As I write this monthly update, I’m on a US Airways flight from DFW – LAX (with a surprising amount of leg room). My 2011 is off to a fantastic start.
Fantastic, yet certainly chaotic. I’ve been balancing trips around the US to visit friends and family, with the day-to-day responsibilities of running a travel blog, along with a seemingly endless battle with an embassy to get a visa.
Though I spent longer in the US than I initially anticipated, it was an excellent refresher and break from living out of a backpack. A break that I feel is essential to successful long term travel. It’s trips home that remind me why I’m living the lifestyle I am.
I know I’m not ready to settle down permanently and will continue to make steps that will ultimately allow me to live a location independent lifestyle filled with travel and experiencing the unknown.
I’ve been humbled over the past weeks with the support I’ve received through comments, retweets, rising traffic numbers, and mentions throughout the travel blog community. It’s a rewarding community to be a part of, and anyone considering a long term backpacking or RTW trip should make sure to get involved.
Here are some mentions Backpackingmatt.com has received in the travel blogosphere over the past couple weeks:
- Matt of NomadicMatt.com listed me as one of his Favorite Travel Blogs from 2010. A great mention from the guy that started it all. Matt recently wrote a book on how you can travel the world for $50 per day – an excellent read, check it out.
- Johnny Vagabond listed Backpackingmatt.com as one of 10 Hot Travel Blogs to Watch in 2011.
- Christine of c’ est Christine recommended my post 10 Fascinating Places I Traveled to in 2010 as an inspirational read for those looking to Travel More in 2011. Christine is off to Australia next month – stop by and wish her luck.
- GoMadNomad.com featured a photo I captured in beautiful Raglan, New Zealand, in his Photo of the Week series.
- My recent travel video, Exploring Bali, was featured on the new Travelfish.org Bali Blog.
The Next Step for Backpackingmatt.com …
I have a number of new initiatives in the works for Backpackingmatt.com.
I’ll be releasing these updates periodically over the coming weeks and months, so be sure to watch this space. I’m working on a minor redesign, seeking out a contributing writer, developing a partnering website, as well as adding an exciting new section to Backpackingmatt.com.
Follow me on Twitter, become a Fan on Facebook, and subscribe to my RSS feed to make sure you don’t miss out on any of these updates.
The Next Step for Me …
I’m on this US Airways flight to LAX, as once I arrive I’ll be catching a long-haul flight back to beautiful Aotearoa – New Zealand.
I’ll be returning to Queenstown on the stunning South Island where I’ll be running NZbyBike.com.
NZbyBike is the leading marketing company for cycle tourism in New Zealand – a one-stop shop for anyone considering a cycling holiday. New Zealand is one of the world’s top destinations for mountain biking and through detailed maps, ride notes, and a directory of cycle-friendly operators, NZbyBike.com promotes New Zealand as a bloody great place to cycle.
We’re based in the Queenstown Innovation Centre, and I’m honored to work alongside a brilliant group of guys who are experts in web design and well involved in the New Zealand tourism industry.
I’m looking forward to a 2011 filled with travel – around New Zealand, over to Australia, and hopefully a trip back to Southeast Asia as well. If you’re passing through New Zealand, please feel free to email me for advice and swing through Queenstown to say hello.
Happy Travels,
(Backpacking)Matt
‘Life’s a Journey‘
Do you have exciting travel plans for 2011? Let me know in the comments section below.
Backpacking Matt 
Sounds like you got plenty of things to keep you busy and an exciting time ahead of you, Matt!
@Jill Thanks – it should be a great year!
What a great start to 2011! You’re so lucky to be heading to Australia – I miss it so much! That photo of the Gold Coast brings back so many awesome memories for me!
@Michelle I didn’t spend enough time in the Gold Coast to really get a feel – I only saw Surfers Paradise and was less than impressed, though I’ve heard great things about other smaller towns in the area.
I saw on Twitter you were on a plane, so I had to come over here to see if you had posted about where you’re headed – and you had!
SO excited to hear you’re headed back to NZ! How long do you plan to stay for? I’d love to stop by for a visit, if only plane tickets were a bit more affordable!
Can’t wait to see what your plans for the site are, too!
@Amanda Thanks for checking my plans! Super excited to be back in Queenstown. You should watch V Australia fares to NZ – I grabbed one cheap last minute and I’ve checked some dates in the coming months and round trip is even cheaper.
Such exciting news! Hope to see you down under!
@Christine Thanks! Enjoy your final few weeks at home and good luck getting settled in Australia! A visit Down Under is definitely in order. Looking forward to meeting you!
Thanks for the tweet!
I’m very excited that you are heading back to Queenstown, I loved that place and I was only there for a few days!
I hope to be in Australia and maybe NZ at the end of this year so I hope to see you there! Have a good trip!
@Annie Great – stay in touch and hopefully we can meet up! Thanks for the well wishes!
Keep up the NZ chatter! Seems like everyone is headed towards to Australia lately and skipping our little bit of paradise!
@Rebecca I will keep the chat up, for sure – look forward to more NZ focused content in the coming weeks!
Congratulations on everything, Matt!! You’ve done so much — can’t wait to continue to read about your adventures.
@Abby Thanks for the kind words! Excited to see how the coming months pan out. Good luck to you in 2011 as well!
Inspiring update Matt. Here’s to a great 2011!! Countdown to 2012, where do we go before the end of the world? If you make it to Latin America, look me up. Barry ~LHG
@LHG Thanks for the support!
Good luck on the new gig Matt, I would love to head your way and bike NZ. Traveling by bike is fast enough to get you from point A to Point B but it is slow enough to let you take in all the details. I am a bike nut and one of the first things I do when I get some place is rent a bike!
cheers!
@Josh Thanks for the comment! If you make it to NZ, definitely look me up and we’ll do some biking!
What a great trip for 2011, I love NZ
Good luck with everything Matt! Heres to a great 2011! 🙂
@Cailin Thanks! Perhaps we’ll meet up in Auzzie?!
Matt, I’m really sorry you had to fly US Airways. My condolences.
@Matt I enjoyed the experience even though the plane was extremely dated! Heaps of leg room.