information about the travel writing

What You Should Know About Travel Writing

• An Introduction to Punctuation
• Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
• M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
• B.A., English, State University of New York

Travel writing is a form of creative nonfiction in which the narrator's encounters with foreign places serve as the dominant subject. Also called  travel literature .

"All travel writing—because it is writing—is made in the sense of being constructed, says Peter Hulme, "but travel writing cannot be made up without losing its designation" (quoted by Tim Youngs in  The Cambridge Introduction to Travel Writing , 2013).

Notable contemporary travel writers in English include Paul Theroux, Susan Orlean, Bill Bryson , Pico Iyer, Rory MacLean, Mary Morris, Dennison Berwick, Jan Morris, Tony Horwitz, Jeffrey Tayler, and Tom Miller, among countless others.

Examples of Travel Writing

• "By the Railway Side" by Alice Meynell
• Lists and Anaphora in Bill Bryson's "Neither Here Nor There"
• Lists in William Least Heat-Moon's Place Description
• "London From a Distance" by Ford Madox Ford
• "Niagara Falls" by Rupert Brooke
• "Nights in London" by Thomas Burke
• "Of Trave," by Francis Bacon
• "Of Travel" by Owen Felltham
• "Rochester" by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Observations About Travel Writing

Authors, journalists, and others have attempted to describe travel writing, which is more difficult to do than you might think. However, these excerpts explain that travel writing—at a minimum—requires a sense of curiosity, awareness, and fun.

Thomas Swick

• "The best writers in the field [of travel writing] bring to it an indefatigable curiosity, a fierce intelligence that enables them to interpret, and a generous heart that allows them to connect. Without resorting to invention , they make ample use of their imaginations. . . . "The travel book itself has a similar grab bag quality. It incorporates the characters and plot line of a novel, the descriptive power of poetry, the substance of a history lesson, the discursiveness of an essay , and the—often inadvertent—self-revelation of a memoir . It revels in the particular while occasionally illuminating the universal. It colors and shapes and fills in gaps. Because it results from displacement, it is frequently funny. It takes readers for a spin (and shows them, usually, how lucky they are). It humanizes the alien. More often than not it celebrates the unsung. It uncovers truths that are stranger than fiction. It gives eyewitness proof of life’s infinite possibilities." ("Not a Tourist." The Wilson Quarterly , Winter 2010)

Casey Blanton

• "There exists at the center of travel books like [Graham] Greene's Journey Without Maps or [V.S.] Naipaul's An Area of Darkness a mediating consciousness that monitors the journey, judges, thinks, confesses, changes, and even grows. This narrator , so central to what we have come to expect in modern travel writing , is a relatively new ingredient in travel literature, but it is one that irrevocably changed the genre . . . . "Freed from strictly chronological , fact-driven narratives , nearly all contemporary travel writers include their own dreams and memories of childhood as well as chunks of historical data and synopses of other travel books. Self reflexivity and instability, both as theme and style , offer the writer a way to show the effects of his or her own presence in a foreign country and to expose the arbitrariness of truth and the absence of norms." ( Travel Writing: The Self and the World . Routledge, 2002)

Frances Mayes

• "Some travel writers can become serious to the point of lapsing into good ol' American puritanism. . . . What nonsense! I have traveled much in Concord. Good travel writing can be as much about having a good time as about eating grubs and chasing drug lords. . . . [T]ravel is for learning, for fun, for escape, for personal quests, for challenge, for exploration, for opening the imagination to other lives and languages." (Introduction to The Best American Travel Writing 2002 . Houghton, 2002)

Travel Writers on Travel Writing

In the past, travel writing was considered to be nothing more than the detailing of specific routes to various destinations. Today, however, travel writing has become much more. Read on to find out what famous travel writers such as V.S. Naipaul and Paul Theroux say about the profession.

V.S. Naipaul

• "My books have to be called ' travel writing ,' but that can be misleading because in the old days travel writing was essentially done by men describing the routes they were taking. . . . What I do is quite different. I travel on a theme . I travel to make an inquiry. I am not a journalist. I am taking with me the gifts of sympathy, observation, and curiosity that I developed as an imaginative writer. The books I write now, these inquiries, are really constructed narratives." (Interview with Ahmed Rashid, "Death of the Novel." The Observer , Feb. 25, 1996)

Paul Theroux

• - "Most travel narratives—perhaps all of them, the classics anyway—describe the miseries and splendors of going from one remote place to another. The quest, the getting there, the difficulty of the road is the story; the journey, not the arrival, matters, and most of the time the traveler—the traveler’s mood, especially—is the subject of the whole business. I have made a career out of this sort of slogging and self-portraiture, travel writing as diffused autobiography ; and so have many others in the old, laborious look-at-me way that informs travel writing ." (Paul Theroux, "The Soul of the South." Smithsonian Magazine , July-August 2014) - "Most visitors to coastal Maine know it in the summer. In the nature of visitation, people show up in the season. The snow and ice are a bleak memory now on the long warm days of early summer, but it seems to me that to understand a place best, the visitor needs to see figures in a landscape in all seasons. Maine is a joy in the summer. But the soul of Maine is more apparent in the winter. You see that the population is actually quite small, the roads are empty, some of the restaurants are closed, the houses of the summer people are dark, their driveways unplowed. But Maine out of season is unmistakably a great destination: hospitable, good-humored, plenty of elbow room, short days, dark nights of crackling ice crystals. "Winter is a season of recovery and preparation. Boats are repaired, traps fixed, nets mended. “I need the winter to rest my body,” my friend the lobsterman told me, speaking of how he suspended his lobstering in December and did not resume until April. . . ." ("The Wicked Coast." The Atlantic , June 2011)

Susan Orlean

• - "To be honest, I view all stories as journeys. Journeys are the essential text of the human experience—the journey from birth to death, from innocence to wisdom, from ignorance to knowledge, from where we start to where we end. There is almost no piece of important writing—the Bible, the Odyssey , Chaucer, Ulysses —that isn't explicitly or implicitly the story of a journey. Even when I don't actually go anywhere for a particular story, the way I report is to immerse myself in something I usually know very little about, and what I experience is the journey toward a grasp of what I've seen." (Susan Orlean, Introduction to My Kind of Place: Travel Stories from a Woman Who's Been Everywhere . Random House, 2004) - "When I went to Scotland for a friend's wedding last summer, I didn't plan on firing a gun. Getting into a fistfight, maybe; hurling insults about badly dressed bridesmaids, of course; but I didn't expect to shoot or get shot at. The wedding was taking place in a medieval castle in a speck of a village called Biggar. There was not a lot to do in Biggar, but the caretaker of the castle had skeet-shooting gear, and the male guests announced that before the rehearsal dinner they were going to give it a go. The women were advised to knit or shop or something. I don't know if any of us women actually wanted to join them, but we didn't want to be left out, so we insisted on coming along. . . ." (Opening paragraph of "Shooting Party." The New Yorker , September 29, 1999)

Jonathan Raban

• - "As a literary form, travel writing is a notoriously raffish open house where different genres are likely to end up in the bed. It accommodates the private diary , the essay , the short story, the prose poem, the rough note and polished table talk with indiscriminate hospitality. It freely mixes narrative and discursive writing." ( For Love & Money: Writing - Reading - Travelling 1968-1987 . Picador, 1988)
• - "Travel in its purest form requires no certain destination, no fixed itinerary, no advance reservation and no return ticket, for you are trying to launch yourself onto the haphazard drift of things, and put yourself in the way of whatever changes the journey may throw up. It's when you miss the one flight of the week, when the expected friend fails to show, when the pre-booked hotel reveals itself as a collection of steel joists stuck into a ravaged hillside, when a stranger asks you to share the cost of a hired car to a town whose name you've never heard, that you begin to travel in earnest." ("Why Travel?" Driving Home: An American Journey . Pantheon, 2011)
• Defining Nonfiction Writing
• Creative Nonfiction
• Point of View in Grammar and Composition
• 11 Things You Should Know About Trees
• Examples of Images in Poetry, Fiction, and Nonfiction
• What Are the Different Types and Characteristics of Essays?
• Description in Rhetoric and Composition
• A Guide to All Types of Narration, With Examples
• What Is Prose?
• 100 Major Works of Modern Creative Nonfiction
• Writing the Parts of a Stage Play Script
• Great Summer Creative Writing Programs for High School Students
• Our Four Seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn
• Architecture Basics - Learn What's What and Who's Who
• The Four Seasons in Spanish

National Geographic content straight to your inbox—sign up for our popular newsletters here

The Masterclasses 2023: 10 travel writing tips from our experts

From establishing a niche to tackling writer’s block, the autumn series of The Masterclasses saw 12 of the UK’s leading travel journalists share the tips and tricks behind their success.

The Masterclasses by National Geographic Traveller (UK) returned in September 2023 with a brand-new series of insightful, hour-long online sessions curated for aspiring travel writers and photographers.  

Leaving no stone unturned, the expert panel of travel writers explored everything from penning that all-important opening line to forming good relationships with editors. Throughout the three sessions, they shared a wealth of inside knowledge — offering up advice that will prove invaluable to anyone hoping to make travel writing a full-time career.  

These are their 10 top tips on getting your story published, navigating the industry and using structure to elevate your travel writing.  

