- How to create a blog
- How to write blog posts
- What a pillar article is and how to post one
- How to create and design my own products
- How to add advertisements onto my blogs
- Different types of blog posts such as: list posts, review posts, recommendation posts
- How to make a contact form without someone using their email
- How to promote products on my blog
- How to analyze other blog posts
- The difference between a blog post and a pillar article, in terms of how many words
- How to make a Development Plan
- How to make an ebook
- How to submit my blog to multiple search engines
- How to put a counter on my posts to see how many people are viewing it
- How to submit my articles so that people can search for them using keywords
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
15 Things I learned in ACC 255
A list of 15 things I learned in ACC 255 this semester:
Monday, April 27, 2015
Travel Stories
The National Geographic website has multiple travel stories from people around the world. You are probably sick of hearing about my experiences so below, I will post links to different travel stories that I found to be very interesting on this website.
This site is also great for pictures, top destinations, trip idea, more travel blogs, and so much more!
The first travel story is about a family trip hopping the islands in Greece:
http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2015/04/20/great-family-trips-island-hopping-in-greece/
I loved this one because one of my personal wish trips is to Greece!
Next is a story about National Parks, which is super interesting because they show a lot of pictures and I have never been to a national park before so it was cool to hear their story!
http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2015/04/21/10-undersung-national-parks/
Next is a story about a lady and her two best friends visiting San Miguel De Allende, Mexico. I have never been to Mexico either but it is on my wish list as well!
http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2015/04/20/just-back-san-miguel-de-allende/
The next one has incredibly beautiful pictures to go along with it. It is a story about Montana's Glacier National Park. I would absolutely love to visit this one someday!
http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2015/04/20/i-heart-my-national-park-glacier/
National Parks have a lot of stories to tell because the next one on the list is about why National Parks matter
http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2015/04/17/why-national-parks-matter/
One of my favorite places in the world is next: Amsterdam! I have already written a blog about this city but reading this story made me miss it so much! This is particularly about King's Day in Amsterdam, on April 27th, which seems like an awesome day to visit.
http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2015/04/17/trip-worthy-kings-day-in-amsterdam/
The next story is very interesting. It is at the Sriracha Hot sauce house tour in LA. This seems like such a fun trip-- you have to read this story!!
http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2015/04/16/sriracha-hot-sauce-house-tour/
The next story is all about TSA and is actually an interesting read because they talk about the common myths associated with it!
http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2015/04/15/demystifying-the-tsa-checkpoint/
Another one of my favorite spots is next, Vegas!! This is a great story that everyone should definitely check out! Some of the places she mentioned, I have not visited but I am definitely putting them on my bucket list for my next trip out to Vegas!
http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2015/04/15/i-heart-my-city-jens-las-vegas/
I hope you found these stories as interesting as I did. I think it is cool to see what other people do in places you may have heard about or even visited yourself!
This site is also great for pictures, top destinations, trip idea, more travel blogs, and so much more!
The first travel story is about a family trip hopping the islands in Greece:
http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2015/04/20/great-family-trips-island-hopping-in-greece/
I loved this one because one of my personal wish trips is to Greece!
Next is a story about National Parks, which is super interesting because they show a lot of pictures and I have never been to a national park before so it was cool to hear their story!
http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2015/04/21/10-undersung-national-parks/
Next is a story about a lady and her two best friends visiting San Miguel De Allende, Mexico. I have never been to Mexico either but it is on my wish list as well!
http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2015/04/20/just-back-san-miguel-de-allende/
The next one has incredibly beautiful pictures to go along with it. It is a story about Montana's Glacier National Park. I would absolutely love to visit this one someday!
http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2015/04/20/i-heart-my-national-park-glacier/
National Parks have a lot of stories to tell because the next one on the list is about why National Parks matter
http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2015/04/17/why-national-parks-matter/
One of my favorite places in the world is next: Amsterdam! I have already written a blog about this city but reading this story made me miss it so much! This is particularly about King's Day in Amsterdam, on April 27th, which seems like an awesome day to visit.
http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2015/04/17/trip-worthy-kings-day-in-amsterdam/
The next story is very interesting. It is at the Sriracha Hot sauce house tour in LA. This seems like such a fun trip-- you have to read this story!!
http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2015/04/16/sriracha-hot-sauce-house-tour/
The next story is all about TSA and is actually an interesting read because they talk about the common myths associated with it!
http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2015/04/15/demystifying-the-tsa-checkpoint/
Another one of my favorite spots is next, Vegas!! This is a great story that everyone should definitely check out! Some of the places she mentioned, I have not visited but I am definitely putting them on my bucket list for my next trip out to Vegas!
http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2015/04/15/i-heart-my-city-jens-las-vegas/
I hope you found these stories as interesting as I did. I think it is cool to see what other people do in places you may have heard about or even visited yourself!
