Welcome to #TheWeeklyPostcard!
Uh oh…Friday the 13th is upon us once again. It’s that unluckiest of days, according to many.
We like to take the opposite view. Since everyone else thinks it’s unlucky, that must mean there is some extra luck floating around, looking for a home. We’ll gladly open our doors, in the hope that luck will hang around for a while!
Meanwhile, as luck would have it, there’s a new batch of awesome travel blogs for The Weekly Postcard! Before we get to this week’s new entries (they’re just down below), we wanted to give a shout out to some of our favorites from last week. We weren’t around to post our latest, but we took the time to read through everyone else’s, and these were some of our favorites!
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. Now, on with the show!
- You learn things about yourself while traveling. A trip to France taught us that we love the country. (Sort of a “Duh moment”.) We’ve just returned from Ireland, where there is a castle literally every where you look, and we discovered we love that! World Wide Wendy put those together in her Guide to Casles of the Loire. We’re hooked!
Guide to the Castles of the Loire, by World Wide Wendy
MichWanderlust got us excited with Five Reasons You Should Visit the Ecuadorean Amazon, and also reminded us of just how endangered the rainforest is. We – collectively – have been aware of the dangers of deforestation, global warming, and industries that impact the Amazon for many, many years. Yet relatively little has been done to mitigate the effects. Even more frustrating that some leaders flat out deny them, and others are only concerned when the problem is in their own back yard. Michelle makes a great point: See the Amazon while you can. 
5 Reasons You Should Visit the Ecuadorean Amazon, via MichWanderlust
- Speaking of forests, we quite like the pine and fir trees of California. Especially the really big ones. That’s why we totally agree with More Than Mainstreet, who says Why the Best Trips in California Include a Stop to See the Redwoods! We just wish we lived closer!
Why the Best Trips in California Include a Stop to See the Redwoods, via More Than Main Street
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 The Weekly Postcard 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!