1. Know your reader

“I would say the number one mistake freelance writers make when pitching is they don’t understand the audience of the title. The best thing you can do if you’re really interested in writing for a publication is to go out and buy yourself the magazine and familiarise yourself with the content, the tone and the kinds of things that the readership might find of interest.”   — Alicia Miller, Pitching and getting published  

2. Be patient

“If you’re really interested in something, then there will be an audience out there for that story. It’s just about finding the right home for it. Don’t get discouraged — and believe in your idea! Because if you find it interesting, other people will too.” — Daniel Stables, Pitching and getting published  

3. Win over commissioning editors

“When I first started freelancing, editors didn’t know who I was. One way of showcasing my knowledge was deeply researching a destination and including a taste of that in the pitch. Make it concise, but also show that you have knowledge about the destination. If I was working with a new editor for the first time, I would always include links to previous work, or somehow demonstrate my expertise in the subject.” — Qin Xie, Pitching and getting published

4. Utilise social media

“Dinosaurs like me may absolutely despise it, but the reality is that if you’re a travel writer and you have no presence on social media, you have no presence.” — Tharik Hussain, How to be a savvy travel writer in 2023  

5. Know today’s travel writing landscape  

“Perhaps 10 years ago, 20 years ago, travel writing came from a person’s appreciation of a destination. Now what we’re looking at is trying to capitalise on what other people in the big internet landscape are looking for… Travel writing is kind of evolving away from being that destination-led 'this was my experience, and this is how you can recreate it' and it’s turning to using travel as a sort of lifestyle trend.” — Cathy Adams, How to be a savvy travel writer in 2023  

6. Find a niche  

“Editors, increasingly, are looking for people either based in a destination or people who know a place really well and really understand the culture. And so, a couple of benefits of having a niche are that it helps editors find you: they can remember what your patch is. And then, on a personal level, I find it really satisfying to find those stories that take you to the deeper levels of a destination. You have to have a really genuine passion for the place because it’s a bit like writing a book: you still have to find it interesting after 50,000 words.” —   Zoey Goto, How to be a savvy travel writer in 2023  

7. Find the right working environment

“Usually, I’ll find some travel writing from a writer I really like, and I’ll kind of read over their pieces just to get in the right frame of mind. I’ll usually listen to some quite amped-up music — usually the same playlist I use for running — because it kind of gets you in the mood to do things. For actual writing, I’m a big fan of white noise. Having narrowed it down over several years, I think my favourite type of white noise is the tumble dryer; there’s a whole tumble dryer playlist on Spotify that I am really dedicated to.” — Georgia Stephens, How to structure your storytelling  

8. Write as though talking to a friend

“You don’t have to use highfalutin prose to make an intro work. Often, it’s the simple stuff. Good journalism is a bit like talking to a friend. Just tell me what’s happening… And in the same way that your friends wouldn’t when you tell them about your travels, [the reader] won’t listen to more than two sentences of description. With the greatest of respect, no one cares.” — James Stewart, How to structure your storytelling  

9. Make the most of quotes

“Quotes are a way to deliver information to your reader from a different perspective — and it’s so much more powerful coming from someone else other than you. It’s definitely important to use quotes, especially when you’re writing about communities that you may not be a part of. Allowing people to tell their stories in their own words as much as possible, is so important.” — Katherine Gallardo, How to structure your storytelling  

10. Don't be afraid of writer's block

“As someone who has come to this relatively recently, I would say that even the best writers struggle to write sometimes. Everybody gets writer’s block, even published authors. Just don’t beat yourself up. If it’s not coming, it’s not coming. Just come back to it another day.” — Georgia Stephens, How to structure your storytelling  

Related Topics

• ADVENTURE TRAVEL
• TRAVEL AND ADVENTURE
• STORYTELLING

You May Also Like

A Croatian coastal odyssey: why road-tripping from Split to Dubrovnik is easier than ever

Four culinary experiences to try in Hokkaido

Limited time offer.

Get a FREE tote featuring 1 of 7 ICONIC PLACES OF THE WORLD

How new flights to Akureyri are opening up northern Iceland

10 best things to do in Switzerland

The essential guide to Switzerland

An insider's guide to Denver, Colorado's wildly creative capital

10 whimsical ways to experience Scotland

• Paid Content
• Environment

History & Culture

• History Magazine
• Women of Impact
• History & Culture
• Mind, Body, Wonder
• Destination Guide
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Your US State Privacy Rights
• Children's Online Privacy Policy
• Interest-Based Ads
• About Nielsen Measurement
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Nat Geo Home
• Attend a Live Event
• Book a Trip
• Inspire Your Kids
• Shop Nat Geo
• Visit the D.C. Museum
• Learn About Our Impact
• Support Our Mission
• Advertise With Us
• Customer Service
• Renew Subscription
• Manage Your Subscription
• Work at Nat Geo
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Contribute to Protect the Planet

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved

Pros talking prose: the experts’ advice on how to improve your travel writing

May 25, 2018 • 7 min read

In search of some top tips to take your travel writing skills from proficient to prodigious? We chat to a selection of authors appearing at this year’s star-studded Hay Festival about how to cultivate captivating travel writing, their favourite destinations to write about, and the travel tomes that inspired them to hit the road.

Horatio Clare – beach resort despiser and one-time Arctic sailor

Horatio is a Welsh-British author who has published a glut of literary works, from acclaimed children’s books to personal memoirs. His latest travel-focused text, Icebreaker: A Voyage Far North , details his time aboard a Finnish icebreaker ship traversing the Bay of Bothnia.

What's your top tip for producing compelling travel writing?

You have to find somewhere that lights you in order to write well. If beach resorts aren't your thing it's very difficult to produce a good piece about one. I personally look for a mixture of culture and nature; so for example, the east coast of Madagascar is easy, because the people, landscapes and animal and bird life are all so rich with interest and diversity. For me, combining history and local legends with the mystery and drama of the natural world enables me to produce my best work.

What's your favourite destination to write about?

Anywhere that is not a beach resort! I love writing about sub-Saharan Africa : Zambia and Tanzania are tremendous. But then Algiers is one of my favourite cities and Sicily is beautiful, and historically rich, and its culture and politics are a whirl of splendour and horror.

What's your favourite work of travel literature?

It changes but I am a great fan of Norman Lewis. His Naples ‘44 is peerless, but all of his works are wonderful. Voices of the Old Sea , about southern Spain before development and tourism got to it, is the very model of how you need to understand and submerge yourself in a place in order to produce a masterpiece. Of recent writing, Michael Jacobs' The Robber of Memories , about a journey up the Magdalena river in Colombia , is fabulous.

Patrick Barkham – history buff and anglophile

Born in Norfolk, England, Patrick is Natural History Writer for the Guardian and author of several travel titles, including The Butterfly Isles , which was shortlisted for the Ondaatje Prize, and Islander , which delves into daily life on some of Britain's smaller islands.

When I am writing about a place I'm travelling around, I put my phone away and try to get completely in the moment, taking out my pen and notebook and writing obsessively about everything I see, hear, taste, touch, smell and think about. Attention to the small details of a place hopefully makes for more evocative writing.

I like writing about Britain because even in a supposedly homogenised and globalised society my home country has noticeable differences between even the most proximate places. It also has so much depth and complexity, and so many untold stories still to tell. Writing about 'home' also reduces some of the hazards of cultural imperialism, although the Welsh and the Scots have had to endure a long tradition of enraptured English visitors (such as me!) writing about them.

It's an obvious choice but I was very taken with Patrick Leigh Fermor's Between the Woods and the Water – for romance, chutzpah and warm-heartedness. I also admire what must be a fairly creative reconstruction of vivid memories, with the author writing more than four decades after he made his journey across Europe .

Dylan Moore – familiarity seeker and hispanophile

Dylan Moore is an English teacher, writer and editor from Newport, Wales. He is the Hay Festival Creative Wales International Fellow 2018/19 and author of Driving Home Both Ways , a book that is part essay collection, part travelogue through life.

Find equivalence. It may sound like a highfalutin concept, but wherever I go in the world, and however different it is from my home in Wales , I am on the lookout for relatability. Where’s the Cardiff Bay? What do they have instead of Welsh cakes? Who’s the Gareth Bale? More often than not, the practice of holding home and abroad up to each other like a pair of mirrors sheds unusual light on the sense of a place. Once you’ve seen the parallels, it’s often easier to examine the smaller, more interesting ways in which places are different.

Spain . Some might stray little further than sun, sand and sangria or a city break in Barcelona , but for me the Iberian peninsula is a subcontinent. From the pilgrimage trail of the Camino de Santiago along the green Basque coast in the north to the majesty of the Alhambra palace in the south, from the intricate Moorish tile designs of Seville to the futuristic architecture of Santiago Calatrava, and from the art of Goya and Picasso to the noise and glamour of La Liga, Spain has it all, and more.

Abroad by Paul Fussell is a work of literary criticism about travel writing between the wars that touches upon many classics of the genre, including works by D.H. Lawrence, Evelyn Waugh, George Orwell and Robert Byron. Though I love the work as a whole, I don’t agree with the author’s argument that the twenties and thirties represented ‘the last great age of travel’; the fact that airplanes have largely replaced ocean liners and long-distance sleeper trains may mean we travel differently now, but for me the pull of elsewhere has lost none of its romance, and if anything the greater accessibility of ‘abroad’ has opened travel – and travel writing – to a wider range of voices.

Jasper Winn – slow adventurer and extreme kayaker

Jasper Winn is a self-titled ‘slow adventurer’ who has spent most of his life travelling the world and now serves as the Writer in Residence for the Canal and River Trust. Jasper has written two books focused around long-distance kayaking: Paddle and upcoming title Waterways: A thousand miles along Britain's canals .

It seems to me that the most important commodity for the modern travel writer is having time. Committing a serious amount of time to researching a subject, to talking to people, to travelling slowly, to waiting around just to see what happens, to reading tens of books on a destination, is the key to producing great travel writing.