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Safety Tips for Traveling
I cannot stress enough how important it is to be safe while you are abroad. There are so many things that could go wrong and you have to prepare for all of them. Before studying abroad we had a meeting to discuss these kinds of situations-- including what to do and what not to do. It is scary at first because you think of the absolute worst happening. But once you are there, it is much more relaxing because you are taking in the beauty of this new place and not only worrying about your safety.
Of course you should always be aware of your surroundings. Do not go somewhere that does not look safe. You should be able to point these places out.
Do not walk around with your phone in your hand or a map. You WILL look like a tourist and the locals will spot you out as someone who is easy to steal from or mess with.
Don't disrespect the locals.
Have a sense of where you are at all times.
Do not carry a huge purse or bag. There are people who will come and slice the bottom of it so that everything falls out and to your knowledge, you still have the bag on your back or shoulders.
Have a buddy with you at all times.
Be careful about the food. You do not want to get sick while you are on vacation. If you are not sure what it is-- just ask. If you do not think it looks appetizing and that it will upset your stomach-- do not eat it.
Do not buy things that you cannot take back on the plane with you, or that is illegal in the United States. They might not let you cross the boarder.
Do not lose your passport. Keep it on you at all times because you never know when you might be asked for it by a police or guard.
Have fun but make sure you are doing it in a safe way!
If you are going to travel alone, here is an article that you can look at for tips. I have personally never done it, so I cannot give you any of my experience. http://travel.aarp.org/articles-tips/articles/info-09-2012/single-trip-safety-tips-theft.html
Of course you should always be aware of your surroundings. Do not go somewhere that does not look safe. You should be able to point these places out.
Do not walk around with your phone in your hand or a map. You WILL look like a tourist and the locals will spot you out as someone who is easy to steal from or mess with.
Don't disrespect the locals.
Have a sense of where you are at all times.
Do not carry a huge purse or bag. There are people who will come and slice the bottom of it so that everything falls out and to your knowledge, you still have the bag on your back or shoulders.
Have a buddy with you at all times.
Be careful about the food. You do not want to get sick while you are on vacation. If you are not sure what it is-- just ask. If you do not think it looks appetizing and that it will upset your stomach-- do not eat it.
Do not buy things that you cannot take back on the plane with you, or that is illegal in the United States. They might not let you cross the boarder.
Do not lose your passport. Keep it on you at all times because you never know when you might be asked for it by a police or guard.
Have fun but make sure you are doing it in a safe way!
If you are going to travel alone, here is an article that you can look at for tips. I have personally never done it, so I cannot give you any of my experience. http://travel.aarp.org/articles-tips/articles/info-09-2012/single-trip-safety-tips-theft.html
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Not Just Flying
One thing about traveling, that does not include flights, is a road trip. Everyone loves a good, fun road trip with their friends, right?! My favorite road trip I took was to Panama City Beach, Florida on Spring Break last year. It was fourteen hours of five girls in one car but I would not have wanted it any other way. We laughed, cried, and fought during those fourteen hours but it was so much fun. Arriving to the destination is the best part about a road trip because you are finally where you have been waiting to be.
I have also taken road trips to concerts that are so much fun! I am a concert fanatic, so the ride there was like Christmas Eve for me! Road trips and concerts are always the best in the summertime because you get to drive with the windows down and blasting your favorite music from the speakers.
When I was little we used to travel a lot for my brothers soccer tournaments. The best part about the car rides were playing games with my friends in the car. We would play I spy on the road (super tough)! We would also try and get all the truck drivers to honk their horns at us, typical little girls!
If you ever get the chance to take a road trip, I definitely would. My dream is to take a month long road trip across the United States, from the west to east coast. I think that would be so fun to get to see all the different states at one time! Of course I would need to stop and stay in hotels along the way because nobody could stay up that entire time!
I have also taken road trips to concerts that are so much fun! I am a concert fanatic, so the ride there was like Christmas Eve for me! Road trips and concerts are always the best in the summertime because you get to drive with the windows down and blasting your favorite music from the speakers.
When I was little we used to travel a lot for my brothers soccer tournaments. The best part about the car rides were playing games with my friends in the car. We would play I spy on the road (super tough)! We would also try and get all the truck drivers to honk their horns at us, typical little girls!
If you ever get the chance to take a road trip, I definitely would. My dream is to take a month long road trip across the United States, from the west to east coast. I think that would be so fun to get to see all the different states at one time! Of course I would need to stop and stay in hotels along the way because nobody could stay up that entire time!
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Places I Want to Go
I have always had a dream of traveling. And I think now is a very important time to do so. Get it done now while you are young and have the time and nothing holding you back. I am a firm believer in the saying "you can't take the money with you when you go." My dad loves to spend money on adventures like concerts and shows because it is more important to do these things rather than saving your money for something. You never know when your last day could be, so do what you can, while you can.
