Top Travel Blogs of 2008 – Did you make the list?

The new year has snuck up on us once more.  The Christmas decorations will soon be taken down and placed back in dusty corners.  Resolutions will be made and broken.  And, just like these traditions are honored around the world, we honor perhaps one of the best known traditions of this time of year: the best of the best lists.  In this vein, we pay homage to the 15 best travel bloggers of 2008 and look forward to what they may bring us in 2009.  Note: Viscape really wanted to gear this to individuals sharing their passions and travel experiences, but some of the “big dogs” in travel blogging can’t be ignored. (Ah..hem… National Geographic being the biggest)!  Happy reading and happy travels!

1. National Geographic Intelligent Travel – National Geographic is already known for their in-depth reporting, great photographs and world renowned magazines. Here, they use those already extensive resources to create an entertaining and very informative blog about the known and unknown places of the world.

2. Traveling Mammas – Cajon, Mudslide, Desert and Mountain Mamma share their adventures with the world. Find great tips on great (and not so great) places to visit with children and how to have the best family vacations. These four ladies are a true traveling inspiration!

3. Brooke vs. the World –  Brooke is a 25-year-old traveler from central Illinois on an extended journey to see the world. On her first trip overseas to Italy in 2000,  she made a promise to spend a large part of her life experiencing cultures other than her own.

4. Everything-everywhere – Gary Arndt has been traveling around the world with one goal in mind: see everything there is to behold. Follow his adventures, and see what he sees through both words and photographs.

5. Travel Babel – Claire Walter is a travel writer and began blogging in 2006. Now, she shares with her readers the latest news and trends of the travel industry.

6. Olga the Traveling Bra – Want a good laugh, but still be informed? Well, Olga the Traveling Bra is just the place to go. Specializing in travel adventures that won’t disappoint!

7. Killing Batteries – Leif Petterson’s blogs are more than just fun and educational to read; they’re hilarious as well. Follow his adventures and his struggles from places like Romania, Rome and Belfast.

8. The Perrin Post – Travel tips from Conde Naste Traveler Magazine’s Wendy Perrin. Wendy is Condé Nast Traveler’s consumer news editor. She writes a practical advice column called “The Perrin Report,” as well as features on a wide variety of travel topics.

9. The Lost Girls – Three twenty-something New Yorkers who ditched their media jobs to embark on a yearlong, round-the-world journey in search of adventure and inspiration.

10. LA times Daily Travel Deals Blog – Hand-picked advice about travel deals and steals from some of the most comprehensive globe trotters on this side of the equator!

11. Gas.tron.o.my – If trying new food dishes is one of the sole reasons for visiting new places, then you should be reading Gas.tron.o.my. Cathy has sampled almost all there is to sample in Vietnam, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and the list goes on and on and on!

12. Travel Betty – All about fearless travel for women! Travel Betty is a woman in love and lust with travel. From pampering to roughing it, she’s an experience collector. Travel Betty desires to be the old woman with the good stories. To her, travel is freedom.

13. Candy from Strangers – Join the ever-lasting search for the best piece of chocolate or perhaps lollipop. Malena, a candy lover (like us) travels all around the world searching for the next best piece of candy. Can you say, “Sugar High!”

14. Delicious Baby – Your kids need to have fun too. Take advice from Debbie, someone who can help make travel with your kids exciting (she has two delicious children of her own) and more enjoyable for everyone.

15. Viscape – Are you visualizing your escape this minute? Well, Viscape can help you find the perfect place to stay or go on your next vacation. Read all about the latest trends in the real estate and the travel markets.

So, for all those that are making resolutions to blog or even just read more, these writers should provide you every bit of inspiration without all the perspiration.

Do you think that we unfairly left someone out?  This list is dynamic, so, give us a shout.  Make a comment below and nominate your favorite travel blog!