I miss being totally out of touch. For my first long distance trip across the Sahara and through West Africa in the early 1980s, initially hitchhiking and then pedalling a 20 quid bike I bought in a market in Ouagadougou , I had one phone call back to Europe in five months; apart from that and a few poste restante letters I was totally out of touch with friends and family. The internet has changed everything, and mostly for the better, but a good trip is still anywhere that feels wild, where I have lots of time and few plans.

Laurie Lee's As I Walked Out One Summer's Morning was the book that sent me off as a teenager, hitchhiking from Ireland to Andalucía , playing guitar on streets and in cafes to eat. Meanwhile, Irish travel writer Peter Somerville-Large's The Coast of West Cork , about a cycle trip along Cork 's coast where I grew up, made my own corner of the world both more familiar and much richer. That book showed me how writing could travel through time as much as through a landscape, weaving history, nature, social observation and quirky humour into one compelling narrative; an excellent example for anyone hoping to one day produce a great travel tome of their own.

You can hear more insights from all of these authors and many more at the Hay Festival, which runs from 24 May to 3 June. Find out more at hayfestival.org or follow @hayfestival

https://shop.lonelyplanet.com/products/how-to-be-a-travel-writer-4

Explore related stories

Train Travel

Mar 22, 2024 • 4 min read

Nightjet sleeper trains have a new mini cabin, perfect for solo travelers or those wanting privacy.

Mar 22, 2024 • 5 min read

Mar 22, 2024 • 9 min read

Mar 21, 2024 • 6 min read

Mar 20, 2024 • 9 min read

Mar 20, 2024 • 6 min read

Mar 20, 2024 • 8 min read

Mar 17, 2024 • 5 min read

Mar 16, 2024 • 6 min read

Travel writing is changing in the 21st century. Here's what it looks like

Having travelled the world to interview some of the greatest names in travel writing, academic and author tim hannigan reflects on how the genre is changing in the 21st century..

The need for travel books to provide solid, practical information about far-off destinations has probably passed in this era of mass information. But what a sensitive travel writer can still do is to provide space for the voices of the people they meet along the way.

Having researched historical travel books, what are your thoughts on traditional travel writing?  

I can’t think of any other literary genre as potentially contentious as travel writing. Historically, it’s been dominated by privileged male authors — often Etonian-educated — representing other countries and other cultures sometimes in decidedly colonialist terms. It’s little surprise that postcolonial scholars have given the genre a bit of a hard time. By its very nature, travel writing is always going to have the potential to stir up controversy, and anyone writing — or reading — travel books need to be sensitive to that. But as it becomes more diffuse and diverse, I think we’re beginning to move away from the idea that, ethically, there might be something fundamentally wrong with travel writing.

Can or should travel writing be a force for good?

Although travel writing has often been criticised for its complicity with colonialism and for reproducing outdated stereotypes, I think its basic impulse is a positive one: to encounter other peoples, find out about other places. In recent decades, a lot of British travel writing has had a domestic focus, with much blurring of the distinction between travel and nature writing. There’s nothing wrong with that, but in a way it mirrors a political and cultural turn away from the wider world. Surely a genre that travels beyond our own shores, seeks international connections, is a force for good — even if it makes some mistakes along the way.

Is it a writer’s responsibility to exercise restraint on exoticisation, or could doing so perhaps ignore the potential for the sense of wonder inherent in good travel writing?

The great challenge for a responsible travel writer is finding the right balance. Wanting to experience the atmosphere of a foreign land is one of the reasons people read travel books, and conjuring up that atmosphere is part of the writer’s job. But we should always remember that what’s ‘exotic’ to the writer and their audience is simply ‘home’ to someone else.

Read more: Enter the National Geographic Traveller (UK) Travel Writing Competition

What did you learn from reading the diaries of some of the great travel writers of the 19 th and 20 th centuries?

When I started digging around in the archives of the great explorer Wilfred Thesiger I was expecting to find a tight connection between his raw travel journals and the finished books. But it soon became clear that his writing process had been fraught and complex, and his crafted literary narratives had travelled a long way from the strictly factual details recorded in the diaries.

Where does the frontier between fact and fiction lie in travel writing?

Perhaps the thorniest of all questions about travel writing is ‘where does the frontier between fact and fiction lie?’ Many writers insist they make nothing up; others openly embrace elements of fictionalisation. But when you start digging a bit deeper, that clear distinction quickly breaks down, and it turns out that almost everyone rejigs chronology, shifts characters around, creates composites. You could say the frontier between fact and fiction is crossed the moment a travel writer sits down at their desk and starts typing.

With information about destinations so easy to find, which elements of well-known places should travel writers be communicating?

The need for travel books to provide solid, practical information about far-off destinations has probably passed in this era of mass information. But what a sensitive travel writer can still do is to provide space for the voices of the people they meet along the way — those that scholars sometimes call ‘the travellee’. That’s something you’ll never get from Wikipedia and Tripadvisor.

Who excites you most in the world of travel writing at the moment?

Travel writing has opened up and branched out over the past couple of decades. Writers like Kapka Kassabova, Noo Saro-Wiwa and Monisha Rajesh complicate what it means to be an ‘insider’ or an ‘outsider’. Others such as Taran Khan and Samanth Subramanian have shaken up outdated notions about travel writers invariably starting out from the old imperial power centres. There’s a greater diversity of voices and perspectives in the genre than there used to be, and that’s really exciting for a reader like me. But at the moment, I’m particularly looking forward to the new book from a grand veteran — Colin Thubron’s The Amur River , out in September. In some ways, Thubron is the archetype of the traditional elite traveller — an actual Old Etonian. But his books have always been far more sensitive and self-reflective than the most simplistic critiques of the genre would suggest.

Are you optimistic about the future of travel writing?

Travel writing has existed for far longer than the novel, and it turns up in virtually every literary culture around the world. It’s universal and flexible. That gives me confidence that travel writing of some kind will be around forever.

Did researching your book make you question your love of travel writing?

I set out on my own journey in search of travel writing with a sense of trepidation, an ethical unease. Was there something fundamentally wrong with travel writing? And would my own love of the genre as a reader survive? But it was all OK in the end. I’ve come away with a greater appreciation for its challenges and its complexity, and for its rich heritage — and that has only deepened my love for it.

Tim Hannigan is the author of  The Travel Writing Tribe: Journeys in Search of a Genre  (Hurst, £20).

Published in the October 2021 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK)

Follow us on social media

Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  

• People and Culture

What is Travel Writing?

For thousands of years, travellers have written about their experiences exploring the furthest reaches of the world, both to record their journeys for personal reasons and as a guide for those who might follow.

Before the internet age, even as far back as Ancient Greece, stories of distant lands were popular because many people would never have had an opportunity to visit themselves.

But what is travel writing like today? With the internet, sharing experiences of our travels has never before been so easy, and arguably travel writing in one form or another is more popular ever.

Definition of travel writing

Travel writing is a genre that describes a writer’s experiences, observations, and feelings while travelling to different places. 

It often includes descriptions of the landscape, culture, people, and events that the writer encounters, as well as their personal thoughts and reflections on these experiences. 

Sonnets are one of the most popular forms of poetry, and they have been for hundreds of years. The strict format and short length make…

How Many Pages is 3,000 Words?

On average, 3,000 words is equivalent to 6 pages of A4 single-spaced or 12 pages if double-spaced. This takes into account a font size of…

How Long Does it Take to Write a 3,000 Words Essay?

Writing an essay and completing it before a deadline is an important skill for any student, but even those experienced in time management might find…

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Types of Travel Writing

Paul Theroux called it “ maddening .” Jonathan Raban called it a “ raffish open house where very different genres are likely to end up in the same bed .” Call it what you will, travel writing is a diverse genre, and the forms it can take are virtually endless. 

But if travel writing is such a confusing and promiscuous genre, how can we make sense of it all?

Categorizing travel writing

There are many ways to explore and question travel writing as a genre. Is the author self-effacing or is the author an important part of the story? Does the writing have a plot, or is it essentially without a story? Is the account truthful, fictional, or some weird combination therein? 

These are legitimate questions.

But one of the most helpful ways to categorize travel writing is to follow in the footsteps of Paul Fussell, who sketched a framework helpful in classifying travel writing in his 1980 study  Abroad .

In  Abroad , Fussell’s primary interest was the travel book, against which he contrasted the travel guidebook in a chapter about travel books as literary phenomena. Fussell says: “A guidebook is addressed to those who plan to follow the traveler […]. A travel book, at its purest, is addressed to those who do not plan to follow the traveler at all…” 

Two types of travel writing

Paul Fussell was talking about the book form, but he essentially categorized travel writing into two main types depending on its practical or literary intent. Carl Thompson discusses this further in his book  Travel Writing .

The sniff test is to ask whether the writing aims to be promotional, practical, or helpful. If the answer is yes, this is  commercial travel writing . Probably.

What is commercial travel writing?

The aim of commercial travel writing is to market, to promote, to serve, and/or to help travelers and tourists have better experiences traveling. Readers consume it for its practical information. Commercial travel writing often has ties to the larger travel and tourism industry.

Commercial travel writing can come in the form of guidebooks, top-ten lists, best-of lists, articles, destination pieces, itineraries, journalism, restaurant and hotel reviews, how-to guides, side-trip suggestions, advertorials, marketing copy, and other service-oriented articles.

Paul Theroux  said  that it is “market-driven—intending to sell vacations, hotel rooms, restaurant meals, and it is nearly always upbeat. […] It informs vacationers who have limited time to travel and services the travel industry.”

Is the goal to inspire travel, to give council or advice, to help, to serve, to offer pointers and tips, or to help others figure out where to go, what to do, and what to eat? If so, this is commercial travel writing.

