I first started a blog to document my life abroad in 2006. I’d just moved to South Korea and wanted to connect with my family and friends back home. I wasn’t even on Facebook back then, let alone Twitter, Instagram and all the rest. It was just me, my little blogger account and my hotmail. Oh and I had a Myspace account of course. This was before travel blogging became what it is today and I found it hard to find other bloggers to connect with.
Now I could spend hours a day (if I had hours spare) reading all my favourite travel blogs. But I especially love reading expat blogs. Maybe it’s because I’m an expat myself, but I think you get a different perspective when you read about someone living there as opposed to just travelling through (of course I love reading general travel blogs too and have a long list bookmarked to keep me inspired!). So, while Justin and I are trying to decide how long we should live in Beijing, I thought I’d do a little round up of some of my favourite expat blogs- just in case we need to pick a new country to live! Have a look through and see where you’d like to live! Don’t forget to go and pay a visit to all their lovely blogs when you’re done reading.
Vivian- Lost in Translation (Tokyo)
I love Vivian’s blog! Like me, she started her Asia adventures living in South Korea several years ago. Throughout my years living back in London (post-South Korea) she kept my Asia wanderlust alive. And she continues to ignite my desire to visit Japan (roll on February when I’ll be there for 2 weeks!). I love reading all about her adventures living in Tokyo. From day to day living in the city of neon lights and crazy road crossings, to weekends away in Kyoto. Oh and did I mention this girl loves the film Lost in Translation? You’ve got to be awesome if you love that film (one of my favourites ever!).
Rachel-Hippie in Heels (Goa)
I found Rachel’s blog last year and have loved getting my regular sunshine fix from Goa ever since! Her blog is definitely the go to place to read about living and travelling in India. Goa is firmly on my list of “awesome places to live as an expat” now! She not only features places to go, travel stories and tips for travelling around India independently, but also all the pretty clothes from local designers. She’s always willing to answer readers questions about India travel too.
Tom- Waegook Tom (Taiwan)
Tom started his blog while teaching in South Korea and, after a bit of travel time, he is now teaching English in Taiwan. I’ve been following Tom’s blog for a few years now and he always comes across as very friendly, funny and honest in his posts. Must be because he’s a Northern lad! I have serious expat envy every time I read about his adventures in Taipei and it’s high up there on my list of places to live now! Thanks, Tom! Don’t forget to check out his food posts every Friday for mouthwatering morsels from around the world.
Jessica- Curiosity Travels (Spain)
Jessica is another lovely blogger who used to live in South Korea (there must have been a lot of crazy stuff going on in Korea that we all needed to share it on the internets!). She has since moved to Spain. After a year of teaching English there (she has all the tips for you if you also want to get a teaching gig in Spain) she’s continuing her Spanish adventure while working as a writer. I love reading her blog posts and especially love getting my Europe fix now I’ve been living out in Asia for a while!
Jamie- Ink and Adventure (Taiwan)
Admittedly I only discovered Jamie’s blog very recently, but I have spent ages stalking reading her archives. I had to include her on the list as I think you’ll love her blog (if you don’t read it already). I loved reading about her adventures in Taiwan (another person igniting my desire to visit the island!) and her love for writing. She’s even writing a book! Her husband is also an international school teacher, so I am definitely going to be hitting them up for tips on the best Taipei international schools if we ever do decide to leave Beijing!
Alana- Paper Planes (Thailand)
Alana spent several years living in Thailand. Although she recently moved away, her blog archives are a treasure trove for anyone wanting to live, teach or travel in this amazing country. She also regularly features other expats from around the world with her series “The Day To Day“- a great way to find out about expat life in different countries. With a trip to Europe in store, I’m excited about following Alana’s next adventure .
Justine- The Travel Lush (Indonesia)
I’ve been reading Justine’s blog since the start. She began as a travel blogger on a round the world trip with her boyfriend. Now she’s a newbie expat after her boyfriend landed a job offer they couldn’t refuse- in Jakarta! Her blog features travel from Indonesia and around the world and I’m super excited to read more about what it’s like to live in Jakarta! Plus she’s a vegetarian like me and it’s always great to read about other veggie traveller/expats!
Danielle- Seoul Tapper (Korea and soon to be Spain)
Danielle instantly attracted me to her blog when I found she was a) living in Korea (my second home) and b) Has a really fun and friendly blogging style! Her posts are always a great read and she often posts really funny photos! She has now left South Korea and is about to embark on a new adventure living and working in Spain! Although as she didn’t like my entirely serious and well thought out (ok, maybe I was just kiddin’) idea for a new blog name (Seoul Tapas.. because Spain…tapas..gettit?) will I still continue reading? Of course I will!!
Bonus China Blogs
This post was getting a bit too long but I couldn’t leave these ladies off! Obviously you already read one China based blogger (errrm me) but you can never have too much China blogging in your life- there are over 1 Billion people living here after all! So here are a few of my very favourite China expat blogs for you to peruse!
Amanda- Sunshine and Whimsy (China)
Amanda is another teacher living in Beijing. I’ve no idea how I found her blog but I’m so glad I did. Sometimes she posts about life in Beijing, other times a quote, video or photo. Her blog is always full of happiness and cuteness! Though I just realised, even though we live in the same city I actually have no idea which part of Beijing she lives or what international school she works at (hopefully it’s not the same one as me as that would be slightly awkward)- I’m pretty sure we’ll bump into each other at some point. I love reading all about Amanda’s adventures in life with her Chinese Fiance, Tony. They met in China and it was meant to be! Congrats again on the recent engagement guys!
Beky- Mountains and Passports (China)
Beky is a girl who knows a thing or two about being an expat, having grown up as one in Zambia (why didn’t you keep a blog then, eh??). She came to China to teach English and ended up in Nanchong. I had no idea where Nanchong was before I found her blog but now I know all about it and I’m glad! Living in Beijing is very different to the rest of the country, so I’m happy I get to find out more about life outside the ‘Jing through Beky’s excellent posts and photos.
Jenna- Healthy Globetrotting (China)
Jenna is another teacher in China (Ok I admit it, there is a secret club) who is blogging about living, travelling and eating healthily in China and all over Asia! She also has the most adorable dogs and that alone is enough to have me read her blog (I do like your stories, pictures and advice too Jenna!). Jenna was recently diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and has a growing section full of tips on living, eating and travelling with Crohn’s. Also, did I imagine the adorable dogs??
Well there you go- my list of favourite expat blogs! I hope I haven’t missed anyone I love too much off of there!
So let me know- who are your favourite expat bloggers? Have you read all these blogs? Have I missed anyone off who you love to read and think I should too? And why have I only got one guy on my list? I obviously need to read more male expat bloggers! Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
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