Checking your bank account is the most surefire way of getting a reality check, especially as a student.  We all have dreams to seek new adventures, to travel the world, to check one more thing off that bucket list.  Or heck, even just to do some “much-needed” online shopping.  But these aspirations often remind us where the buck stops, and it’s usually closer than it appears.  You may not be able to jump on a plane to Bali tomorrow, but following travel bloggers and Instagrammers can soothe that wanderlust bug bite till your next paycheck.  Here are my top 5 favorites for best travel bloggers:

1. Helene in Between

This Texas gal moved to Germany with her husband and dogs and is truly the most genuine blogger I’ve come across.  She makes it a point to respond to her Instagram comments and emails even with her 110k+ Instagram followers.  Follow Helene for some gorgeous shots as well her real-talk captions.

View this post on Instagram

Took a steam train ride through the beautiful Romanian countryside 🚂 You can’t talk about Romania without thinking about Communism. Many people remember standing in line for hours to get the few provisions they need to live. I feel so fortunate to get to visit this country now and happy to see how far they’ve come. This country really is worth the visit. 🇷🇴 #experienceromania #helenetravels #heleneloveseurope #heleneinromania

A post shared by Helene Sula |Lifestyle Blogger (@heleneinbetween) on Oct 27, 2017 at 7:54am PDT

2. World of Wanderlust

This Aussie started a blog, wrote a book, opened a bakery and manages a contributing staff of five across the world—all by the age of 24!  Her impeccable photography, intense ambition and truly wild wanderlust are the best reasons to give her a follow.

View this post on Instagram

Everything you can imagine is real. ✨💛✨

A post shared by Brooke Saward (@worldwanderlust) on Jun 23, 2017 at 1:15pm PDT

3. French Wedding Style

Here is a big fat warning: your jaw will drop and your jealousy will rage.  This blog is “for those couples who are planning a destination wedding in France or who are looking to add a little French style into their wedding day,” according to its site.  I don’t have a wedding in the works, but this Instagram caught my attention, making me drool with its beautiful scenery and photography.

View this post on Instagram

Our bride and groom strolled hand in hand through the pretty cobbled streets of Eze, looking happy and so in love. We love the brides stunning Vera Wang gown next to the groom's bold and vibrant blue suit. The soft subtle colours in the bouquet were perfectly matched with the couples outfits. For more details from this beautiful wedding, head over to the blog, see link in profile.  Photographer @philip_andrukhovich | Venue @hotelchateaueza | Accommodation @hotelchateaueza | Dress @verawanggang | Shoes @repettoparis | Florist @ferrismara

A post shared by French Wedding Style Blog (@frenchweddingstyle) on Aug 14, 2017 at 2:04pm PDT

4. Dame Traveler

This account features submitted posts from women traveling all over the world.  Its many contributors give this account an incredible scope and varied perspective.

View this post on Instagram

Nothing can dim the beautiful light that shines from within ✨ you are gold. remember that 🤍 #DameTravelerBook contributor @froonthego 🇲🇲 #dametravelermyanmar #dametraveler

A post shared by Travel Blog for Women (@dametraveler) on May 27, 2020 at 12:04pm PDT

5. Tiffany Roubert

I came across this photographer on Dame Traveler and fell in love with her photo story.  Her travel photography isn’t the basic cookie-cutter, overly-edited Instagram type. She has a background in photojournalism, and this commitment to storytelling is obvious in her photos.

View this post on Instagram

Fellow travellers 💙 #lama #roadtrip

A post shared by Tiffany Roubert (@tiffanyroubert) on May 11, 2017 at 10:21am PDT

The bank account may not allow it, but let these travel bloggers and Instagrammers take you on a journey into their wanderlust.

{Who are your favorite travel bloggers/Instagrammers?}