Who ARE These Travel Bloggers Anyways? (TBEX 2010)

Posted on 01. Jul, 2010 by in Housekeeping, Stories

Confession: There is a part of me that’s always a little reluctant to tell new people I meet about this site. I’m proud of what I do, but I get a little tired of the confused look on people’s faces when they try to figure out what exactly I mean by “travel blogger.”

The cute kiwi boys in my hostel dorm room gave me that look this weekend, although I barely cared because I was so excited to be in New York for the Travel Blog Exchange Conference (TBEX). This is an almost week long event where 250 travel bloggers from practically every corner of the earth converge to network, socialize and talk shop.

I LOVE meeting travel bloggers in person. It’s become a kind of hobby for me. It’s fun to compare notes on travel and blogging of course, but there is also a constant question in the back of my head, mainly who ARE these people? I know who I am and my motivations for the life I’m trying to cobble together, but what about the literally hundreds of others tending their own corners of the web?

So here is what I discovered this weekend about what travel bloggers are REALLY like:

Dave left me to go to Colombia! The nerve.

Youthful

Travel bloggers are an attractive bunch. Over and over I was shocked by how young and vibrant everyone looked, no matter what his or her physical age. We’re talking serious, Dorian Gray type supernatural youth here. From my under-age looking compatriots to the bloggers old enough to be my parents (or grand-parents) it would appear no skin cream on earth can match the glow of a joyful, well-lived life.

Friendly

Many of us at the conference had been chatting online for months, if not years, so the meeting had a weird first date meets high school reunion vibe. People greeted each other for the first time like long lost friends with hugs and joyful shrieks. Almost without exception people were just thrilled to meet and be with one another.

Eric from Adventure Insider

Party Animals

I’m actually amazed my liver survived the abuses of last weekend without packing up and quitting. When you combine a bunch of people who love adventure with the city that never sleeps and unlimited free drinks, things get kind of crazy. Parties ran dangerously late every single night as bloggers young and old socialized, bought each other shots, and even took on the mechanical bull (not yours truly though).

Evangelical

On Friday night I was invited to mingle with the organizers of Meet Plan Go, a really neat new event that aims to educate people about the benefits of career breaks. You will be hearing more about this in the future because I am actually speaking at the DC event, just a week before I leave for Japan. Travel bloggers know that they are kind of odd birds, but that doesn’t stop them from wanting to encourage travel as an accessible and appealing option for all kinds of people.

Dedicated

Only a handful of the participants were able to make a living as independent bloggers. A few more were employed for travel organizations. The majority of the people at the conference seemed to be dedicated hobbyists. No matter how they were making a living though, these were some hard working peeps, willing to put in countless hours of work for a mostly intangible pay off. It would appear that really nobody is getting rich blogging, at least not about travel. That’s okay though, because this is an industry about more than just money.

Candice and Caillin show their Canadian Pride

Multi-Talented

As the sessions progressed it was apparent to me that travel blogging can satisfy a lot of different skill sets. Some people are really motivated by the business challenges of the industry; others are more interested in the technical aspect, or design. There were people who love photography, storytellers with video cameras, podcasters and more. Personally, my passion is the writing and storytelling itself, something I feel even more excited about after this conference.

Passionate

So people were very different in age, skill set and level of establishment, but the one thread that wound through absolutely everything that happened at TBEX was a complete devotion to adventure and exploration. The pure joy and excitement that comes from being around other people who share your love is something that’s going to motivate me for quite awhile.

It’s hard to believe that I’ve been working at this for almost a year now. The people I’ve come in contact with via this little blog have been one of the greatest rewards by far. I’m not going to devolve into a sap fest, I will just say that I’ve seen the face of travel blogging, and I’m pretty happy to wear that label as my own.

Also tacos. All travel bloggers love tacos.

56 Responses to “Who ARE These Travel Bloggers Anyways? (TBEX 2010)”

  1. Verity

    01. Jul, 2010

    I am so jealous! It sounds like you had an awesome time. I actually dreamed last night that I ran into a whole lot of the travel blogging community in a caravan park in New Zealand (weird, I know). It must have been really fantastic to be there with other people who just want to talk about travel all the time. I am just starting to realise what a widespread but tightknit community this is.

    Any news on when and where the next TBEX will be held?

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      01. Jul, 2010

      Next TBEX is going to be next June in Vancouver. I hope I’m able to make it although it doesn’t seem likely…

      But yes, it is so refreshing to talk to people who are on the same page as you at life.

      Reply to this comment

  2. Emily

    01. Jul, 2010

    TBEX was so fun!!! I loved getting to meet you, Candice, Matt, Gary, et al. Am also pleased with how many new ideas I came away with. Can’t wait for the next one!

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      01. Jul, 2010

      Yes, I’m feeling very inspired this week! Was great meeting you too.

