Nothing like a makeover to rejuvenate your spirits: As returning visitors will notice (and hopefully first-time readers will enjoy), Chris Around The World has a fresh new look!

About a month ago, I hired web whiz Steve Conley to help me overhaul the site. I started Chris Around The World when I still had a full-time job, so it was more of a hobby than anything else – and it looked that way. Now Chris Around The World has become a travel media outlet that gains more readers by the day. It deserved a site that not only reflected its ambitions, but highlighted the high-quality reader contributions that I’ve received over the past few months.

Here’s are some of the new features that you might notice as you take a look around: 

1. Easier access to content.  No question: This redesign puts articles front and center. My old stories are archived in a way that makes sense, and that you’ll be able to find. And hopefully, the new navigation system will lead you to a new story or destination that you’ve never read before.

2. A consumer-friendly change in focus. One of my favorite parts about blogging has been helping other travelers as they plan their trips. So I’ve incorporated “tips” into my tagline and will make it a focus as I move forward. I’m here to help – so feel free to ask me anything. If I don’t know the answer, I’ll track down someone who does.

Look, too, for a Travel Links section that shares the tools that I use when planning my own trips.  

3. Greater emphasis on reader contributions. My favorite addition is the box that lists the “recent comments,” as well as “popular posts.” I’ve been lucky enough to receive comments from other bloggers, journalists and travelers that add significantly to the discussion. Now everyone will able to easily see the contributions that readers have put forward.

4. Photo galleries that actually work (hopefully) . We’re still pulling this one together. But between my husband and I, we’ve spent some serious time snapping away on our travels and assignments. We plan to bring you galleries of travel photos that will inspire you to dream – and help you decide what to visit and what to skip as you plan your own trips.

5. Advertising. Yep, no way around it. A website needs advertising to succeed. I’ve done my best to select advertisers and affiliates that create products and services that I’ve used and believe in, so hopefully they won’t be too much of a turnoff. And I will continue to practice full disclosure as I move forward.

Steve and I are still tweaking the design, so there’s time to tell me your thoughts about the makeover. Is there something missing that you’d like me to add? What works and what doesn’t? Leave me a comment or shoot me an email. I’d like the site to be better for YOU!