The New Era of Twenty-Something Travel
Posted on 05. Sep, 2010 by Steph in Housekeeping
A New Attitude
This Friday is my last day of work. They are planning my goodbye party and being so nice that saying goodbye will definitely feel bittersweet. I’ve spent the last two years there, and while I may complain, the people have always been great to work with.
For the most part however, I am thrilled. As far as I’m concerned, when I walk out the door of that office park for the last time, this new phase of my life will have officially begun.
Creative Commons License photo credit: joiseyshowaa
A New Look
In honor of the big changes in my life, I am introducing an entire blog redesign. I loved the old thrilling theme, but it wasn’t very unique (I shared the look with about a dozen other travel bloggers).
It took me a long time to make the change, but now that I have I love the new set up (if you reading this on RSS, please click over and see)! The theme is a Woo Theme called Busy Bee, and I think it suits my personality much better. The entire site is more streamlined and simple to use, and I’ve updated my about page as well. I’m still doing some tinkering, but overall I just can’t stop marveling at how elegant everything is.
The best part is of course the new logo, designed for me by the brilliant team at Hop and Jaunt. I wanted something that expressed the sense of adventure and discovery that I’m experiencing, and hoping to pass on to you guys. Plus, it reminds me of Lost, which is always a plus.
Creative Commons License photo credit: rogerbarker2
New Writing
Obviously now that I’m traveling full time, the content of this blog is going to be a bit different. I won’t really know how things work until I’m on on the road, but I’m very optimistic that I will be able to update regularly
So here is what you can to see from now on:
- A less rigid posting schedule- you may get 5 updates one week and only one the next. I promise not to leave you guys completely hanging though.
- More location posts- Now that I’m actually traveling I can give you guys the real scoop wherever I go. I’m aiming for at least a couple updates every week on what I’ve been seeing and doing.
- Of course I still want to stay true to my confessional style, so I’ll be updating you often on what’s going on with my life and feelings as well.
- More pictures and shorter posts- depending on how busy I am.
I’ll just have to find my way as I go and be flexible and experimental, while still keeping relatively on top of things. Might get a little bumpy at times, but we will make it work!
Help Me: Do you like the redesign? What would you like to see from me during my travels?
54 Responses to “The New Era of Twenty-Something Travel”
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Kristian
05. Sep, 2010
Nice redesign! Good luck on your travels, I’m very envious as I have another 240 or so days before I’m in your position. I look forward to your postings ‘from the road’ so to speak.
Steph
05. Sep, 2010
Thanks Kristian, I know everyone says it will go fast- but really, it will!
Matt
05. Sep, 2010
Steph while I love the new theme, I’m not sure why you’d want to separate yourself from us ThrillingHeroics bloggers! First @suzyguese now you? I’m not sure I’ll be next but would love something a bit more unique in the coming months.
It looks bloody brilliant. Especially the header – a touch of class along with a sense of adventure.
Brilliant idea to do it in conjunction with the next step of your journey. I’m excited to follow you on your travels, but hope you don’t loose that ‘confessional’ style that you mention. That, combined with stories of your adventures, combined with some destination specific advice, and of course some pictures and I’ll be happy.
Enjoy your next, last, and short week at work.
Steph
05. Sep, 2010
Aww Matt, nothing personal! Moving upwards and onwards- but I will definitely hold on to the things that make my site unique.
Matt
05. Sep, 2010
Congratulations! I love love love the new look, especially the header. Hop and Jaunt are such pros.
Can’t wait to follow you on your journey and am so excited for you now that the trip is finally here!
– Matt
Steph
05. Sep, 2010
Thanks Matt- they did a great job on your site as well!
Sasha
05. Sep, 2010
Love the new design! So much more youthful, fun and adventurous! It seems that time in the blogosphere for redesigns. I can’t wait to read all about your adventures!
And I’ll forgive you if you don’t post as regularly, I’m sure all your readers will be patiently and eagerly awaiting your posts whenever you get the chance to do them! 
Steph
05. Sep, 2010
Thanks Sasha, I’m definitely going to make blogging one of my top priorities, but I need time to enjoy myself too!