Some top places I really want to visit include:
Santorini, Greece-- it is an island in the Aegean sea and southeast of Greece's mainland. This is the place that you probably picture when you think of Greece. The white staircases all over, tiny houses, and the most beautiful body of water you have ever seen.
Here is a link to learn more about Santorini: http://www.visitgreece.gr/en/greek_islands/cyclades/santorini
Bora Bora-- it is an island in the French Polynesia. Most pictures include little huts that sit above the beautiful blue body of water. This body of water is actually the Pacific Ocean. It is only about 3 miles wide and 2 miles long. The population here is only about 8,000 people.
Here is a link, for articles not written by me, to lean more about Bora Bora: http://www.tahiti-tourisme.com/islands/borabora/bora-bora.asp
Atlantis-- this is actually a resort located in the Bahamas. You have probably seen the pink resort in many movies and television shows. In particular, there is a giant white slide that you might recognize.
This link takes you to the Atlantis Resort Website where you can book hotels, as well as look at things to do while you are there: http://www.atlantisbahamas.com/
I hope that one day soon I will be able to visit these islands because they look incredible!
This is a book about moving abroad in just 30 days. This will also help with packing and tips and suggestions to going to a foreign country, very helpful!
Some top places I really want to visit include:
Santorini, Greece-- it is an island in the Aegean sea and southeast of Greece's mainland. This is the place that you probably picture when you think of Greece. The white staircases all over, tiny houses, and the most beautiful body of water you have ever seen.
Here is a link to learn more about Santorini: http://www.visitgreece.gr/en/greek_islands/cyclades/santorini
Bora Bora-- it is an island in the French Polynesia. Most pictures include little huts that sit above the beautiful blue body of water. This body of water is actually the Pacific Ocean. It is only about 3 miles wide and 2 miles long. The population here is only about 8,000 people.
Here is a link, for articles not written by me, to lean more about Bora Bora: http://www.tahiti-tourisme.com/islands/borabora/bora-bora.asp
Atlantis-- this is actually a resort located in the Bahamas. You have probably seen the pink resort in many movies and television shows. In particular, there is a giant white slide that you might recognize.
This link takes you to the Atlantis Resort Website where you can book hotels, as well as look at things to do while you are there: http://www.atlantisbahamas.com/
I hope that one day soon I will be able to visit these islands because they look incredible!
This is a book about moving abroad in just 30 days. This will also help with packing and tips and suggestions to going to a foreign country, very helpful!
Monday, March 30, 2015
CafePress Products Promotion
The three CafePress products I am choosing to promote are: a drawstring bag, a luggage tag, and a square canvas pillow.
I chose these items because they go along with my travel theme.
A drawstring bag is perfect to have with you as your personal item , or even your carryon bag. It is $20.39 and has the picture of an airplane flying in the sky on the front of it. This design is great because you always know which bag to use when you are flying-- the one with the plane one it, of course. It is easy to travel with because it just goes on your back rather than a purse that just goes on one shoulder that you could easily lose.
The second item is a luggage tag. An annoying part about flying is finding your luggage when it comes out on the conveyer belt. Everyone rushes up to see if it is theirs. Well now you have something easy to spot that goes right on the top of you luggage, next to or on your handle. It has a picture that consists of many bright pictures of destinations that will be easy to locate. This luggage tag is only $5.99
The third item for sale is a square canvas pillow. My problem when flying is that I cannot ever seem to find a comfortable position to rest my head-- well now you can! With this easy-to-travel pillow you can just rest on the pillow instead of falling asleep on your neighbors shoulder! The image on this pillow is another collage of many famous destinations. This square canvas pillow will only cost you $23.99
I chose these items because they go along with my travel theme.
A drawstring bag is perfect to have with you as your personal item , or even your carryon bag. It is $20.39 and has the picture of an airplane flying in the sky on the front of it. This design is great because you always know which bag to use when you are flying-- the one with the plane one it, of course. It is easy to travel with because it just goes on your back rather than a purse that just goes on one shoulder that you could easily lose.
The second item is a luggage tag. An annoying part about flying is finding your luggage when it comes out on the conveyer belt. Everyone rushes up to see if it is theirs. Well now you have something easy to spot that goes right on the top of you luggage, next to or on your handle. It has a picture that consists of many bright pictures of destinations that will be easy to locate. This luggage tag is only $5.99
The third item for sale is a square canvas pillow. My problem when flying is that I cannot ever seem to find a comfortable position to rest my head-- well now you can! With this easy-to-travel pillow you can just rest on the pillow instead of falling asleep on your neighbors shoulder! The image on this pillow is another collage of many famous destinations. This square canvas pillow will only cost you $23.99
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Las Vegas, Nevada
This post is going to consist of things to do while in the city of Las Vegas, since I actually just got back from there last week!
