During the 2012 Travel Blog Exchange (TBEX) Conference in Colorado last weekend, panelist Sheila Scarborough reminded attendees that it’s important to work with “rising star” bloggers in lieu of always going after the big-wig bloggers who are bombarded with public relations inquiries and thus more selective about partnerships.

We couldn’t agree more.

On this #FollowFriday, we (the M Booth Travel team) decided to share some of our favorite up-and-coming travel and lifestyle bloggers with you. They have a unique perspective on travel, so if you work in that space, they are bloggers you might want to know.

Of course, our list doesn’t end here - this is merely a sample. Tell us about the “rising star” bloggers you love!

• @TravelBareFeet (TravelBarefeet.com) – A dance instructor by profession, Mickela Malozzi travels the world learning the local dances that define the cultures she encounters.
  

• @DivasandDorks (DivasandDorks.com) – Women are multi-faceted creatures and Christen Rochon drives that point home with her blog Divas and Dorks. She showcases the technology and gadgets that make the life of a diva-on-the-go easier and she’s about to take a deeper dive into the world of travel. We can’t wait!

• @KyletheVagabond (KyletheVagabond.com) – Kyle keeps it real and he keeps it funny, just like we like it. His travel stories are quirky and honest, as you can see from his post about Punting Possums in New Zealand.

• @BrenHerrera (FlanboyantEats.com) – This Latina-in-stilettos is a self-taught private chef, fashionista and has a way with her flavorful recipes. She’s appeared on CNN en Espanol and something tells us that’s not the last we’ll see of her on television.

• @WorldLillie (AroundtheWorldL.com) – Lillie Marshall says it best herself: “We teachers are in the only profession that has 3 months a year of vacation. Cater to us, travel companies! Google search the term Traveling Teacher and see who is the #1 search result in the world.”

• @RumShopRyan (RumShopRyan.com) – A connoisseur of island life, Ryan left his landlocked state to pursue a life in the sun. He explains, “Why the name RumShopRyan? Because rum is good and it makes me happy. Any questions?” ß No, I get it Ryan. I SO get it.

• @UncommonCarib (UncommonCaribbean.com) – Caribbean-born Steve and Patrick Bennett let the world know that there’s more to the Caribbean than the beach. The blog’s Pinterest page kind of makes you want to take a Caribbean vacation post-haste.

• @Anniefitz (HotelBelle by Annie Fitzsimmons) – We love reading the big-name hotel blogs for their industry news coverage and quirky round-ups, but Annie Fitzsimmons offers an individual perspective – one that focuses more on the guest’s personal connection with the hotel and its local surroundings.

• @ExpertVagabond (ExpertVagabond.com) – Whether he’s searching for a lost Columbian drug smuggling plane or trekking to an active volcano in Guatemala, Matthew Karsten is always on the lookout for a great adventure. A former fashion photographer (what a switch!), his photos and videos are pretty cool too!

-Andréa S.