What is literary travel writing?

The aim of literary travel writing is to entertain. Readers consume it “for pleasure, and for its aesthetic merits,” Thompson notes, instead of for practical insight.

Literary travel writing can take the shape of books, novels, memoirs, articles, poems, journals and diaries, journalism, personal essays,  travelogues , op-eds, blog posts, and other more experimental forms of writing.

Is the goal to tell a story, to entertain, to humor, to express a fundamental truth about humanity? If so, this is literary travel writing.

Mathilde Poizat-Amar says that travel literature “excludes non literary texts.” What she means by “literary texts” are texts that attempt to be more concerned with writing as a form of art.

Just the tip of the iceberg

As you can see in the diagram above, these categories can overlap. There is space for other categories and subdivisions to emerge. And the commercial/literary distinction is not the only one to make.

For example, where do academic studies, industry reports, and scientific reports fit into this categorization? These forms don’t often have a commercial or literary intent. Perhaps critical travel writing is a better category. Can’t journalism fit into this category too? And what about journals and diaries-are they really literary? Does a non-profit organization’s “practical” travel information really have a “commercial” intent?

Dr. Poizat-Amar notes that in travel writing as a whole “the critical terminology that we usually use to describe texts does not really work.”

Similarities between commercial and literary travel writing

It is not uncommon for “literary” travel writers to disparage commercial travel writers. Fussell, for example, does not hide his cards when discussing his appreciation for “real” travel writing over commercial travel writing, as he does with his preference for “real” travel over tourism. 

But who hasn’t before been charmed by an advertorial’s elegant language? Who hasn’t before cast aside an insufferable book written by a supposed “literary heavyweight?” 

We will leave the academics to dispute whether something is “artistic.” What is indisputable is that travel writing, whichever form it assumes, is inherently creative.

And what makes travel writing “maddening” then is its greatest and most powerful asset: its formal diversity and its ability to assume new forms.

Last Updated on 21 September 2020 by Travel Writing World

Share this:

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)

Travel Writing World

With an emphasis on travel books and long-form travel literature, host Jeremy Bassetti talks with the world’s most inspiring travel writers about their work and about the business and craft of travel writing in this award-winning podcast and website. In addition to the podcast, the site also features travel writer profiles, book reviews, and articles.

You may also like

38 types of articles for travel blogs, edward stanford travel writing awards 2023 shortlists &..., how to turn a thesis into a travel..., crossing cultural boundaries, are travel blogs killing guidebooks the decline of..., the ultimate travel writing resources list, leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More

Wanderful - Blog

• Industry Insights
• Travel Content Creators

The Future of Travel Writing, According to the Experts

• Posted by by Robin Catalano
• July 17, 2020
• 9 minute read

The future of travel writing is forever in flux, but more so given these tumultuous times for the industry. Robin Catalano spoke with a plethora of experts who commented on the past, present, and future for travel writers.

The predictions about post-pandemic travel are many. Wary travelers will stick to close-to-home experiences. Travel “seasons” will last just weeks or days , as governments turn lockdowns on and off like a faucet to keep hospitals from being overwhelmed. Family and multigenerational travel will be all the rage.

While there’s little certainty about which of these forecasts will come true once we’re able to travel freely again, one thing is clear: the way we write about travel needs to change.

Some of these changes are in direct response to how COVID-19 has altered the way we live and move in the world. Others are long overdue in a genre born of colonialism, and that has often favored white men and people of privilege. 

To take a deeper look at how travel writing has evolved—and should continue to develop—we asked a variety of experts to weigh in on a series of questions. 

Editor’s Note: Given the extensive insight offered by these experts, we will simply relay the questions and share select answers, adding no additional commentary.

The Experts:

• Pauline Frommer , author, co-president of FrommerMedia, and editorial director of Frommer’s Guidebook
• Rana Good , travel writer and founder of Naïra NYC, an editorial platform for women of color
• Stephanie Elizondo Griest , award-winning travel author and associate professor of creative nonfiction at the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill 
• Amar Grover , freelance writer and photographer
• Tim Hannigan , award-winning narrative history author, guidebook author, and travel journalist
• Tracy Kaler, travel writer, blogger, and co-author of  New York: 48 Hours
• Tim Leffel , author, blogger, and the North America Conference Director of TBEX
• Laurie McMillin , professor of rhetoric and composition at Oberlin College and Conservatory in Ohio, and editor of the literary travel journal AWAY
• Carrie Miller , award-winning travel journalist and author of  100 Dives of a Lifetime: The World’s Ultimate Underwater Destinations
• Ashley Rossi , travel writer and editor
• Robert Stock , freelance writer and former editor of the New York Times Travel section
• Ketti Wilhelm , journalist and sustainability travel blogger at Tilted Map

Creators: Get insights + tips to help you thrive.

The evolution of travel writing.

In some ways, travel writing has changed significantly, and in others, it has stubbornly stuck to old techniques and tropes. What have been the biggest changes to travel writing since you’ve been in the industry?

Griest: When I started out, it was completely a white male club. Now it’s mostly a white male club. [laughs] You don’t have to look any further than Best American Travel Writing as early as 2010 to see it—there are hardly women in it. And the Norton Book of Travel [1987; one of the definitive anthologies of travel writing]: of 50 or 60 essays, women only wrote four or five of them.

McMillin: The evolution is a bit uneven. The critical literature on travel writing has raised a lot of questions about the male voice and gaze of travel writing. 

When I look at the popular writing in the US, it tends to be mostly consumable and not very experimental. I find in the UK, there’s a lot more innovative, mixed-genre, literary travel writing.

Stock: I think one good development is that there’s much more of a service orientation. It’s more helpful to the reader.

Miller: For a while we saw these compilations—“I traveled to 100 countries” or “I climbed a dozen peaks.” It got a little oversaturated. We’re seeing less of that.

I miss long-form pieces. There’s a real craft to it and it’s difficult to do, but it’s the form I think highlights travel writing the best. I think there’s an opportunity to tell really good stories with pieces that are 2,000 to 3,000 words. I abhor listicles, but I write them because that’s what clients want. I think it’s a tremendous disservice—like sound bites of travel writing. 

Alternative Travel Stories

As travel writing has evolved, one narrative has dominated: the intrepid man (and sometimes woman) going out into the unknown on a physically demanding adventure. What place to “smaller” stories of cultural or personal exploration occupy in today’s travel writing landscape?

McMillan: The types of travel writing people are being encouraged to consume comes out of the popular magazines. It’s a masculinist approach. I’m interested in stories beyond adventure—stories of displacement, immigration, exile. Then it really begins to complicate the privileged nature of travel. 

Grover: I’ve always thought good travel writing can fuse these elements, but I don’t think they’re of equal value. At heart I believe travel writing’s most useful focus should be cultural—to explain places and peoples in the spirit of understanding, under the guise of curiosity. 

Miller: Some of the best stories I’ve written have been these slower-paced explorations—studying Venetian glassmaking, learning to knit in a Scottish community. This is the point of travel writing—to introduce yourself to something you wouldn’t have otherwise.

Leffel: When I launched PerceptiveTravel.com in 2006, I originally was going to call it “Small Travel Stories” because I wasn’t seeing any of those stories in the print publishing world. I wanted to publish the homeless travel stories that mainstream editors wouldn’t touch, the more intimate personal stories, the destinations with no commercial appeal, the local people behind the scenes who don’t make the glossy pages where we see celebrity profiles and $2,000 suitcases. While we’ve won stacks of “best travel writing” awards and gotten lots of stories into book anthologies, our traffic is anemic compared to those focused on listicles and “48 Hours in X” roundups.

Are you a travel content creator? Check our Wanderful membership options

First-Person Narratives

Over the past few years, several publications have distanced themselves from the first-person narrative. For example, when the current New York Times Travel editor, Amy Virshup, took over the section in 2018, she wrote , “In general I want to take the word ‘I’ out of our coverage.” Atlas Obscura’s current writers’ guidelines include travelogues under the category “things we can rarely use.” What are the advantages and disadvantages of relying on third-person narrative? 

Stock: Third-person stories have a feeling of authority about them. They read like a news stories. But travel is immensely personal experience. I have always felt it was more accurate and fairer to the reader if it was first person. 

Leffel: While third-person narratives can work well—look at the great ones in Outside , Men’s Journal , or Wired— done with less intensity and research time, they can seem detached and kind of clueless. I think of all the terrible travel reporting I’ve seen in major magazines where the article was clearly written by some junior editor sitting at a desk in New York who has hardly been anywhere. There’s no personality to them because the person has to revert to very basic third-person reporting.

Hannigan: I’m actually very uneasy—as a reader and a practitioner and an academic—about travel writing that doesn’t use the first person. Traditionally, travel writing of all types—guidebooks, journalism, literary travelogues—has tended to try to accrue authority, to say, “Trust me, I’m the expert here.” And this is where it can often be ethically problematic. Hoary old tropes, fragments of colonial discourse and cultural prejudice, or just persistent practical inaccuracies—all get reinforced when delivered in an obviously “authoritative” voice.

For me, travel writing’s potential redemption lies in the first-person voice. It’s a way of foregrounding its subjectivity, writing more honestly, making it clear that this was all done by  one person , who arrived from somewhere else, carrying all sorts of cultural baggage, and probably didn’t stick around too long. To me, asking for third-person narratives in the interest of “authority” is a deeply conservative and nonprogressive approach.

Parachute Travel vs. Local Writers

In a similar vein, many publications have expressed the desire to move away from so-called parachute travel and toward deep reportage by local or embedded writers. Should only writers who have lived in a destination be the ones to cover it?