Las Vegas, Nevada is a wonderful city and absolutely FULL of things to do. Most people could simply sit on the side of the street and people watch for the entire week. You see all kinds of people, and I truly mean ALL. There are no surprises that happen in Vegas. In fact, they do say, "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!" I went to a Beatles Cirque Du Soieli show and it was amazing. The characters were all so talented and entertaining. There was never a dull moment throughout the entire show. Although it was a little pricy, it was so worth it. Most of the things you do in Vegas are going to cost money, after all you are in VEGAS. Of course there is always gambling, but if you are not into that there are plenty of other things to do. Along the strip there are so many restaurants you could not possibly eat at each one even if you were there an entire year! You must go into each hotel and casino because they are all unique and fun to see. My favorite hotel and casino is Caesar's Palace, probably along with many others' favorite. The hotel I stayed in was New York, New York. It was a little on the south side of the strip but I absolutely loved it. There were so many rooms and "towers" and the casino was excellent. In fact, I actually won money instead of lost it all there! Another thing we went to was a Drag Queen show called "Diva's." It was something I have never seen before but was incredible! They are super talented, as well.
I could go on and on about things to do in Vegas, but I don't want to spoil your trip-- if you decide to go sometime. If you have any questions at all, please comment and I can tell you my opinions on what to do and what not to do while in "Sin City"!
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Analyze a Top Blog Post
The blog post I chose to analyze is this one.
It is the 20 best places to visit in Europe. This deals with my nice because I focus a lot on travel destinations all around the world. I like the fact that this one focuses just on Europe, in particular. I have been to three countries in Europe so this is very interesting to me. I have actually been to and stayed for a week in two of the cities that are listed.
While analyzing I am going to look at the content, reader engagement, design, monetization ,and traffic.
Based on the content they cover only places in Europe and ignore the rest of the world. But that is fine since the title of the blog is "20 Best Places to Visit in Europe."
Based on reader engagement, there is a button you can click if you think the city belongs on the list, or not. and a lot of them have thousands of votes. So this stands out that they do have an abundance of reader engagement, which is really great. The comments are around, or less than 100. But a lot of the comments are very lengthy, so that means that they have a lot of opinions, which can be good for the blogger because they can take that feedback and make their next blog post even better than the one before.
I like the design. Each city is bold and comes along with a visible picture that describes the city very well. The places are numbered in chronological order from #1 to #20.
There are advertisements on the side of the page, but the bloggers themselves are not trying to make money on their own products or services.
As for traffic, with the many comments and "yes" or "no" clicks, there seems to be a lot of visitors to the blog.
It is the 20 best places to visit in Europe. This deals with my nice because I focus a lot on travel destinations all around the world. I like the fact that this one focuses just on Europe, in particular. I have been to three countries in Europe so this is very interesting to me. I have actually been to and stayed for a week in two of the cities that are listed.
While analyzing I am going to look at the content, reader engagement, design, monetization ,and traffic.
Based on the content they cover only places in Europe and ignore the rest of the world. But that is fine since the title of the blog is "20 Best Places to Visit in Europe."
Based on reader engagement, there is a button you can click if you think the city belongs on the list, or not. and a lot of them have thousands of votes. So this stands out that they do have an abundance of reader engagement, which is really great. The comments are around, or less than 100. But a lot of the comments are very lengthy, so that means that they have a lot of opinions, which can be good for the blogger because they can take that feedback and make their next blog post even better than the one before.
I like the design. Each city is bold and comes along with a visible picture that describes the city very well. The places are numbered in chronological order from #1 to #20.
There are advertisements on the side of the page, but the bloggers themselves are not trying to make money on their own products or services.
As for traffic, with the many comments and "yes" or "no" clicks, there seems to be a lot of visitors to the blog.
Monday, March 2, 2015
Promote Another Blog Post
A blog that I would want to promote would be this one.
It is "26 Travel Sites Global Yodel Recommends For Daily Inspiration." This would be a great blog to promote because it lists links to several travel sites that would be a great fit for my company. I could definitely use some of these sites as potential destinations for my flights. It is an excellent blog because not only does it contain pictures, but also explains these pictures in depth. If you click on the links they take you to the exact site, which are all different from each other. It is great to have these all in one blog rather than having to search the internet to find a site that you enjoy best. You now have 26 options to find you perfect site that fits with your style or personality. Everyone is different in what they prefer, so having theses options really opens the door for advanced searches. One of my favorite websites is "Map Urbane." It is so interesting because not only does it show a map of the city, but lists on their various places within the city, where they are located, and what they have to offer. It adds a little humor to each city as well. Being from Illinois, the Chicago map is the most interesting to me because I actually know where the places on the map are actually located. These interactive maps make it easy and fun to find popular sites within each highly visited cities.
