All aboard!
This is the first of a new feature here on BvtW called The Monthly Express. The goal of The Monthly Express will be to get you from one month to the next in a quick and easy blog post. I’ll wrap up the big posts of the month, share some of my favorite comments, link to guest posts and articles I’ve written elsewhere, talk about what’s popular on the Facebook page, as well as give a rundown on upcoming news. Here goes!
All aboard!
1st Stop: January Blogging
January sees lots of posts about goals and plans, and I of course had to do my share by providing a post about my very exciting upcoming trip with Patrick. Besides that, I took to writing more great posts about Kyrgyzstan, with one of my favorites being the photo essay of the eagle hunters. In terms of language study, I’ve provided posts on the fun tri-lingual encounters that happened in Bishkek, a Thrifty Thursday post on language study in Bishkek, plus a review of the Language is Music guide by a friend of mine.
To get more on edge, you might enjoy reading about the scary traffic situation of Turkey, or you might prefer reading about the negative feedback I’ve received through being involved in online life. Out of all the posts I’ve written this month, my favorite would have to be talking about anxiety, which is going to be a series on the site over the coming weeks.
Don’t forget, I’m still asking for your help to make it to Canon Island. See my latest photo and give me a vote, will ya?
Adorable Rock Wallaby
2nd Stop: Weekend Snaps
I started a new feature on January 1st called “Weekend Snaps“. So far, so good! Favorite photos of the month would have to be the adorable little rock wallaby and the boats on Lake Atitlan. Share and like if you enjoy these snaps!
3rd Stop: Favorite Comments
Sometimes I get comments from readers that are worthy of a blog post in themselves or just plain make me smile.
In reply to my How Anxiety Helps Me Travel post:
I’m really glad you wrote this Brooke! I think a lot of subjects like this are taboo, so it’s always nice to hear first hand, positive accounts that make it seem very normal… which of course it is!
-Jane from Runaway Jane
In reply to my If I Win, You Win! Canon Island Photo Submission 3 of 5 post:
Long time follower, first time commenter. Voted and shared on fb (voted last round too though.!)
Also wanted to say that I really enjoy the FTU newsletter and everything on your blog – in planning my next trip I’m giving it a go to use multi-stop flights like your trip back home instead of leaving everything in the hands of a travel agent. Whooo here’s to some savings.
-Katrina
Wattamolla Beach sunrise after the Moonwalk
4th Stop: Guest Blogging and Writing Elsewhere
I write for a number of sites other than here on BvtW, some articles of which you might be interested in reading:
GoBackpacking:
- 5 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Becoming an Expat in Australia
- 7 Reasons to Visit Kyrgyzstan
- 11 Quick Ways to Feel Feminine on the Road
OneTravel.com
- The Grand Pacific Drive: Sydney’s Seaside Ride
- Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium
- Romance in the Rockies: Romantic Ways to Spend Valentine’s Day in Denver
- Carnival in Madrid Just Around the Corner
BBC Travel
Lost Girls World
5th Stop: What’s Hot on Facebook
A number of photos in January caught the eye of the BvtW Facebook Community.
- A photo of Kristen’s near death car experience in Istanbul: View photo
- A photo of an awesome stop sign I found here in Sydney. Look, seriously worth it: View photo
My favorite shares from the BvtW Facebook Community in January:
- How to Kiss in Mongolia – Travel Junkette
- Taking a Public Bus in India — When Desperate Times Call for Desperate Measures – Hopscotch the Globe
Favorite discussion from the Facebook page:
Upcoming News at BvtW
6th Stop: BvtW News
Well folks, I’m happy to announce, after much hard work, that BvtW is shaping up. Starting in February, I’ll be working closely with Travel.com.au to bring you information on their best deals and how the company can help you in planning your upcoming dream trip. As an official site sponsor for the next 6 months, you can expect monthly posts and timely social media updates in their name, and hopefully we’ll have a few goodies to hand out from time to time.
When Pat and I take-off on the epic trip in April, I’ll also be working with Roomorama again with some sponsored stays in Turkey, Rome, Beijing and Moscow.
Other smaller sponsorships:
- Intrepid Travel is providing a 4 day tour of Capadoccia in Turkey
- Exofficio has offered to dress me for the TBU conference in Italy
I’m absolutely stoked about being able to work with these great companies over the coming months. If you’re a travel company looking for exclusive coverage on the BvtW site, please contact Brooke.
And that’s it for the January Express 2012. Be sure to ride again next month!
You’re right, that is a lot of action in one post…thankfully I’ve already read a lot of it:)
I’m sure they’ll get better over time — might have to lighten the load a little bit next round
Thanks for the shout out the “Taking a Public Bus in India” story. I’m glad you enjoyed it. haha. Congrats on the sponsorship. That is amazing. Love all of your posts this month, and look forward to February.
Thank you for following along. I loved the post, which is why I included it
What a whirlwind post! Seems like you got 2012 off to a great start.
Thanks Brock! Yes, it’s been a busy one for sure!