      Reply to this comment

  3. WanderingTrader

    01. Jul, 2010

    Great article! Its nice to finally get to see everyone and get to know them behind the walls from the virtual world. I plan on making the TBEX next year

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      01. Jul, 2010

      It’s so cool meeting internet people in person, I think I’m addicted to it.

      Reply to this comment

  4. Debbie Ferm

    01. Jul, 2010

    I’m glad to have met you this past week at TBEX:) You certainly looked like you were enjoying yourself!

    I love this post, because it is not just a roundup of what happened. You captured the spirit of the weekend very well.

    Good Luck in your future travels.

    Debbie Ferm

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      01. Jul, 2010

      Thank you Debbie! I wanted to find an angle nobody had covered yet. It was great meeting you this weekend!

      Reply to this comment

  5. Gray

    01. Jul, 2010

    Lovely summary, Steph. I’m so glad I finally got a chance to meet you in person!

    Reply to this comment

  6. Teresa Gotay

    01. Jul, 2010

    All great adjectives to describe us and yourself of course! The energy and the exuberance of travel geeks uniting made for one heck of a Tbex. I can’t imagine next year. Cute post!

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      01. Jul, 2010

      Thanks Teresa, it was a crazy weekend and I bet next year will be even crazier.

      Reply to this comment

  7. Julie

    01. Jul, 2010

    Hey Steph
    It was lovely to meet you and I’m pretty sure (hey, it was blur!) I promised to connect you with my young friend Michael who lives and works in Japan. His blog is http://www.iheartpocky.com/ and I think you two would enjoy meeting–or at least talking! He’s very knowledgeable about Japan so could probably help you out as you plan your trip,

    Good luck and Happy Canada Day!
    Julie

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      01. Jul, 2010

      Fabulous, thanks so much for the contact! I really enjoyed speaking with you.

      Reply to this comment

  8. Dave

    01. Jul, 2010

    So glad Eric rode the bull so we can plaster that photo everywhere!

    Reply to this comment

  9. Michaela Potter

    01. Jul, 2010

    I agree with Debbie – you really captured the spirit of the week(end). And we’re sure your spirit will inspire others at Meet, Plan, Go! in DC!

    Reply to this comment

  10. sherry ott

    01. Jul, 2010

    I think this is my favorite post about TBEX I’ve read!
    I hadn’t thought about the youthful thing – but I think you really captured a theme there. It’s amazing how much less stress there is in your life when you do what you love, get out into fresh air and travel the world…it has changed my life completely and I certainly don’t FEEL 40…my forehead lines might say differently…but it’s the mindset that’s important!

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      01. Jul, 2010

      Well thanks Sherry! I really was marveling over how young everyone looked there.

      Reply to this comment

  11. Drew Meyers

    01. Jul, 2010

    Bummed I missed the fun – hope I can make next year’s event! Or maybe organize a get together somewhere in a different region of the world

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      01. Jul, 2010

      Travel bloggers love to meet up, anywhere, anytime, whatever the reason!

      Reply to this comment

  12. Amanda

    01. Jul, 2010

    Sounds like it was a great time! You really seem to have captured the spirit of travel bloggers everywhere; I’m sad I missed it!

    Reply to this comment

  13. Trans-Americas Journey

    01. Jul, 2010

    Sounds like a great time. Wish we could have made it back to our home town, but we left nearly 4 years ago and are bloggers who travel ;-)

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      01. Jul, 2010

      Too bad, wish you could have been there as well! Was amazed how far away people came from.

      Reply to this comment

  14. JoAnna

    01. Jul, 2010

    It was a pleasure meeting you Steph. Maybe we’ll cross paths on our travels. If not … see you in Vancouver!

    Reply to this comment

  15. Candice

    01. Jul, 2010

    Hehe, thanks for the shout-out! Wish we could have hung out more, you’re a cool cat. Loved every second of it.

    Reply to this comment

  16. Rebecca

    01. Jul, 2010

    I am loving all the TBex posts, makes me feel like I was there, instead of 3000 miles away!

    Reply to this comment

  17. Cailin

    01. Jul, 2010

    OMG I swear I don’t always look that high! haha However I am thrilled that you included me in your post!! It was lovely meeting you and everyone else! Brilliant over view of the weekend you almost made me a little teary eyed there! haha
    I wish I had more time to socialize with everyone! I didn’t give out nearly enough business cards or get enough from others! Anyone who reads this is welcome to contact me and share some links!
    thanks Steph, it was wonderful to meet you! I wish we had more time as well! xo

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      01. Jul, 2010

      Aww I think you guys look cute! Granted it was first thing in the AM after a looong night.

      I wish I’d gotten more time to talk to just about everyone as well!

      Reply to this comment

  18. Trisha

    01. Jul, 2010

    Beautiful angle – what a fabulous way to describe TBEX, by the attendees instead of the event! But the whole weekend was such a blur, I do hope you’ll go to Vancouver next year, because I plan to spend a few more days so that I have time to meet even more people than this year! :-)

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      01. Jul, 2010

      Thanks, I *hope* to make it next year- so many people left to meet and talk with!