It is "26 Travel Sites Global Yodel Recommends For Daily Inspiration." This would be a great blog to promote because it lists links to several travel sites that would be a great fit for my company. I could definitely use some of these sites as potential destinations for my flights. It is an excellent blog because not only does it contain pictures, but also explains these pictures in depth. If you click on the links they take you to the exact site, which are all different from each other. It is great to have these all in one blog rather than having to search the internet to find a site that you enjoy best. You now have 26 options to find you perfect site that fits with your style or personality. Everyone is different in what they prefer, so having theses options really opens the door for advanced searches. One of my favorite websites is "Map Urbane." It is so interesting because not only does it show a map of the city, but lists on their various places within the city, where they are located, and what they have to offer. It adds a little humor to each city as well. Being from Illinois, the Chicago map is the most interesting to me because I actually know where the places on the map are actually located. These interactive maps make it easy and fun to find popular sites within each highly visited cities.
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Sneeze Page
In case you missed my post about travel tips I would like to sum up some of theses important suggestions. I think it is very important to prepare yourself for traveling. It is definitely not for everyone. My mom, for example, hates to fly. She gets motion sick and just does not like being in airports. But me, on the other hand, enjoys it greatly. I think it is fun to fly! I am heading to Las Vegas in a week and I am more than excited. But as I start to get ready for my trip I take into consideration the tips that I have accumulated over the years of traveling:
- pack early
- make a list of what you use on a day-to-day basis
- double and triple check that you have everything before leaving
- take an extra phone charger in case you lose yours or it somehow stops working
- it is never a bad thing to over pack
- check the weather before
- always take a coat or jacket in case it gets chilly at night-- even in warm places
- have your passport ready
- check to see if your flight is on time
- check website for flight to see what you can/cannot take
- stuff your socks or small shirts into your shoes to make more room in your suitcase
It is crucial to prepare when going on a trip, if you can. That way you are not stressed out about packing and worrying about your flight. Trust me, it will save you time and stress!
Friday, February 27, 2015
A Product Recommendation Post
The product I am recommending is a book by Bailey Richert called "50 International Travel Preparation Tips". This book is available HERE!
It is a short book (about 22 pages) about travel tips that are recommended for international traveling. It is suggested for US citizens for traveling abroad, which is where many of the top destinations are. It includes several travel hacks that will keep you safe, save you money and help avoid frustrating situations while traveling that a lot of people usually encounter. It is printed in English, because it is mainly for the use of US citizens, as mentioned earlier. I would strongly recommend this book, not only for the tips, but because it is free for any Kindle users. What a great opportunity for anyone that has a Kindle. What could be better than a free, educational book on something that you are going to gain so many memories from?!
For anyone that has never traveled before, this is a great beginner book. But for those of you who have traveled, it includes several tips that you may have not known before. It might mention a situation in which you have never encountered, therefore would not know what to do. This book is an excellent read for someone who does not have much time to do their research on the internet for a million tips. It wraps up all of the main suggestions for someone looking to travel, which is what all of you are at least interested in if you are taking a look at my blog.
It is a short book (about 22 pages) about travel tips that are recommended for international traveling. It is suggested for US citizens for traveling abroad, which is where many of the top destinations are. It includes several travel hacks that will keep you safe, save you money and help avoid frustrating situations while traveling that a lot of people usually encounter. It is printed in English, because it is mainly for the use of US citizens, as mentioned earlier. I would strongly recommend this book, not only for the tips, but because it is free for any Kindle users. What a great opportunity for anyone that has a Kindle. What could be better than a free, educational book on something that you are going to gain so many memories from?!
For anyone that has never traveled before, this is a great beginner book. But for those of you who have traveled, it includes several tips that you may have not known before. It might mention a situation in which you have never encountered, therefore would not know what to do. This book is an excellent read for someone who does not have much time to do their research on the internet for a million tips. It wraps up all of the main suggestions for someone looking to travel, which is what all of you are at least interested in if you are taking a look at my blog.
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
A Review Post
Since this is a travel blog, I am going to do a review post on a destination that I have visited before: Washington, D.C.
This is not only a destination but a historic place, known as the capital of the United States of America. It was formerly the district of Columbia, which is why it is referred to as D.C. now. It is on the east coast of the U.S.Some places I visited were the U.S. Capitol, the White House, Georgetown University, the Washington Monument, the National Mall, the Smithsonian Museum, the Lincoln Memorial, the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial, the World War II Memorial, ad Ford's Theater.
I had an amazing time in Washington, D.C. There is SO much to do we did not even have enough time to complete it all. My dad and I went last November and were only there for three days and two nights. It is truly an incredible experience to see all of the things you learn about in history books all throughout your lifetime. I never thought that I would get to see them in person.
