#TAFTA Awards: New Kids On The Blog
In a year that’s seen legends rise, life on Mars and travel taken to intergalactic new heights, we figured the time was right to celebrate some up and coming bloggers as they get set to take their next steps in the big wide world. We’re hedging our bets and backing these guys for the big time. So be sure to watch this space for these rising stars!
Straight outta Yorkshire and onto your computer screens comes the inimitable Ed Rex – a young man who is unafraid to admit that shouting at Take That in Munich was one of the most defining moments of his travel life so far. A strong advocate for the beauty of the British Isles, and as excitable as a kid at Christmas when it comes to reliving the memories of his already envy-inducing array of RTW adventures. At time of writing, Ed is in Australia, living it up on his continent-hopping 2012 mega-trip and doing a rather fantastic job of reporting in (as one would expect).
Our prediction: Will be the next next Doctor Who (as long as Amy Pond’s around).
Shawna and Chais are the kind of couple you want to invite round and hope will never leave, choosing instead to while away the evening talking you through the times they’ve wound up in alarming encounters with scary animals (there have been a few). Taking leave of their Nebraskan town and setting up shop in Chiang Mai (for now), these two have taken on the noble task of changing the way the world views typical American travellers (spell that word as you wish). Offering up a selection of great input about the kinds of things you really need to consider when moving abroad, along with a whole bunch of first-hand tips, candid home-made videos and a super stylish blog that epitomises whatever the techie equivalent of eye candy is. The twosome are already proving to be an inspiration to some, as sister Ciara has since made the decision to emigrate to Asia off the back of her big brother’s adventures.
Our prediction: With their sister and her partner soon to join the throng, and rumours of a sprog in the mix, these guys will star in a revolutionary new reality TV show, a la The Kardashians (but not awful), possibly called ‘I Need A Thai-m Out’.
As ram-packed a category as solo female travel blogging can be, we reckon one Miss Rebecca Enright could pip quite a few others to the post if crunch time should ever come. The ‘real’ journey has only just started for this London local, as she has just set off on a two-year (maybe more) voyage of epic proportions, but she’s certainly no stranger to distant shores, as is evident in her eloquent and animated writings so far. Armed with ambition and a damn fine repertoire of social skills, we’re pretty sure Becki’s about to have the time of her life…and it’s only fair that us mortals should get to share in that.
Our prediction: Would not be at all surprised if her picture-perfect posing skills landed her on the front cover of the Everest Base Camp edition of Vogue.
Former hand model and all round man of excellence, Nate Robert takes a no holds barred approach to his travel jottings and just ain’t afraid to tell it like it is. His refreshingly authentic attitude, coupled with a keenness to champion non-consumerism and the art of slow travel, makes for a blog that is both utterly hilarious and yet firmly grounded. Taking leave of his Aussie hometown in July, the latter half of 2012 will see Nate take off a new expedition for the ages – fancy camera in hand and wit sharpened to a rapier-like point. 35 countries and counting…he’s set to add a good many more.
Our prediction: Will strike it rich when he discovers the one secret that has been buried for centuries: how to create the perfect bacon sandwich.
Extra Special Mentions
Not entirely new, but still sparkling with that special travel lustre…
Waegook Tom: Though he’s certainly not a newbie to the travel scene, we’re excited to see what Tom Stockwell (another young Yorkshireman) has got up his sleeve when he sets off for his greatest adventure yet in the early half of 2013. With an already rich blog and a wealth of blackboard bothering experience on his side (having spent time teaching English to younglings in South Korea) we really can’t wait to see what situations he finds himself in.
Ginger Nomads: Kicking off in late 2011, Heather Carson is on a mission to bring her particularly sweet brand of red-headed reflections to the world at large. Contemplations on her blog include the ‘Being a ginger in [insert destination here]’ series, which deals with the different cultural reactions to her carrot-topped tresses, as well as detailing the extraordinary amount of effort involved in trying to keep pale skin from turning pink in some of the sunniest countries in the world. There’s a gap in the market for this girl’s unique perspective (and trust me when I say I can sympathise).
Parallel Worlds: A collaborative creative effort on behalf of Narina Exelby and Mark Eveleigh, this striking blog is not afraid to take a self-reflexive look at travel and explore what it can do for the soul. The jewels in its crown come from the astounding array of professionally shot photographs, some of which, honestly, take our breath away.
A Cook Not Mad: A delicious foodie blog that really takes the cake, inspired by what is purported to be Canada’s first cookbook. Daring duo Tim and Nat travel the world and let their stomachs lead.
That’s all for now, folks. #TAFTA is going to be taking a little break for a while, but when it comes back, it’s sure to be bigger and better than ever (and most certainly with a few new surprises in store)!
Think you’ve got what it takes to take the #TAFTA stage? Don’t be afraid to get in touch and tell us all about your travel blog! The spotlight’s waiting for you…
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Once upon a time in New Zealand, a very large, very loud, hissing cockroach landed on Hannah’s head. In Florida, she mistook a jellyfish for a plastic bag and was promptly stung. In Newquay, a penguin with murderous intent tried to eat her shoe. Despite all this, Hannah can’t be kept away from touching things that she probably shouldn’t in foreign countries. This is probably a misguided attempt at experiential learning. She has lived in Cornwall most of her life and is still trying to adjust to the time difference in London, despite having moved there many months ago. When she grows up she wants to be a Mexican Luchador.Subscribe
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