Welcome to #TheWeeklyPostcard!
It has been a hard month in the United States. Wildfires feeding on a lack of rain in the west. Too much rain in Houston and southern Texas. And now the strongest hurricane ever in the Atlantic Basin has wreaked havoc in the Caribbean and is bearing down on Florida. At times like this, it seems almost frivolous to be reading travel blogs when there are people in need.
Knowing that travel bloggers around the world continue to work – even many who are directly impacted by Mother Nature’s dramatic events – we continue to hightlight their efforts on The Weekly Postcard. And below, we share a few or our favorites from last week, in case you missed them. If you’re new to blog link-ups, or want more info about participating in The Weekly Postcard with your blog, you’ll find details below. We have some tips for bloggers to make the most of the link up, too.
Before we get to the blogs, though, we wanted to encourage everyone who’s able to consider making a donation to one of these relief agencies for the millions impacted by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma:
- AmeriCares Hurricane Relief Fund
- The Salvation Army
- American Red Cross
- Find others at Charity Navigator
Last Week’s Faves & More
- Our theme this week is natural beauty, perhaps as a counterpoint to Mother Nature’s violent side. Hilary Style.me talks about one of our favorites spots for hiking and enjoying Mother Nature in Zion National Park with Kids. Just look at that gorgeous view!
Zion National Park with Kids via @HilaryStyle.me
- Over to New Zealand, where Albom Adventures shows us Nature’s Treasures in West Auckland, ranging from rainforest to black sand and surf beaches.
Nature’s Treasures in West Auckland via Albom Adventures
- And Michelle at MichWanderlust showed us more of the stunning scenery on her hike of the Quilotoa Loop and a Day-trip to Guantualo (warts and all) – so it’s not all natural beauty.
Day-trip to Guantualo (warts and all) via MichWanderlust
See more of The Weekly Postcard on Pinterest!
If you have a favorite from last week – or this week – be sure to share it on Social Media, and let us know in the comments.
Let’s Get this Party Started!
How Does It Work?
There’s a new batch of blogs ready for reading every Friday afternoon. You can find them on TravelLatte, and at our co-hosts: Travel Notes and Beyond, Toddlers on Tour, Two Traveling Texans, and California Globetrotter.
Each one of us will have links to all of that week’s featured blogs. Find a few that look interesting, and click to read – it’s really that simple! Don’t forget to leave a comment – bloggers love comments, and that’s how we build a community of like-minded travel lovers! Feel free to share with your friends on Social Media, too. You can Pin, Tweet, or share on Facebook right from the thumbnails, or from each post you click on. I know all of the bloggers truly appreciate it when you read and share.
What if I have a blog, too?
Then join the fun! Participating in #TheWeeklyPostcard is a great way to reach new readers, and build your comments and social shares. Plus, you get to know some of your fellow travel bloggers, network, and learn about tons of destinations, travel tips, and more.
Housekeeping Rules for Bloggers
- Can I use an older blog post?
- Sure! #TheWeeklyPostcard is a great way to show off a new post, but also to show an older piece some love.
- Does it have to be travel related?
- Well, it is about travel, so yeah. Show off your favorite destination. Teach us how to take a train or save money on airfare. Tell us your favorite travel tips. You get the idea! Posts that are not travel related may be removed.
- Where do I get that snazzy badge for #TheWeeklyPostcard?
- We know, it’s cool! And it’s easy: Just copy the badge html code (from the gray box on the page where you add your link) into your editing program. You can add it to the bottom of your page or in a sidebar.
- Uhm, that code thing isn’t working for me.
- No worries. If you have issues adding the code, add the badge as a picture and then include text saying that you have linked your post up with #TheWeeklyPostcard, along with a link back to one of the co-host’s blogs.
- Do I have to add the badge?
- You want people to know you’re part of the cool crowd, right? The badge helps get the word out and identify community members. Having the badge on your sight lets readers know you’re part of an established, respected community of travel experts. Plus, posts without a badge will be removed.
- When can I add my post?
- #TheWeeklyPostcard opens each Friday at 12 noon Pacific / 3pm Eastern, and closes on Sunday at 3pm Pacific / 6pm Eastern.
- Anything else?
- You can help spread the word about #TheWeeklyPostcard by tweeting with the hashtag #TheWeeklyPostcard! We will like and re-tweet your Tweets when we see the hashtag, and encourage everyone to do the same.
Helpful Hints for Bloggers
- Be sure to include a nice, tall portrait-orientation Pin so everyone can add you to their Pinterest boards! Here at TravelLatte, we’ll use that to add you to our board for #TheWeeklyPostcard, and may feature you on next week’s roundup!
- When you do make a Pin for your post, be sure to give it a name that includes the post title, blog name, and keywords. That will help your Pin (and post) travel farther.
- Not up with the Pinterest? No worries, but do try to include at least one portrait orientation image that people can use if they’d like to Pin your post.
- Be sure your posts have your Social Media channels, so readers can find and follow you right from The Weekly Postcard linkup!