Miller: Absolutely not. There’s validity to having both voices in the conversation, but I think that seeing something with fresh eyes is hugely valuable. It comes down to the craft.

Frommer: For the last six years, the vast number of travel writers we’ve hired are journalists based in the destinations they cover. This gives readers a deeper understanding of the destination and culture.  

Grover: Knowledge and experience should be the guiding lights, and these don’t necessarily flow from simple residence. To some extent this might depend on the story’s depth. 

Rossi: If you’re a travel writer, your natural inclination is just to absorb everything around you. These are things you probably wouldn’t be doing if you lived there. You have a different purpose when you’re a tourist. 

Stock: A travel section isn’t for people who are going to live in a place; it’s for people who are going to visit. The experience of a visit is going to be very different. 

Friends in the travel industry: Get free access to our industry resource library

Pay rates and reporting.

The push for deep reportage raises a more complicated question: considering the falling pay rates for writers—it’s not unusual to see rates of $75 to $400 for a 1,500-word “deeply researched” story—is deep reportage a realistic expectation?

Hannigan: Not really—but then it hasn’t been for years, to be honest. Travel writing has been dominated by the fly-by-night hack and elite drifter with a “private income” for decades.

Grover: Well, to borrow an expression, if you pay peanuts you get monkeys! As rates head south, deep reportage gets increasingly unrealistic. This really is a problem. It may be that the old exclusivity that some publications required even for really quite unsensational features may have to be reconsidered.

Miller: If they want quality writing and quality pitches and quality fact-checking and reporting, they’ve got to pay well. If you only pay someone $200 to write the story, you’re only going to get $200 worth of research and work. 

It’s part of a larger conversation about fair wages. Just as an example, I used to get royalties for reuse. I’ve seen one of my pieces republished 18 times, and I’ve only gotten paid for the initial writing of it. But if you start to put too many clauses in your contract about requesting royalties for digital reuse, you get labeled “difficult to work with.” 

Pay rates are part of the discussion around diversity in travel. Learn about Wanderful’s Moving Forward events

Press Trips & Travel Writing

Some publications won’t publish a writer’s work if was part of a press trip, or included any other form of compensation from a DMO or brand. Should press trips be prohibited for travel articles?

Stock: [In the 1970s at the New York Times,] many travel writers were affluent housewives and people of independent means who were just in it to be comped for trips. When I took over the travel section, all of the stories were positive. The Florida stories would be placed with the Florida ads—you follow me. I took the job with the conditions that there was no comping, and the stories had to be warts and all.

Kaler: I don’t think any publications should ban press trips. Travel is expensive. Travel writers generally don’t get paid very much. To make a trip you pay for worthwhile, the number of articles you have to write just to break even is off the charts. You might have to write four articles just to pay for a flight. 

Miller: I am much more suspect of travel stories written by writers who didn’t visit the destination at all and researched the location from their desk, rather than stories by writers who accepted tourism board support to visit a place. Most of the writers I know and respect, especially experienced writers, can write independently from any proffered support. In an ideal world, sure, I think travel publications should fund writers’ travel; that’s the cleanest approach. But it’s also unrealistic, especially with travel publications operating on ever-tightening budgets.

The Future of Travel Writing for Print Publications

Print publications are folding at an alarming rate, and many of the survivors have cut back on content. In a post-COVID-19 world, does it seem possible for travel writers to make a living solely in the genre?

Leffel: I personally think it’s going to be a very tough slog trying to be a travel writing freelancer anymore without a lot of steady online gigs or another vertical you are writing about as well. There will just be too many freelancers going after fewer and fewer content slots at fewer and fewer travel publications. . . . We’ve seen this death by 1,000 cuts taking place for two decades now. This pandemic just sped the end up a bit.

Rossi: I think it’s smart to diversify. Whether it’s topics like travel gear or things you can do at home to recreate a travel experience, lifestyle is a great middle ground that you can relate to travel. 

Wilhelm: I also do content marketing, communications, Italian translation. 

Good: I’m also an SEO consultant, which is more lucrative. The only travel writers I know who make a really good living have a grandfathered-in column or they hustle constantly. You have to go really big with volume, but I don’t know how original or creative the work is.

Travel brands and content creators: Check out the Women in Travel Summit

Women Travel Writers

Women have been writing about travel since the fourth century, but are still at a disadvantage in traditional publishing. Surveys show that publishing houses submit more books by male writers for literary prizes, and book reviews more often spotlight the work of male authors. Of this 2020 list of the 86 greatest travel books of all time only one-sixth are by women. How should women approach their roles in the travel-writing landscape post-COVID-19?

Xi: What I’ve found with my students is that they often don’t ask for assignments or are quick to take rejection. If you get a rejection, you go back again. Men are more likely to go at it again even if they get knocked back; they don’t take it as a personal criticism. And men talk louder. You have to talk louder if you want to be heard. 

Wilhelm: I’d like to see more travel books written by women, not just blogs. Is it because women aren’t getting the attention they deserve, or because they’re focusing on other topics? Do they think travel writing isn’t serious, or that they don’t have enough clout? Being self-critical is wonderful, but it would be nice if we weren’t the only ones being self-critical.

Frommer: I’ve found that the quality of the writing has plummeted over the years. I’ve gotten pitches where I’ve seen sentences that don’t have a verb in them. It’s cliché ridden, it’s grammatically incorrect, is not done with an eye toward history and culture and accuracy. More than 50 percent of our writers are women. Regardless of gender, writers need to focus on the craft.

Check out part two in our series , which looks at how the digital world has shaped travel writing, the role of influencers post-pandemic, how to make travel writing more inclusive, and how we as storytellers should guide the conversation on safety and environmental sustainability.

Save it for future reference!

Robin Catalano

Robin Catalano believes in the power of storytelling to connect communities and cultures. She’s applied her creative approach to writing for magazines, books, blogs, websites, and digital and print marketing. She has published more than 2,000 blog posts and 100 articles in print and digital outlets including the Boston Globe, Gourmet, Matador Network, Travel Awaits, Berkshire Living, Berkshire HomeStyle, and a variety of other regional publications. The travel editor of the Greylock Glass, Robin is also in the process of developing the new coastal travel blog Once More to the Shore. She is the summer 2020 Writer-in-Residence at Arrowhead, the former home of Herman Melville, in Pittsfield, Mass.

Post navigation

[PhocusWire] Beyond “vanity metrics”: Why travel marketers need to diversify influencer campaigns

Moving Forward: Why I Created the Anti-Racism Town Hall

You might like....

The Travel Industry Needs to Change. That’s Why We Work With Imperfect Companies

• Posted by by Beth Santos
• 6 minute read

• Global Issues

Travel is a Political Act

Wanderful and Hostelling International USA Win the Gold Adrian Award for Outstanding Travel Marketing

• Posted by by Wanderful Team
• 2 minute read
• Pingback: Death of the long-form – Claudia's Research Diary

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

What does a travel writer do?

Would you make a good travel writer? Take our career test and find your match with over 800 careers.

What is a Travel Writer?

A travel writer is a writer who specializes in documenting their travel experiences, providing insights into the places they visit, and sharing recommendations for other travelers. Their job is to create compelling narratives and stories about their travels, including descriptions of the people, culture, and geography of the places they visit. Travel writers often work for newspapers, magazines, and travel websites, and they may also write books or blogs about their experiences. They may travel to destinations across the world, from major cities to remote locations, and may have expertise in specific areas or types of travel, such as adventure travel or luxury travel.

To be a successful travel writer, one needs to have excellent writing skills, the ability to capture the essence of a place, and a passion for travel. They must be able to convey their experiences and observations in a way that engages and inspires readers, and they should have a keen eye for detail, as well as the ability to research and fact-check information. Travel writers may also need to have photography or videography skills to capture the visual aspects of their travels.

What does a Travel Writer do?

Travel writers play a vital role in shaping our understanding of the world and its diverse cultures. Through their writings, they offer a window into the unique experiences and perspectives of different people and places, helping us to broaden our horizons and expand our knowledge. They not only provide practical information about destinations but also capture the essence of a place, its people, history, and culture, making us feel as if we have been there ourselves.

Duties and Responsibilities The duties and responsibilities of travel writers can vary depending on the specific role and employer. However, some common duties and responsibilities of travel writers include:

• Researching and exploring destinations: Travel writers need to conduct extensive research before visiting a destination. They need to know the history, culture, and attractions of the place they're writing about, as well as practical information like transportation options, accommodation, and safety considerations. Once they arrive, travel writers may visit museums, galleries, historical sites, and other tourist attractions. They may also attend local events, try local foods, and interact with locals to get a better sense of the destination.
• Writing engaging and informative content: Travel writers need to write engaging and informative content that captures the attention of their audience. They need to be able to convey the sights, sounds, and feelings of a destination, and make readers feel like they're actually there. Travel writers need to be skilled in storytelling, using vivid descriptions, and painting a picture with words.
• Developing story ideas: Travel writers need to come up with fresh and interesting story ideas that will appeal to their audience. They may draw inspiration from their own experiences, or from trends in the travel industry. They need to be able to identify unique angles and highlight lesser-known attractions or hidden gems.
• Taking photographs and videos: Travel writers may be required to take photographs and videos to accompany their written content. They need to have a good eye for composition, lighting, and framing. They may also need to edit their photos and videos using software like Adobe Photoshop or Final Cut Pro.
• Editing and proofreading: Travel writers need to be skilled in editing and proofreading their own work. They need to check for accuracy, clarity, and consistency, as well as correct any spelling or grammatical errors.
• Meeting deadlines: Travel writers need to be able to work to tight deadlines, as they may be working on multiple projects at once. They need to be organized and able to manage their time effectively to ensure they deliver high-quality content on time.
• Networking and building relationships: Travel writers need to network and build relationships with other writers, editors, and industry professionals. This can help them stay up to date with trends and opportunities, as well as get their work published in reputable publications.
• Adhering to ethical standards: Travel writers need to adhere to ethical standards when writing about destinations. This includes being honest and truthful in their writing, respecting local customs and traditions, and avoiding any conflicts of interest or biased reporting.