      Reply to this comment

  19. Kim-Marie

    01. Jul, 2010

    Great post, I wondered the same thing, I kind of still do as I had to commute back to CT every night to put my kids to bed and missed the drunken bull riding. Looking forward to Vancouver, will prepare liver accordingly :)

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      01. Jul, 2010

      Yup my liver is going into training early next time around. Ouch.

      Reply to this comment

  20. craig zabransky

    01. Jul, 2010

    A pleasure to finally meet you…and good luck on you RTW. And of all the words you selected..I smiled most at Evangelical – we really do want others to go and travel…. that is inspiring….

    However, I did think a word was missing – “MUSICAL.” Yes, hear vuvuzela and smile.

    thanks for the round up, stay adventurous,
    Craig

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      02. Jul, 2010

      It was great to meet you too Craig! My greatest regret is not getting a picture of you with the vuvuzela.

      Reply to this comment

  21. Christine

    02. Jul, 2010

    Bummed I missed out–I want to meet all of you in person!!!! Next TBEX (or if anyone wants to come to Nice…) drinks are on me :)

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      02. Jul, 2010

      Dave and I were talking and you were high on our list of people we wished were there!

      Reply to this comment

  22. Adam

    02. Jul, 2010

    It is funny how people who’ve never met before share so many similarities while being so different. Meeting other travel bloggers while on the road has been really exciting & interesting.

    Thanks for sharing the details, Steph! Sounds like it was a blast.

    Adam

    Reply to this comment

  23. Audrey

    02. Jul, 2010

    After I left my “real” job in Prague, I returned to my office after six months in Southeast Asia and everyone in my office remarked on how I looked five years younger. So, there is something to this travel and youth thing you’ve picked up on…

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      02. Jul, 2010

      Honestly, someone should do a study on this. I bet the anti-aging effects of travel would get people out on the road faster than just about anything!

      Reply to this comment

  24. AdventureRob

    02. Jul, 2010

    Looks like a great time had by all! Wish I had the money to be there

    Reply to this comment

  25. Anil

    03. Jul, 2010

    It was a lot of fun – definitely a good endorsement to go next year in Vancouver. Hopefully by then your liver will be up and running again!

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      05. Jul, 2010

      I think I rebooted it with fourth of July celebrations yesterday. Next year!

      Reply to this comment

  26. The Constant Complainer

    06. Jul, 2010

    Stephanie, I’m a first-time visitor to your site. I was reading Candice’s post about this event and clicked through to check out your site.

    After reading both of your posts, I’m just about convinced that I need to attend this event next year. I blog as a hobby, but the networking would still be incredible.

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      06. Jul, 2010

      I was somewhat nervous when I read your name- but thanks for stopping by! TBEX is definitely stellar for meeting interesting, like-minded people from around the world.

      Reply to this comment

  27. Alex

    08. Jul, 2010

    Very cool, Stephanie! Happy packing for your big trip :)

    Reply to this comment

  28. Barbara Weibel

    08. Jul, 2010

    Bless you for your comment about us all being youthful – even those old enough to be your grandmother (I probably qualify). As for the slight discomfort over telling people you’re a “travel blogger,” may I make a suggestion? I went through this too and realize that I somehow didn’t value what I do enough. Yes I’m a blogger, but I work as hard as any other journalist. These days, when someone asks me what I do for a living, I tell them I’m a travel writer. Pure and simple, it’s what I do. The blog just happens to be the vehicle through which I deliver my content. No different that a magazine or a newspaper; probably better. The destruction of the inferiority complex over what we do has to start with us.

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      09. Jul, 2010

      Thank you Barbara, I’ve been going with travel writer as well, I think it is more descriptive of what I actually do. I also hand out a lot of business cards- that seems to convince people I’m legitimate.

      Reply to this comment

  29. alexis

    11. Oct, 2011

    I am fairly new at travel blogging, and I haven’t personally met other bloggers. But what I do love about travelers is the fact that they are not afraid to have fun. I love my friends at home, but it’s sometimes difficult to convince them to go out and do something different every once in awhile. When I studied abroad, the students I met were a lot more adventurous. I also went on a Habitat for Humanity trip and even the older folks went zip lining with us. In fact, they were the craziest ones! I love meeting other travelers because I know that when I wanna try new food, new hiking paths, new snowboarding mountains, surfing, or whatever else I wanna try, I know I won’t have a hard time convincing them. And all the adventures definitely keep us youthful.

    Great post! You must have had a blast!

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      16. Oct, 2011

      Yeah it’s a fun exciting community and I really love meeting other bloggers. Just full of life!

      Reply to this comment

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  1. What We’re Reading: July 2, 2010 | Two Go Round-The-World - July 2, 2010

    [...] the travel blogger. In New York, as well, for TBEX 2010, Stephanie from 20-Something Travel offers some insight into what travel bloggers are really like. Check it [...]

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