I would recommend everyone to take a trip there at least once in their life. You will not regret it.
My rating for this destination would be a 10/10. It is good for anyone, even if history does not interest you at all. History used to be my least favorite subject, but seeing these sites was an eye opening experience.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Promote Your Own Website
In this post, I am analyzing my own website, The Storyteller.
Content:
I cover topics related to travel, cheap flights, desired destinations, and tips for traveling safely and efficiently.
Some things I have ignored so far, are the exact prices of flights. This is because they vary from day to day.
I post in first person, because it is my blog and I am the only one writing it.
I would say I am posting at a beginners level because this is my first time posting in a blog and creating my own business.
Reader Engagement:
The topics I feel that generate the most conversations are the places to travel. Many people have different opinions so it is hard to try and come up with a list that suits everyone.
I do not have any comments so I cannot change anything based on feedback.
Design:
My design is based on the template that is "travel." I thought it was pretty appropriate for my topic which is mainly travel.
Something I think I have done poorly on is the content and design of my posts. I usually stay with the normal font and black color. I should try and switch up the font and colors to make it more appealing to readers.
It is hard to analyze my own website because I do not have much feedback to go off of. But I willingly admitted to things that I could improve on and I will try to do so in my next blog posts.
Content:
I cover topics related to travel, cheap flights, desired destinations, and tips for traveling safely and efficiently.
Some things I have ignored so far, are the exact prices of flights. This is because they vary from day to day.
I post in first person, because it is my blog and I am the only one writing it.
I would say I am posting at a beginners level because this is my first time posting in a blog and creating my own business.
Reader Engagement:
The topics I feel that generate the most conversations are the places to travel. Many people have different opinions so it is hard to try and come up with a list that suits everyone.
I do not have any comments so I cannot change anything based on feedback.
Design:
My design is based on the template that is "travel." I thought it was pretty appropriate for my topic which is mainly travel.
Something I think I have done poorly on is the content and design of my posts. I usually stay with the normal font and black color. I should try and switch up the font and colors to make it more appealing to readers.
It is hard to analyze my own website because I do not have much feedback to go off of. But I willingly admitted to things that I could improve on and I will try to do so in my next blog posts.
Monday, February 23, 2015
A Link Post
A list from The Travel Channel states the top 14 vacation spots to visit.
These include:
Paris
New York City
Hawaii
Rome
Cancun, Mexico
Orlando
London
Miami
Las Vegas
San Francisco
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Los Angeles
Branson, Missouri
Puerto Rico
If you research more about these destinations, you will find that they are truly unforgettable. Each one has something special about it. And of course, they are all well known. I can guarantee that you will enjoy your time in each and every one of these places.
Clicking on the link will take you to the website which shows pictures of these beautiful destinations, as well. It shows the famous and well known aspects of each one. You will probably be able to recognize these, even if you have not visited there.
When people think of vacation, they usually think of beaches and relaxation. But these spots do not only include beaches, but historical cities as well. Paris and New York are fashion capitals of the world. There are plenty of places to go and see while you are there. If you are not wanting to travel abroad, the list includes several cities in the United States that are just as appealing.
Traveling creates so many memories and opportunities. For me, personally, traveling really opened up my mind and taught me to be who I really am. I learned to come out of my comfort zone, which I had been stuck in my entire life. It is important, no matter what age you are, to find your true self-- and I believe that is done through seeing different cultures of the world.
These include:
Paris
New York City
Hawaii
Rome
Cancun, Mexico
Orlando
London
Miami
Las Vegas
San Francisco
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Los Angeles
Branson, Missouri
Puerto Rico
If you research more about these destinations, you will find that they are truly unforgettable. Each one has something special about it. And of course, they are all well known. I can guarantee that you will enjoy your time in each and every one of these places.
Clicking on the link will take you to the website which shows pictures of these beautiful destinations, as well. It shows the famous and well known aspects of each one. You will probably be able to recognize these, even if you have not visited there.
When people think of vacation, they usually think of beaches and relaxation. But these spots do not only include beaches, but historical cities as well. Paris and New York are fashion capitals of the world. There are plenty of places to go and see while you are there. If you are not wanting to travel abroad, the list includes several cities in the United States that are just as appealing.
Traveling creates so many memories and opportunities. For me, personally, traveling really opened up my mind and taught me to be who I really am. I learned to come out of my comfort zone, which I had been stuck in my entire life. It is important, no matter what age you are, to find your true self-- and I believe that is done through seeing different cultures of the world.
Friday, February 20, 2015
A List Post
10 Tips for Pre-traveling
1. Pack Early
Getting started on packing early is a must. Waiting until the last minute to pack will cause unwanted stress and you will most likely forget something important. If you pack early, go through your day-to-day routine and write down everything you use so that you can pack those things last.