Types of Travel Writers There are various types of travel writers, each with their own specific focus and area of expertise. Here are some common types of travel writers:

• Destination-Focused Writers: These writers specialize in writing about specific destinations, such as countries, cities, or regions. They may provide practical information like transportation options and accommodation, as well as highlight attractions, events, and local culture.
• Adventure and Outdoor Writers: These writers focus on outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and skiing. They may write about their own experiences or provide advice and tips for readers interested in outdoor adventure.
• Food and Drink Travel Writers: These writers specialize in writing about food and drink in various parts of the world, highlighting local cuisine and beverages. They may recommend restaurants, cafes, and bars, as well as provide recipes and cooking tips.
• Luxury Travel Writers: These writers focus on high-end travel experiences like five-star hotels, luxury cruises, and private tours. They may provide recommendations for luxury travel destinations and experiences, as well as tips for travelers looking to splurge on their next vacation.
• Budget Travel Writers: These writers focus on budget-friendly travel options, providing advice on how to travel on a budget and still have an enjoyable experience. They may recommend budget-friendly destinations and accommodations, as well as provide tips on how to save money on transportation, food, and attractions.
• Family Travel Writers: These writers focus on family-friendly travel experiences, providing advice and recommendations for families traveling with children. They may highlight family-friendly destinations, accommodations, and attractions, as well as provide tips on traveling with children.
• Cultural and Historical Writers: These writers focus on cultural and historical attractions, highlighting museums, historical sites, and cultural events. They may provide insights into local customs and traditions, as well as provide recommendations for cultural and historical destinations.

What is the workplace of a Travel Writer like?

The workplace of a travel writer can vary greatly depending on the specific writer's job requirements. Travel writers may work remotely, traveling to various destinations to conduct research and write about their experiences. This can involve working from coffee shops, airports, hotels, and other public spaces as they gather information and write their stories.

Many travel writers also work for media outlets, such as magazines, newspapers, or websites, and may have a more traditional office setting. They may work in a newsroom or at home, researching and writing stories that meet the requirements of their employer's editorial style.

Some travel writers are self-employed and work as freelancers. They may have a home office or co-working space, where they can work on multiple projects for different clients. Freelance travel writers need to be able to manage their time effectively, as they may have multiple deadlines to meet.

Regardless of their work setting, travel writers need to have access to a computer, reliable internet connection, and other tools necessary to conduct research and write their stories. They may also need equipment like cameras or video cameras to capture images and footage of their travel experiences.

Travel writers may also attend industry events and conferences, such as travel trade shows and tourism boards' events, to network with other professionals and learn about new travel trends and opportunities. These events can take place all over the world, and travel writers may need to travel to attend them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Writing and journalism related careers and degrees.

Writing Careers

• Academic Writer
• Content Writer
• Fiction Writer
• Food Critic
• Ghostwriter
• Grant Writer
• Music Critic
• Nonfiction Writer
• Screenwriter
• Speechwriter
• Sports Writer
• Technical Writer
• Television Writer
• Travel Writer

Journalism Careers

• Correspondent
• News Anchor
• News Reporter
• Photojournalist

Corresponding Degrees

• Broadcast Journalism
• Children's Literature
• Creative Writing
• Screenwriting
• Songwriting
• Technical Writing

Continue reading

Travel Writers are also known as: Travel Journalist

Looking to publish? Meet your dream editor, designer and marketer on Reedsy.

Find the perfect editor for your next book

1 million authors trust the professionals on Reedsy. Come meet them.

Blog • Perfecting your Craft

Last updated on Jul 12, 2023

How to Become a Travel Writer in 5 Steps: A Guide for Travel Bugs

For most people, trekking through the mountains or sampling French cuisine is a rare treat. For travel writers, it might just be another day on the job. As their job title suggests, travel writers create content about anything and everything related to exploring the world. 

Whether they’re writing to help readers plan a trip or to transport them — through words — to places they may never visit, no two travel writers share the same journey through their careers. But if you intend to walk down this road and become a travel writer, here are five steps to help you on your professional adventure.

Learn to be a descriptive writer and a thorough researcher

If there’s a single skill-set that almost all great travel writers share, it would be in research and descriptive writing. While people in this profession often have degrees in English or journalism, this is not a strict requirement. People come to travel writing from all walks of life, and publications tend to be concerned with your ability to deliver a great piece over any advanced degree. 

Although there isn’t any specific travel writing degree, if you want to learn all you can in one centralized place, there are many travel writing courses that train everyone from experienced journalists to new writers. 

Immerse readers with your descriptive writing

Readers want you to take them on a journey with you. If you can’t pay for them to join you on a sea voyage to the Azores, you’ll have to settle for evoking the five senses and other descriptive writing techniques. 

Take for example, Paul Theroux. A prolific travel writer with a career spanning five decades, he’s treasured for his ability to pull readers into his adventures with simple yet evocative language, as he does in his essay, “ Taking the Great American Roadtrip ”: 

What made Barstow's billboards a peculiar blight was the contrast with everything that lay around them—the landscape that was so stark and dramatic as a brooding expanse of withered shrubs and fat cactuses, the stony roads that seemed to lead nowhere, the bleak and beautiful backdrop that seemed as though no one had laid a hand on it, with lively colorations at a distance and up close so dry, like a valley of bones looking as though they could not support life. I had seen deserts in Patagonia and Turkmenistan, northern Kenya and Xinjiang in western China; but I had never seen anything like this. The revelation of the Mojave Desert was (peering past the billboards) not just its illusion of emptiness but its assertive power of exclusion, the low bald hills and far-off mountains looking toasted and forbidding under the darkening sky.

Theroux invites the reader on the road with him and describes the desert landscape in crisp detail. The use of simile (“like a valley of bones”) and strong language (“stark, dramatic”) brings the piece to life and gives us a view from Theroux’s window so it feels like we’re traveling along with him. 

How do you remember and keep track of all these details while you’re on the go? Keeping a journal while you’re traveling — even if it’s just to another part of the town you live in — is a great method to have all the information you need to write your story when you finally get to sit down and reflect on your journey. 

Cherry-pick the details that will tell the best story

Though you may have recorded many interesting details, you can’t include everything. Travel writing may feature a lot of exposition to set the scene, but it isn’t the same thing as keeping a journal. To make a stronger piece, you need to focus on the right stories and details, which means knowing what to add and what you can leave out.

At the same time, being concise is important. Unless you’re running your own blog or website, most digital or physical publications will have word limits to adhere to. Identifying what’s most important and most interesting to your audience as you write makes for more compelling writing. 

Preparation is key

For travel writers, research skills go hand-in-hand with writing skills. You might be asked to write about a topic you aren’t familiar with or you might need to learn more about a place’s history or background to give your piece greater context. Research will allow you to create an accurate and well-informed story and help fill in the gaps in your own knowledge. And who knows, you might stumble on something that will inspire your next trip or story. 

Before you begin planning your next trip to the most popular destination of the year, you need to research where everyone has already gone. If you find a lot of articles about solo travel in Brazil, that might mean you need to find a new angle or pick a different place entirely, and down another research rabbit hole you’ll go. 

Learning as much as you can about the culture and history of the place you’re visiting will undoubtedly deepen your understanding and experience of it. A monument or a park might be pretty and fun to hang out in, but knowing that New York City’s Washington Square Park was built over the graves of 20,000 people makes for both an interesting angle and a more emotionally impactful piece.

Even if you want to write from the perspective of someone going into an experience blind, you still need to do research to travel anywhere — or you’ll end up writing a travelog where you barely find your way out of the airport parking lot. 

While these are the main two skills you should focus on, there are a few more that can give you and your writing a boost. 

Interviewing

A subset of research, learning how to interview effectively will broaden the scope of your knowledge and your writing. Sometimes, you need a perspective other than your own, and who better to tell you about all the hidden secrets of Barcelona than a local? It’s an invaluable skill — especially for a travel writer — to be able to go into a place and speak to people, to get their stories and perspectives so you can go beyond just being a tourist. It’s a way to pull back the curtain and really connect yourself and your reader with the wider world. 

Travel writers do this quite often, and a great example can be seen in Anthony Bourdain’s TV show, Parts Unknown . On the surface, this food travel show showcases the cuisines of the world. But Bourdain’s interests, and thus the show’s, were much more focused on the lives of the people he’d meet along the way. 

If you also want to write in a way that exceeds the usual ‘visit-here-and-eat-that’ humdrum of most so-called travel writing and really start to understand the people you’ll encounter, you’ll need to become a passable interviewer.

Finding people to interview, asking the right questions, and making your interviewee comfortable are the main things that go into conducting a successful interview. Before you go out into the wider world, you can practice with friends, but really, the best way to learn is by doing. Record your interviews or take notes to ensure you don’t forget anything and have quotes to use for when you write your story. And, of course, ask permission before you conduct the interview or use the material.

With your notes and quotes in order, you then need to do the hard part: figure out what’s relevant. You may have dozens of poignant quotes and conversations, but it’s inevitable that you’ll have more raw material than you’ll be able to use. There’s no one right way to make this judgment. It takes time, experimentation, and experience to figure which ones are the best and order them together into one coherent whole. 

