J’adore – AFAR Local Experts
It is no secret how much I love AFAR. I do happen to be an ambassador for them, but the love affair started long before that. Whether it is the magazine (my favorite), their charity, or the online site, AFAR creates an experience.
And it is not just the folks that get an actual paycheck from there (can you say, dream job?), no it is the community of fans and followers and fellow travelers which bind it all together.
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One aspect of the travel community I have already written about is the Highlights and Wanderlists. Little gems of information that you can create on their website. As a traveler, it is a spot that I can get sucked into for hours. Building lists for places I want to go and things I want to eat. I do my own highlights and create a wanderlist to share my experiences as well.
I find them highly useful when heading out of town. I can quickly search and see what other people's experiences have been. I can see it visually in the photos but also read about it in their descriptions and see what other people comment as well.
And it is not just the places in the far corners of the world that are shared, sometimes it is about the town right next door. Towns where AFAR local experts share what is best about the spots they live in or visit often. What not to miss, what foods to try out. For me, I find that far more interesting than reading a travel guide. When someone eats, breathes, and lives a place frequently, if not every day, they are exactly the people I want to take advice from.
I am always saying that anyone can travel. Even if it is the next town over, the next county, the next state. AFAR in their designation of people as local experts perpetuate that belief which is just one more reason why I love them!
But here is where YOU come in. There needs to be more, more more! I need more Vegas (Abby?), I need more Oklahoma City (Jen, you had a good start), I need more Dallas (Clara, how about you?), and Nashville (Kristin?), and Charlotte is woefully under-represented (Andi P I need you!).
I want to learn more about these places. I want to know what the locals know when it comes to the best spots to visit and places to eat. Start sharing!
The amazing local experts on AFAR share their expertise and it benefits everyone.
Wow. I couldn’t have said it better myself! Thanks again Andi for the AFAR love, and for the fabulous Local Expert info – and hopefully, recruits! We’re so stoked to have you on our team of ambassadors. Good luck in the contest! 🙂
@Lauren, thanks, fingers crossed there is a Noma meal in my future!
Andi, your post is timely. I’ve been meaning to get active on AFAR for months. I subscribed to the magazine several months ago thanks to you and Kristen Luna’s recommendation and do enjoy reading it. I see there aren’t a lot of contributions on my hometown of Memphis so that sounds like a great spot to start.
@Lance, it’s true not a lot of coverage for the South which is incredible to me since there is SO much great stuff there! Can’t wait to read your Highlights and now you have extra incentive!
Great post.
I am addicted to Afar too and just recently became a Local Expert.
I was thrilled and it is really a great boost for bloggers to get their work and name out there.
From locals to savvy travellers it provides some great reads and images that help people plan their trips to suit special interests and discover so many hidden gems. I am using it to plan my trip to Paris this coming September.
If you’ve been to France you should come and enter my monthly giveaway! 😀
I am so sad Canadians can’t participate in the contest!
Murissa
I like this post 🙂
I’m in! I’m in!!! I do always think of AFAR as this wonderful magazine but overlook the community. Not anymore. 🙂
Loved this post because I just love love love Afar.
Every month when I open up my post box my heart just stops.
And skips a beat.
I get transported. Transported to the magical world of travel.
Now if I could just score some more vacation time from my silly day job.
@Lindsey, I feel the same, the magazine is transformative! Fingers-crossed on days off for you!
This review was awesome. You have brought so much to my attention 🙂
@Mitzi, thank you and its my pleasure!
Thanks for sharing!
I always seek out someone that has been to the place that I will be traveling to get the inside information. Those are always the better places to visit and eat than those on the tourist track.
@Wendy, it is the best way to go and often exposes hidden gems.
I love AFAR. I think it is one of the most beautiful magazines in print. I was actually a finalist in their first CATCH contest – I wish I had saved that highlight for this one! 🙂 You know, I hadn’t really thought about posting more local highlights – I’m thinking Fayetteville, NC isn’t exactly a travel hot-spot. 😉
@Katie, but you travel so you have fodder for highlights – Austin, San Antonio, etc. Plus some of the restaurants you’ve been too – plenty and I am sure Fayetteville and its local surrounds have their own charm 😉
Haha, “charm” is such a nice way to put it. 😉
I wish I could travel but my health does not allow me to do much – thank you for sharing and I can pretend to be in those wonderful places you visit.
@Maria, that is often how I travel, via books and blogs….
I never heard of Afar. I’m going to look into it.
I agree, Charlotte needs more press!!! If only I had the time… Thanks for the shout out love!
Great Post Andi
You are such an inspiration to the Travelers community.
xox
@Sivan, wow that is an incredible compliment coming from you, I am such a fan of your blog, your photography and your work!
Sounds like a great way to share travel information! And now that I think about it, I would want my travel tips to come straight from the locals! I’ll have to pick up AFAR now and look more into its community. One can’t have too many travel-related resources, in my humble opinion!
@Ari, I couldn’t agree more!
Great stories about travel.
Sounds like a really cool orginization, I had never heard ot hem before.
@Sam, they are pretty great! I recommend picking up a copy of the magazine or checking them out online.
Thanks for the post.
This is so awesome!
Thanks for sharing! Good luck in the contest!
I think my town is too boring for this site :0
Wow you have the best Job . I would like to try the different foods