2. Check Weather
Make sure to check the weather where you are going so that you can pack accordingly. You wouldn't want to get there with all shorts and tank tops to find out that it is going to be freezing and rainy.
3. Check Flight Itinerary
Make sure to keep checking your flight itinerary to see if your flight has not been cancelled or delayed.
4. Arrive Early
Be sure to arrive to the airport at least 2 hours in advance. You never know how busy it could be or if something has gone wrong. The airports have so many customers a day, they are not going to care about you and your personal problems. They wait for NO ONE.
5. Do Your Research
When traveling abroad, especially, do research on the culture in that area. Not everyone has the same culture as you. This is important because you are going into their country, and would not want to offend them and not be let out of the country.
6. Passport
Be sure you have a passport and that it is up to date. Customs do not mess around when it comes to crossing the border.
7. Flight
Check what you can and cannot bring onto the plane before you leave. You usually have to keep things in small containers and no liquids are allowed. They are very strict on this. You do not want to risk having to throw away something that is valuable to you.
8. Check Again
Check your suitcase again and again. Make sure you are not forgetting anything that you think you would need.
9. Say Good-bye
Don't forget to say goodbye, or see you later, to your loved ones. Don't let the stress of preparing to leave make you forget that you will not see your loved ones for a week or even longer.
10. Have Fun!
Relax and enjoy your flight and just remember to have fun and make memories!
This book tells you how to pack an RV, which is also good for any trip. It teaches you tips on packing for any vacation!
1. Pack Early
Getting started on packing early is a must. Waiting until the last minute to pack will cause unwanted stress and you will most likely forget something important. If you pack early, go through your day-to-day routine and write down everything you use so that you can pack those things last.
2. Check Weather
Make sure to check the weather where you are going so that you can pack accordingly. You wouldn't want to get there with all shorts and tank tops to find out that it is going to be freezing and rainy.
3. Check Flight Itinerary
Make sure to keep checking your flight itinerary to see if your flight has not been cancelled or delayed.
4. Arrive Early
Be sure to arrive to the airport at least 2 hours in advance. You never know how busy it could be or if something has gone wrong. The airports have so many customers a day, they are not going to care about you and your personal problems. They wait for NO ONE.
5. Do Your Research
When traveling abroad, especially, do research on the culture in that area. Not everyone has the same culture as you. This is important because you are going into their country, and would not want to offend them and not be let out of the country.
6. Passport
Be sure you have a passport and that it is up to date. Customs do not mess around when it comes to crossing the border.
7. Flight
Check what you can and cannot bring onto the plane before you leave. You usually have to keep things in small containers and no liquids are allowed. They are very strict on this. You do not want to risk having to throw away something that is valuable to you.
8. Check Again
Check your suitcase again and again. Make sure you are not forgetting anything that you think you would need.
9. Say Good-bye
Don't forget to say goodbye, or see you later, to your loved ones. Don't let the stress of preparing to leave make you forget that you will not see your loved ones for a week or even longer.
10. Have Fun!
Relax and enjoy your flight and just remember to have fun and make memories!
This book tells you how to pack an RV, which is also good for any trip. It teaches you tips on packing for any vacation!
Friday, January 30, 2015
Amsterdam
The first city I visited when I went to Europe this summer was Amsterdam.
I will always remember my time here. It was one of the most beautiful and amazing cities I have ever been to. The architecture of every building was unique, yet similar at the same time. They are nothing like buildings in the United States. They are built tall instead of wide so that there can be more of them. Walking around the city you would see tall, skinny buildings like you have never seen before.
Another beautiful aspect of this city is the canal running through the center of it. Almost everywhere you turn, you are able to see the canal. Standing on the bridge looking down at the streets is one of the most amazing pictures.
Another awesome picture opportunity is the "I Amsterdam" sign. Of course, it was busy but still able to get a few good shots.
Walking around the streets of Amsterdam was hectic, at first. Not many cars roam the streets, like in the U.S. More people travel on bicycles in the Netherlands. It was amazing how many people were on bikes. And how fast they were going!!!
Shopping was also one of my favorite things to do. Quite expensive but a lot of high-end stores.
Something that was hard to adjust to was the language. I had never really heard Dutch before I had gone abroad. A very....interesting language, to say the least. I never tried learning it because I was only there for a month, but I think it would be fairly hard to do so.
I will always remember my time here. It was one of the most beautiful and amazing cities I have ever been to. The architecture of every building was unique, yet similar at the same time. They are nothing like buildings in the United States. They are built tall instead of wide so that there can be more of them. Walking around the city you would see tall, skinny buildings like you have never seen before.
Another beautiful aspect of this city is the canal running through the center of it. Almost everywhere you turn, you are able to see the canal. Standing on the bridge looking down at the streets is one of the most amazing pictures.
Another awesome picture opportunity is the "I Amsterdam" sign. Of course, it was busy but still able to get a few good shots.
