There are all sorts of travel guides out there, but I’m always drawn to the word of mouth recommendations from trusted friends and people with the same sensibilities as myself. Lately on the design blog web circuit there have been a smattering of such “unofficial design/travel guides,” so I thought it would benefit everyone to draw attention to a few of them. Read/add comments to these great blogs and keep spreading the travel bug!

{“travel plate” by Lena Corwin, for sale in her shop}

Yesterday textile artist and illustrator, Lena Corwin posted on her blog in the morning soliciting advice for her trip to Sweden and Denmark; by afternoon she had over 50 comments in response to her post with awesome recommendations . One of the leads was Emma’s Design Blogg– Emma created a Stockholm guide a few months back.

{image via Oh Joy!}

Joy of Oh Joy! plans a trip to Chicago and needs your recommendations.

{image via Decor8 via IrenaS}

Holly of Decor8 took a trip to Montreal and asked her readers recommendations, among other leads, it connected her to the Budget Travel article, “My Montreal is Better than Yours” and the great Montreal-based blog EndlessBanquet (check their recent Vancouver posts too). Just look at the power of the web at work! . . .Oh, and Holly also has an extensive list of great stores listed by city on the right hand column of her blog.

Now where to go on my next trip…

P.S. Check out my July 22 post for more design savvy travel guides already on the web!