Stay up to date with the travel industry

While not necessarily a skill, part of being a good travel writer is being in the know about what’s happening in the travel industry. After all, the larger trends of people’s travel habits, popular destinations, and the state of major airlines and hotels influences the kind of information people are looking for. And it can always serve as inspiration for your next story. There are dozens of industry newsletters you can subscribe to that will keep you apprised of any new developments (including job openings and calls for pitches) in the world of travel, such as Lottie Gross’s Talking Travel Writing . Use them wisely. 

Staying up to date is also knowing where the opportunities to monetize your writing lie. The travel industry is full of affiliate programs and content partnerships, where you can get paid for your work without having to sell it to a publisher or outlet. Your chances of landing these types of deals significantly increase if you have your own blog or social media accounts with a good amount of subscribers, but there may be other opportunities out there as well if you’re savvy.

Even travel writers who don’t consider themselves “influencers” can learn a lot from people creating video content relating to travel topics, especially when it comes to how to make a profit off their content.  If you’re interested in running and making money off your own blog, knowing about programs like these and where to find them is incredibly important. 

Whether you’re looking to get a brand partnership, pitch an online publication, or a guest post on a travel blog, learning the basics of search engine optimization (SEO) and applying it to your writing will help you as you search for opportunities. Essentially, SEO is about optimizing a web page — in this case, your article — to be read by a search engine and draw users to it. It’s no surprise, then, that many publications value writers who have SEO skills and can optimize their articles to bring more traffic to their website.

Learn to take good photos

Besides being a competent and compelling writer, there's another skill that you should look to hone: photography. As much as people enjoy reading about places they’ve never been to, descriptive writing and imagination can only go so far. When it comes to travel, a picture can truly speak more than a thousand words. And a video might be even better. Visual media adds extra color and context to your piece while complementing your writing. 

Depending on whether you’re freelancing or working full-time for a publication, you won’t always have a photographer following you on your journey. Learning the basics of photography can be helpful in those instances and make you a more well-rounded travel writer. In some cases, it might even be attractive to publications if you can provide your own photos. Consider posting what you capture on your personal blog, Instagram, or TikTok as well. Any way of building a following is great.

This doesn’t mean you must invest in a quality DSLR camera (though you certainly can). These days, many smartphones have top-of-the-line cameras that can take the kinds of stunning pictures of white sand beaches and ancient castles that readers are looking for. A beginner’s photography course can help you learn all the basics about lighting, color, and composition and have you snapping great shots in no time. 

📸 Taking plenty of photos can also help you ace your descriptive writing, for those moments when you’re struggling to recall specific details about a place you visited. 

Build a portfolio of work

Once you have a solid foundation of skills, you can begin creating your portfolio. While you might dream of being a staff writer at a travel publication, or make a living as a freelance travel writer, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to jump straight into that role. 

Find a niche you love

Unsurprisingly, travel writing is a popular choice for aspiring writers. Who doesn’t want to galavant around the world and make a living writing about your adventures? But, of course, that also means it’s a very competitive field, and standing out can be difficult. Finding a way to differentiate yourself will give you a leg up and provide a focus for your articles. 

The great thing about travel writing is that there is a nearly never-ending number of niches you could devote yourself to. You can write exclusively about a certain country or area of the world or gear your work towards a specific audience, such as budget travelers, people traveling with family, or digital nomads. If you have a unique perspective, it’s likely that people will want to read about it. 

That isn’t to say you can’t write outside your chosen subfield. Plenty of writers find success publishing in their niche and then expanding their reach to become a sort of jack of all trades. Having a focus will simply allow you to stand out from the crowd. 

Collect some quality clips

First, you need to build up a reputation and a solid amount of quality clips — a journalistic term for published articles. They will serve as your resume, showing off your writing and research skills, as well as the topics you’re familiar with and your general style. As you start looking for ways to build your portfolio, internships, freelance opportunities, and blogging can all be great ways to start out. 

💡If you’re curious about the many kinds of work travel writers can do, check out this post about the different types of travel writing . 

📕And if you already have a travel writing blog, you might want to turn your blog into a book that you can pitch to publishers or self-publish.

Look for internships

Internships are a common way writers gain experience and clips. Magazines and online publications may allow aspiring travel writers to flex their skills and learn about what goes into professional travel writing. However, while there are paid internships in this field, many are likely unpaid. Whether you want to pursue an unpaid internship remains up to you, but we recommend valuing your time and pursuing paid internships when you can. 

Consider freelance writing

Another option to consider is freelance writing . Pitching articles to travel publications will not only be a way to gain jobs and clippings but allows you to practice ideation and build up a personal brand, as you are entirely in charge of the topics you’re writing about. It also expands your network of contacts in the industry, which will help you as you continue to pitch magazines and might lead to a job somewhere down the road. 

FREE RESOURCE

Writing Submissions Checklist

Make sure your magazine and contest submissions are prepped to impress.

And if you want to take complete control of your career, a subset of freelancing is blogging. Dozens of freelance travel writers supplement (or make a career out of) running their own personal blog. Having one will give you a ready-made portfolio of clips showing off your skills. This is where having a niche can be especially helpful, as it’s a way to set you apart from all the other travel blogs on the Internet. 

Search for jobs and writing opportunities

With a solid portfolio of clips, it’s time to go out into the world and fully devote yourself to a career in travel writing. There are two main tracks you could take: finding a staff writer position at a magazine or becoming a freelance travel writer. 

Finding full-time travel writer jobs

For many writers, the dream is to work full-time as a travel writer for a publication. It offers stability while letting you travel to different destinations to write and explore. 

Although there are many travel-focused magazines like Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure that might have staff writer positions, don’t discount other publications. Some magazines and newspapers with completely different focuses have travel sections that need staff writers to keep them running. 

For positions like this, a portfolio is especially important. Magazines want to see that writers have a background in journalism and are reliable writers who can deliver good-quality pieces on time. Previously being published is often proof of that. But part of building a portfolio is also building connections with people in the industry. Knowing someone at a magazine who is familiar with your work and can vouch for you can help you get your foot in the door and be hired as a staff writer. 

Freelancing

Another option is to continue down the freelance path, pitching and writing your own stories. This route gives you a lot more freedom. You can decide which places to visit and which activities you want to do, and you’re always in charge of your own itinerary. Overall, you’re much less likely to work on a story you’re not interested in because an editor told you you must. 

This is where picking a niche and having a blog can be especially helpful. Establishing yourself as an authority on a subject will draw people to your articles and give you credibility as you pitch publications. A website dedicated to your niche, with all your expertise located in one place, elevates your credibility and provides a useful resource for your readers — especially if you get a handle on SEO. Eventually, you can even turn your blog into a book and create another revenue stream. 

The Full-Time Freelancer's Checklist

Get our guide to financial and logistical planning. Then, claim your independence.

Travel writing allows you to indulge in and subsidize your wanderlust and make a living off of it. More than that though, travel writing is a way to connect people across cultures and great distances, and build an appreciation for the uniqueness and diversity around us.

Continue reading

Recommended posts from the Reedsy Blog

How Many Sentences Are in a Paragraph?

From fiction to nonfiction works, the length of a paragraph varies depending on its purpose. Here's everything you need to know.

Narrative Structure: Definition, Examples, and Writing Tips

What's the difference between story structure and narrative structure? And how do you choose the right narrative structure for you novel?

What is the Proust Questionnaire? 22 Questions to Write Better Characters

Inspired by Marcel Proust, check out the questionnaire that will help your characters remember things past.

What is Pathos? Definition and Examples in Literature

Pathos is a literary device that uses language to evoke an emotional response, typically to connect readers with the characters in a story.

How to Start a Children’s Book: Coming Up with Your Big Idea

If you've ever dreamed of writing a children's book but aren't sure where to start, check out this post to learn more about how you can create the perfect story for kids.

How to Write a Biography: A 7-Step Guide [+Template]

Portraying someone’s life on paper in a comprehensive and engaging way requires solid preparation. Here are 7 steps you can follow.

Join a community of over 1 million authors

Reedsy is more than just a blog. Become a member today to discover how we can help you publish a beautiful book.

We made a writing app for you

Yes, you! Write. Format. Export for ebook and print. 100% free, always.

1 million authors trust the professionals on Reedsy. Come meet them.

Enter your email or get started with a social account:

IB Language and Literature 2.0

Group 1 english higher and standard level.

Faraway Places: Travel Writing

“Is it lack of imagination that makes us come to imagined places, not just stay at home?” Elizabeth Bishop, poet (1911–1979)

In this section you’ll come to understand the conventions of travel writing , learn a bit about the history of the genre, question why people are compelled to travel – and to write about it – and investigate the overlap between language and literature that exists in the wide and varied genre of travel writing. You’ll read non-fiction texts that feel like stories and see imaginary scenes presented as fact. You’ll learn to decode elements of travel writing and question texts more closely, finding analysis points and learning to evaluate various pieces of writing. These kinds of skills underpin your success in Paper 1 at the end of your course. Begin your study by reading The Travel Narrative from the list of articles below, and then choose one or two more pieces of wider reading to enrich your study:

• The Travel Narrative (IB Textbook)
• A Short History of Travel Writing (Traveltester article)

Reading Challenge

This is a longer and more challenging piece of reading, but spending time on this piece, and discussing it with your teacher, will help you master this topic:

• The Elasticity of Place (an interview with a travel writer)

Class Activit y 1: why do we travel?