Walking around the streets of Amsterdam was hectic, at first. Not many cars roam the streets, like in the U.S. More people travel on bicycles in the Netherlands. It was amazing how many people were on bikes. And how fast they were going!!!
Shopping was also one of my favorite things to do. Quite expensive but a lot of high-end stores.
Something that was hard to adjust to was the language. I had never really heard Dutch before I had gone abroad. A very....interesting language, to say the least. I never tried learning it because I was only there for a month, but I think it would be fairly hard to do so.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
About The Storyteller
Hi, all!
I am The Storyteller. Welcome to my blog.
I am a senior business administration major at Illinois State University.
My blogs are all about traveling. But not JUST traveling. You get to see the ins and outs of all the best places to visit throughout the world. I have an absolute love for traveling and want to share it with the world.
Anyone can spend their money on clothes, shoes and handbags, but the smartest people spend their wealth on seeing the world.
My love for international traveling began in May of 2014. I studied abroad in The Netherlands for a month. My program was called "Doing Business in Europe." I learned so much but what really intrigued me was traveling. I have always been very shy but when I went abroad it really opened my eyes to everything there is in the world. I gained a new love for seeing things that are not able to be seen in the U.S.
I want others to get the chance to see the world, as well. The one thing holding people back is money. Another barrier is the stress of planning. But that is what my company is here to do. We find the cheapest flights to the world's top destinations, as well as providing you with maps, tips, and places to see while you are in your new favorite place!
Have you ever dreamed of going to Paris, Rome, London, or Greece?
I can help you make this dream a reality!
Contact me for more details at: http://kontactr.com/user/TheStoryteller
I am The Storyteller. Welcome to my blog.
I am a senior business administration major at Illinois State University.
My blogs are all about traveling. But not JUST traveling. You get to see the ins and outs of all the best places to visit throughout the world. I have an absolute love for traveling and want to share it with the world.
Anyone can spend their money on clothes, shoes and handbags, but the smartest people spend their wealth on seeing the world.
My love for international traveling began in May of 2014. I studied abroad in The Netherlands for a month. My program was called "Doing Business in Europe." I learned so much but what really intrigued me was traveling. I have always been very shy but when I went abroad it really opened my eyes to everything there is in the world. I gained a new love for seeing things that are not able to be seen in the U.S.
I want others to get the chance to see the world, as well. The one thing holding people back is money. Another barrier is the stress of planning. But that is what my company is here to do. We find the cheapest flights to the world's top destinations, as well as providing you with maps, tips, and places to see while you are in your new favorite place!
Have you ever dreamed of going to Paris, Rome, London, or Greece?
I can help you make this dream a reality!
Contact me for more details at: http://kontactr.com/user/TheStoryteller
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Desired Destinations, Inc.
What sounds better than "cheap travel"?
...I would say not a lot!
If you are interested in traveling the world to the top destinations, then you are in the right place!
My love for traveling is immense, but I am a college student and I do not have the funds to go everywhere I would like to go. That's why I created my own business, Desired Destinations, Inc. I figured there are a lot of people in the same boat that I am in and will appreciate my efforts to help everyone out.
I want to provide the cheapest flights to the best places in the world. Not only do I offer the cheapest flights, but I will highlight things to see at these magnificent destinations. Places to visit, restaurants to eat at, monuments to see, places to take pictures, places to shop, fun things to do, and ultimately how to have a great time.
Instead of searching the web over and over again to find the cheapest flight, I have people that will do that for you. Saves you all some precious time and most of all avoids the stress!
Keep checking back for blog posts with destination information on places you might want to visit which might include places that we just so happen to offer!
Send me an email and let me know what places you would like to see on my website! If I get enough requests for a certain destination, I will certainly do my best to add it!
http://kontactr.com/user/TheStoryteller
...I would say not a lot!
If you are interested in traveling the world to the top destinations, then you are in the right place!
My love for traveling is immense, but I am a college student and I do not have the funds to go everywhere I would like to go. That's why I created my own business, Desired Destinations, Inc. I figured there are a lot of people in the same boat that I am in and will appreciate my efforts to help everyone out.
I want to provide the cheapest flights to the best places in the world. Not only do I offer the cheapest flights, but I will highlight things to see at these magnificent destinations. Places to visit, restaurants to eat at, monuments to see, places to take pictures, places to shop, fun things to do, and ultimately how to have a great time.
Instead of searching the web over and over again to find the cheapest flight, I have people that will do that for you. Saves you all some precious time and most of all avoids the stress!
Keep checking back for blog posts with destination information on places you might want to visit which might include places that we just so happen to offer!
Send me an email and let me know what places you would like to see on my website! If I get enough requests for a certain destination, I will certainly do my best to add it!
http://kontactr.com/user/TheStoryteller
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