Michael Tyson
05. Sep, 2010
Looking forward to reading your blog posts on the road written in your “confessional style” – definitely my favourite type of travel blog writing. It’s so comforting to read about how other travellers are feeling and what they’re thinking. When I come across travel blogs that gush about how wonderful travel is and what a great time they’re having in these idyllic utopias — which may all be true, of course — but don’t mention anything about the annoyances, the misfortunes and the more intense challenges, like being faced with poverty, I can’t help but feel they’re not being entirely sincere — to themselves or to their readers. That’s what I hope to see from Twenty Something Travel on the road
All the best!
Steph
05. Sep, 2010
Thanks Michael- I definitely want to keep developing my unique voice and sharing my experiences- warts and all.
Globetrottergirls
05. Sep, 2010
The new design looks great, and the logo of course makes your blog much more unique than a shared one! We are looking forward to hearing your adventures on the road, after following your preparations for so many months. Enjoy the last days at home & have a good start to your trip!
Steph
05. Sep, 2010
Yeah, it was definitely worth the money to make the site look more unique. Thanks!
Kelsey
05. Sep, 2010
The new design looks great! Good luck on all the new adventures!
Laura
05. Sep, 2010
Love the new header! Hop and Jaunt did a great job. I’ve nearly hit my 6 month mark on my trip and was reminiscing with my friend today about the day I walked into my boss’ office to quit my job. I had a horrible work environment, and as terrible as it sounds I couldn’t get the grin off my face as I told him I was quitting. Have a great weekend!
Adventurous Kate
05. Sep, 2010
I love the new design! Looks fantastic!
Congratulations on getting to your final week, and doing it in an obviously classy way, as they’re throwing you a party!! As someone a month behind you in time, I know how difficult that is…bravo.
Don’t worry about your posting schedule abroad — plan on having some difficulty uploading pictures, so don’t be afraid to rely on Flickr even if you have pictures of your own, and don’t be afraid to write a few posts at once and schedule in advance. Most importantly, do what works for you. Trip is priority #1! Can’t wait to read about your adventures!
Steph
05. Sep, 2010
Yeah, I’m actually surprised how happy they are about my departure (it’s almost suspicious).
Thanks for the tips!
Jaime
05. Sep, 2010
I love the new header and your right it does look like something from lost! Well I am glad you have such a positive outlook on your job cus I know when I leave I just wont…lol I seriously hate that place & I have been there over 5yrs! Oh i cant wait to leave in 11 months. Anyway back to you, your blog is awesome so my only request is keep it awesome and be you! I wanna hear everything the good the bad AND the SCANDALOUS…lol!!!
Good look on a new chapter in your life cant wait to read along~
Steph
05. Sep, 2010
Haha I will try and get into some SCANDALS, just for you!
Dave
05. Sep, 2010
The new design and header look awesome! And good idea to update the look before you leave, as it’s not something you want to (or will likely) stop and think about much while traveling.
Don’t forget to join the Woo Themes affiliate program and update the link in the footer.
Steph
06. Sep, 2010
Funny story about the woo theme, remind me to tell you sometime.
Akila
05. Sep, 2010
Great new design! Good luck as you start on the next part of your journey.
Alouise
05. Sep, 2010
First, like everyone else seems to be saying, I love the new site design. I especially like the philosophy category you have in the header, that’s something different for a travel blog. I don’t mind waiting a bit for posts while your on the road, a long as what you write comes from your voice. As long as you have that covered I’m sure people will continue to keep reading Twenty-Something Travel. Looking forward to reading about your new adventures.
Steph
06. Sep, 2010
Thanks Alouise, I definitely needed a category to cover all my rants and dime store philosophizing…
Michael
05. Sep, 2010
I think it’s unanimous: everyone loves your new design, especially the header
Good luck on your adventures! I look forward to reading your updates!
AdventureRob
05. Sep, 2010
I like the new theme, it looks pretty fresh, I think the slogan is a bit patronising though ‘Why wait to travel?’ There are a lot of answers to that and money will be the most common one. You yourself have waited month until actually travelling.
Take that as constructive criticism please, it’s not meant to be nasty
If the blog is providing answers regularly to that question then fair enough, but I think something like ‘travel in your twenties’ would be better.
