Welcome to #TheWeeklyPostcard!
If we could pick and choose the weeks that make up a year, this past week is one we would just as soon leave out. As you know, terrorism reared its ugly head on two continents with cowardly attacks in two cities we very much enjoyed visiting: Charlottesville, Virginia in the USA, and Barcelona, Spain. While the two attacks are very different in many ways, they have one thing in common: They do not reflect the attitudes of the majority.
In particular, we were saddened by many of the responses we saw in Social Media to the events in Virginia. So many people fell right into the trap of terrorism, saying that Charlottesville was firmly on their Do Not Visit list because “of the racist people there.” (It’s worth remembering that Charlottesville was chosen for demonstrations by hate groups because of the city’s decision to remove a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, and Mayor Mike Signer declared the city the Capital of Resistance against Donald Trump.)
The Case for Charlottesville
While we seem to understand that (what we believe to be) Isis-inspired terrorism is an attack on our way of life, there seemed at first to be a rush to judgment against Charlottesville. We hope that everyone reading understands that the homegrown terrorism on display there was no different. These were citizens of the “basket of deplorables” working to loosen the fibers of our morality, and attacking our way of life.
Charlottesville remains on our list of favorite places, and we believe it deserves to be on everyone’s itinerary. It is the starting point of the Constitution Route to Washington, DC, and is home to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. In fact, three of America’s first four Presidents called the area home, including the man known as the Father of the Constitution. It is also an area steeped in the stains of the Civil War, and has emerged victorious as a modern, progressive city that is as rich in natural beauty as it is in history.
We’ll switch off our Soap Box mode now, but our prayers for Charlottesville and Barcelona – and the rest of the world, really – continue.
Highlights from Last Week
Meanwhile, The Weekly Postcard continued unabated with a steady stream of great blog posts from all around the world! It was great to see posts from bloggers that are starting to seem like old friends, as well as newcomers (since we’ve been involved, at least) Travl Addict, She’s Cookin’, and Groove is In the Heart.
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. But first, we wanted to share a few or our favorites and our own post from last week, in case you missed them!
- Many times, travel is inspired by dreams. We’ve decided to advance our dreams of traveling to Japan into plans, and have begun shaping our To Do list for that country. One item on that list: Japan’s Alpine Route. By sharing our Travel To Do List, we hope we can inspire yours!
- Speaking of travel dreams, the ancient city of Petra seems to be a dream for many. Kathleen from Kat Pegi Mana: Where Is Kat shared details from her trip with A Guide to Walking Trails in Petra. It’s posts like this that make our Bucket List longer!
- Recent terror attacks not withstanding, Keri at Ladies What Travel had an interesting post on Unsafe Travel Destinations: Perception vs Reality. While there are some truly dangerous places in the world, many travelers find the reality of places don’t always match the popular perceptions.
- And finally, HilaryStyle seems have become one of our favorite blogs thanks to her frequent posts on one of our favorite places: California! This week, Hilary also chose one of our favorite topics: Public art. Bang, we’re hooked into InstaLA! Part 3: Art Explosion. Click through for some of the best public art in Los Angeles that’s sure to make you smile.
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!
Thank you so much for the shoutout! I love being a part of #theweeklypostcard and getting to know so many other amazing travelers! BTW, Japan is amazing!
Our pleasure, Hilary! You’re right – there are some great travelers in #TheWeeklyPostcard, and getting to know each other through our blogs is half the fun!