). Another brilliant man.
I last saw Tom speaking at the Royal Geographical Society about his recent project – building The Transcaucasian Trail. This will be a long distance hiking trail around 3,000km in length, following the Greater and Lesser Caucasus Mountains and connecting roughly two dozen national parks and protected areas in the region.
His journey has been a fascinating one to watch, especially as his current project seems to be the passion project that he was always meant to do. Tom and his team are creating real sustainable tourism, supporting communities and creating what will become a world famous hiking route.
I’m already itching to visit Armenia, and am hoping to get to the trail next Summer. Interested in joining me? Get in Touch!
STANDOUT ARTICLE: WHY WE NEED MORE FEMALE EXPLORERS
Created by Belinda Kirk, an expert expedition leader, this website connects together an adventure community of over 25,000 people. The blog contains practical step by step guides for a variety of adventure types, as well as interviews with people looking for teammates.
They also have events across the UK and even their own Base Camp Festival, so it’s a great place to find out how to meet fellow Adventurers in real life. Additionally, the site offers Adventures and Courses in the UK and abroad.
For me, this site offers the biggest variety of ways to get involved – a great all-rounder.
STANDOUT ARTICLE: GARY SIZER, THRU-HIKER TO ADVENTURE CAREER.
Created by Adventurer Cathy Dowd, best known as the 1st woman in the world to climb Everest from both sides. As someone who has made her career in Motivational Speaking for 20 years, she is well qualified to delve deeply into creating a career around Adventure. She covers growing your brand, and how to
Cathy covers growing your brand and talks about how to search for sponsorship, book sales, fundraising and more. Her interviews and blog are jam-packed with interesting observations, actionable points, and inspiration.
This site is aimed at people who have an interest in making Adventure a career so may not be for all of you.
STANDOUT ARTICLE: CYCLE AROUND CYPRUS.
A relative newbie on my list, at first glance, the adventure blog of a serving officer of the British Army was a surprise addition to one of my favourite blogs at the moment.
His writing style is honest, talking about all the different ways and reasons Adventure is part of his life. As a male writer, this is refreshing amongst some of the overall macho websites I have come across.
He deals with the real issues surrounding Adventures – Adam has recently moved to Cyprus with his Wife, and talks about balance the urge for Adventure, with real life and relationships. (This article about it is worth a read).
I was lucky when on my first date (!!) with Phil, I invited him on my trip around the world. He agreed, and we left 18 months later.
However even as we travel now I have more adventures and ideas planned for the future – ones I know Phil won’t be interested in. Balancing relationships is something many Adventurers struggle with. The life of an Adventurer is never predictable!
Back to Adam. I like the fact he writes about the variety of aspects of Adventure, and it was a single article about adjusting back to reality after his trek around Nepal that made me realise he was one to watch.
STANDOUT ARTICLE: A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN AUTHOR.
Leon was one of the first ‘real’ Adventurers I started to follow – after reading a book from the library of how he had cycled the length of America, called The Road Headed West.
Since then he has collaborated with both Tom and Alastair, as well as solo journeys throughout his career. This blog is not as regularly contributed to as some of the others – Leon is after all either on an Adventure or writing a book about it!
However signing up to his newsletter will allow you to keep up to date with his journeys, including a new book he has out, The Land Beyond, about his 1,000 mile trip across the Middle East.
Leon’s writing makes me laugh out loud and provides the sort of travel insights and descriptions that I wish I had come up with – often I have found myself thinking, ‘YES, exactly that, that’s what travel is about.’
STANDOUT ARTICLE: 12 UK WEEKEND ADVENTURE IDEAS
Adventurers Bex Band and Alex Mason set up Love Her Wild, focusing on female adventure. You need to spend a bit of time navigating the site to sign up to the newsletter, it’s worth it.
Like Explorers Connect, Love Her Wild aims to connect adventurers in real life as well – lots of opportunities to meet like-minded people in the UK.
(Mostly London or Bristol, It seems that most Adventurers live in those two places according to the adventure sites I read ?)
Most adventures on this site are based on physical activity, so if you want to focus on fitness this is a great site for you.
STANDOUT ARTICLE: TAKE THE BORN FOR THIS QUIZ
Chris has visited every country in the World. EVERY COUNTRY. That’s 193 countries before he turned 35. Let that sink in.
His site looks at living an unconventional life – focusing on not just travel, but work and lifestyle changes – this really resonated with me. Adventure is not just about physical activity – it’s about having an adventurous mindset, something Chris embodies.
When in China this year with no internet, I managed to pick up a copy of The Happiness Of Pursuit by Chris, after enjoying his second book – the $100 dollar startup. This book covers the importance of finding something you love in life, pursuing your ‘quest’ and having meaning to your life.
Again, no mumbo-jumbo – lots of actionable tasks, actual research and examples and practical advice. You know how much I love practical advice!
Since then he has released two more books – both of which are now on my reading list.
9. NOMADIC MATT
STANDOUT ARTICLE: WHAT’S THE MATTER WITH LONELY PLANET.
A website suited for Budget Travel, Matt has a huge amount of information on budget travel all around the world. Not only that he really delves into the cultures, as well as looking at important things like gear, saving and budgeting on the road. I love his writing and his weekly newsletter is always pretty informative, and his community area is much better than the Lonely Planet, which has gone totally downhill for me (not even included in this list)
Something to be aware of is the affiliate links on this site for things like Travel Insurance. Matt recommends quite a pricey option which is known to provide its advocates with a good commission. Perhaps due to my health issues, Phil and I actually found a lot cheaper insurer for our trip elsewhere.
10. BETTERNOTSTOP
STANDOUT ARTICLE: HOW I GOT OUT OF £20,000 DEBT AND TRAVEL THE WORLD FULL TIME.
Well, I couldn’t do a list without including myself! Currently traveling the UK to Bhutan overland on an RGS Expedition documenting world happiness with my partner Phil.
I describe myself as a Minimalist Adventurer and Business Owner – because I work and travel at the same time. Also, I have an adverse reaction to the term ‘Digital Nomad’ and I haven’t climbed enough Mountains to be classed as an Explorer.
Everything I own is in a 45 Litre Carry On Backpack and Day bag, and while traveling I write about life, work and adventures.
I think we can change the world if we do the work. (And have a good wifi).
ADVENTURES