Steph
05. Sep, 2010
I get what you are saying Rob. The tagline is meant to imply that you should make your travel dreams happen now, rather then waiting until you are older or retire (As I so often hear), which is a central argument of this website. I wasn’t trying to say that everyone should pack their bags this very second.
ayngelina
05. Sep, 2010
I love the site redesign, Hop and Jaunt are so good.
craig zabransky
05. Sep, 2010
New look and a new chapter in your life…have a blast y vaya con dios…..
stay adventurous, Craig
Jenny
05. Sep, 2010
The new header is awesome! They did a great job with designing your new blog. The old theme was hard to differentiate you from other blogs as there are so many others with the same theme. It’s why I worked hard to make my design extremely unique. It was easy for me though since I’m a designer.
I have 4 months until I leave for my trip… Time is gonna fly!
Shannon OD
05. Sep, 2010
The new site looks awesome Steph! I love the new header they did and it feels really open and inviting here with the lighter color scheme! Congrats and looking forward to your adventure!
aelle
06. Sep, 2010
I usually get really crumpy about redesigns until I get used to them, but yours is really great! Fits the spirit of the site very nicely.
I know (oh how I know) that it’s hard to keep your rhythm on the road. Don’t forget that you are out there to have fun first, not to report to your readers, and don’t feel guilty about the days where you just post a single picture or reblog a video. I can’t wait to hear about places out there, especially the ones I know, through your voice!
aelle
06. Sep, 2010
and that was *grumpy. Not sure what crumpy could mean.
Steph
06. Sep, 2010
I kind of like crumpy and am going to try and find a meaning for it… Glad you like the new design!
Eric
06. Sep, 2010
Love the new look. Hop and Jaunt really do great work. Enjoy the party on Friday. I am looking forward to reading stories from the road.
Cam
06. Sep, 2010
Love the new look! Looking forward to following you on your travels. I know it’s a redundant statement, but have fun!
Maren Hogan
06. Sep, 2010
This looks amazing! I am jealous of 1) your redesign and 2) the fact that you are a twenty-something
Nice site. Can’t wait to hear more!
Steph
06. Sep, 2010
haha, well thank you and thank you!
Nick Laborde
06. Sep, 2010
Love the header and I’m looking forward to reading your adventures.
I’ll have to see about getting one of those sexy headers, I love their work.
Steph
06. Sep, 2010
I definitely recommend them, they are a talented duo!
Claire
06. Sep, 2010
yup, i agree with the masses. header is awesome. congrats on the big adventure ahead!
Amanda
07. Sep, 2010
I’m really loving the new design, Steph! The site has a fresh feel to it that’s really appealing. And, of course, the new header is fantastic! What a great way to start this next chapter of your life! Congrats!
Rebecca
07. Sep, 2010
LOVE the new design – really fresh and cute! Looking forward to reading more posts as you get on the road.
Emily
07. Sep, 2010
I love the redesign! Super cute logo–the Hop and Jaunt guys did a great job.
Aly
07. Sep, 2010
Love the new look!
he he specially the header!
You’ve always been fun to read and fun to interact on twitter, so I can’t wait to start seeing what you get into while traveling!!
Happy Travels!
Steph
07. Sep, 2010
THANK YOU GUYS SO MUCH! Turned out beautiful!
Melanie
08. Sep, 2010
You did a great job on this site, redesigning is such a good idea especially the header it is totally cool. Very simple but it is very meaningful.
Paul
08. Sep, 2010
Digging the theme!
Just remember, don’t travel to write. It’s great to write down your experiences but don’t let the nagging feeling of writing a post get in the way of traveling.
Good luck!!
Steph
08. Sep, 2010
Good advice and something I will TRY to follow.
Poi
08. Sep, 2010
love the look, we’re not biased towards busy bee or anything
Steph
08. Sep, 2010
haha, I didn’t even realize you guys had it as well. Same Social Media buttons too! Great minds think alike I suppose.
Keith
10. Sep, 2010
Great work on the redesign – very fresh. And my sincerest congratulations on cracking the cubicle. Best of luck to you on your travels; I’ll be following along.
Steph
12. Sep, 2010
Thanks Keith! Good luck to you as well!
Summer
13. Sep, 2010
Wow. With these numbers of responses to your blog it goes to show that you convinced a lot of people. Great job. It is not easy to get people visit your site and leave comments.