As you will have learned by now, people travel – and write about the places they visit – for a variety of reasons. the most common are:

• to find the self
• curiosity about the ‘other’
• religious or spiritual reasons;
• to search for one’s roots;
• to be informed
• to experience ‘awe’

In this activity, you’ll practice identifying these purposes in travel writing. Visit Travel Tales, a collection of stories and articles curated and edited by Lavinia Spalding. Slowly scroll down the home page of her site, reading the titles and blurbs of the various stories you find there. Can you infer the purpose of travel from these snippets of information? Refer to The Travel Narrative (above) for more information of the purposes of travel writing.

Class Activity 2: seven travel stories

The travel genre is wide and varied – and this small collection of travel stories will give you a little taste of some famous (and not-so-famous) writers’ work. You may recognise one or two of these names, such as Bram Stoker and Bill Bryson.

Inside the booklet you’ll find seven short travel tales: either read them yourself, or divide them amongst the people in your class. Use this powerpoint to record your observations about the genre of travel writing. However many extracts you attempt, feed back what you’ve done to the rest of the class.

Areas of Exploration Guiding Conceptual Question

‘Cultural practices’ refers to traditional or customary practices of a particular ethnic, national or cultural group. They can be considered in the same way as symbolism in literary texts; physical manifestations of abstract beliefs and values . One reason we travel is to discover the beliefs and values of different people, as practiced in rites and traditions which have often been passed down from generation to generation. Before you work through the resource below, can you think of any practices that are special in your culture? These may include religious, medical, artistic, culinary, political, family or any other behaviour that reveals underlying beliefs and values:

• H ow do texts reflect, represent or form a part of cultural practices?

Discussion Points

After you’ve got your head around the material in this section, pair up, pick a question, spend five minutes thinking and noting down your thoughts – then discuss your ideas with a friend and report back to the class:

• Why is travel writing important? How is it different from other kinds of journalism?
• In the twenty-first century, is travel writing still necessary? Given that technology can connect us with people and places all around the world, and we can watch videos, read blogs, and browse the social media of people who live in other places, what is the point of reading first person accounts of travel by outsiders to those places?
• Is there a difference between a traveller and a tourist? What makes a person one rather than the other? Is it preferable to be one over the other?

Learner Portfolio

Watch Livinia Spalding’s Tedtalk (above) and, if you have not done so already, visit Travel Tales to browse some of the stories from her collection. Near the end of this talk Lavinia issues a challenge: to write your own literary travel story, inspired by a place you’ve been or a person you’ve met on a journey you have taken. Take her up on this challenge by writing a piece of literary non-fiction about a place you have been ora journey you have taken in your life. Make the purpose of your writing clear: is it to find the self; discover the ‘other’; become informed; search for your roots; take a religious or spiritual journey, experience ‘awe’ – or some combination of purposes?

Paper 1 Text Type Focus: travel writing

At the end of your course you will be asked to analyze unseen texts (1 at Standard Level and 2 at Higher Level) in an examination. You will be given a guiding question that will focus your attention on formal or stylistic elements of the text(s), and help you decode the text(s)’ purpose(s). Travel writing is an extremely fluid genre and you could be presented with a text that contains a variety of tropes (such as maps, photographs, itineraries, reported or direct speech, humour, metaphors… the list goes on) and may even share similarities with literary texts. Use these practice texts to familiarise yourself with the different features of Travel Writing and add them to your Learner Portfolio; you will want to revise text types thoroughly before your Paper 1 exam. You can find more information – including text type features and sample Paper 1 analysis – by visiting 20/20 . Read through one or two of the exemplars, then choose a new paper and have a go at writing your own Paper 1 analysis response:

• A Fish with Hair
• The Mangyan of Mindanao
• Enter Tasmania’s Labyrinth ( Past Paper)
• Cycling Tips (Past Paper)
• Taj Mahal (Past Paper)
• Long Enough in Jo’burg (Past Paper)
• Travel Tales (Past Paper)
• Hunting Moose (Past Paper)

Key features of travel writing

• Viewpoint: travel writing often documents the personal experiences of someone exploring a new place or country so is often first person.
• Perspective: an outsider’s perspective is common when reading travel writing, particularly if the destination is new, exotic or remote. Alternatively, the piece might be written from an insider’s perspective and is inviting you to visit or share an experience in a different part of the world.
• Structure: look out for chronological timelines, past – present structures or a linear journey of discovery. Guidebooks will have clear headings and subheadings and will probably include box-outs and the like.
• Information: travel writing often seeks to be informative and can present you with facts and figures, names and dates, historical or architectural or geographical information and more.
• Description: if the writer is trying to make the destination tantalising, or to help transport the reader, you might find examples of visual imagery, vivid description , even figurative comparisons , helping you visualise a far-off place.
• Visuals: photographs, maps , or floor plans of famous locations are all visual features that you might encounter in travel writing, particularly guidebooks.

Body of Work: Alison Wright Photography

Alison Wright is an author, photographer and speaker who has published several collections of photo-essays including  Faces of Hope: Children of a Changing World  and  The Spirit of Tibet: Portrait of a Culture. Her most recent collection from 2018 is titled Human Tribe . Her mission is to document endangered cultures and traditions from around the world, including raising awareness of human rights and other issues. Alison has won numerous awards and accolades including the Dorothea Lange Award in Documentary Photography for her photographs of child labor in Asia and a two-time winner of the Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Award. She was named a National Geographic Traveler of the Year in 2013. Here is a small selection of her photography to use in class, or you can explore Alison’s complete body of work here .

The presentation of beliefs and values through images is a powerful tool that can help preserve minority cultures in the face of globalisation and help to balance historical injustice by educating those who have lost touch with the past or with alternative ways of living. Texts of all kinds – written, spoken, visual – can help protect cultural heritage that might otherwise be lost. Alison Wright’s work can be seen in the wider context of cultural preservation , an important global issue in our increasingly homogenised and globalised world.

Towards Assessment: Individual Oral

“Supported by an extract from one non-literary text and one from a literary work, students will offer a prepared response of 10 minutes, followed by 5 minutes of questions by the teacher, to the following prompt:  Examine the ways in which the global issue of your choice is presented through the content and form of two of the texts that you have studied. (40 marks) “

Alison Wright’s photography would make a good text to consider using in your Individual Oral. Here are two suggestions as to how you might use this Body of Work to create a Global Issue. You can use one of these ideas, or develop your own. You should always be mindful of your own ideas and class discussions and follow the direction of your own thoughts, discussions and programme of study when devising your assessment tasks:

• Field of Inquiry: Culture, Identity and Community
• Global Issue: Cultural Preservation

Though the colonial era has passed, its legacy lives on in the education systems, laws, political systems and other cultural practices that have displaced indigenous traditions and beliefs. In this context, the reassertion of minority cultures through texts is a powerful tool that can help balance out historical injustices and educate those who have lost touch with alternative ways of life. You could easily pair her work with any literary text that reveals aspects of culture, describes cultural practices, or reflects cultural beliefs and concerns.

• Field of Inquiry: Beliefs, Values and Education
• Global Issue: Encountering the ‘Other’

An important purpose of travel writing is for us to encounter ‘other’ people and make connections with people who may be very different to ourselves. In a world of suspicion and insularity, it is through building bridges between cultures and learning to understand different ways of life that we can settle our differences peaceably. In this context, Alison Wright’s photography invites us to ‘meet’ individuals from cultures that are very different to the urbanised or westernised cultures a lot of us may be more familiar with.

Sample Individual Oral Here is a recording of the first ten minutes of an individual oral for you to listen to. You can discuss the strengths and weaknesses of this talk as a way of improving your own oral presentations. Be mindful of academic honesty when constructing your own oral talk. To avoid plagiarism you can: talk about a different global issue; pair Alison Wright’s photography with a different literary work; select different passages to bring into your talk; develop an original thesis.

Possible Literary pAirings

• Broken April by Ismail Kadare – you might like to consider the idea that some cultural traditions are worth preserving, while others should rightly be consigned to the dustbin of history and Kadare subtly implies the Kanun is a dying tradition.
• John Keats’ poetry – In Ode on a Grecian Urn , the speaker tries to imagine what life might have been like for the people engraved on the surface of an urn.
• Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw – the play is awash with peculiar Victorian mores revealing all kinds of beliefs and attitudes about class, poverty, prudery, morality and more. Doolittle’s speeches, Mrs Higgins’ at-home or conversations between Higgins, Pickering and Mrs Pearce could all be passages that you might like to select for this activity.
• Border Town by Shen Congwen – written just as China was beginning to modernise, and recently rediscovered by a new generation of Chinese readers, Congwen’s novella paints a picture of the lives and traditions of local Miao people in West Hunan, and can be valued as a record of a way of life that has largely disappeared in one of the world’s fastest-changing countries.
• The Elephant Vanishes by Haruki Murakami – these stories are set in a world traumatised by history, and most of the characters are victims of a peculiar kind of ‘collective amnesia’. They seem stuck in the present and can’t move on in their lives. Some critics have interpreted Murakami’s writing as a response to the tumultuous events of Japan’s history – a past that many would like to simply forget. Approaching this activity from this unusual angle would be a challenging, but possibly very interesting, way to pair a literary and non-literary body of work.
• Charlotte Mew’s poetry – writing at the start of the twentieth century, what does Charlotte Mew reveal about the lives, attitudes and values of the people in her poems? What kind of society did she live in? What was life like for ordinary people – and for women, disabled people and those who were mentally impaired?
• Waiting for the Barbarians by J.M. Coetzee – the ‘civilised’ world’s encounter with the fearsome ‘other’ is a major theme of Coetzee’s novel and could make an ideal piece with which to compare Alison Wright’s photography.

Towards Assessment: HL Essay

Students submit an essay on one non-literary text or a collection of non-literary texts by one same author, or a literary text or work studied during the course. The essay must be 1,200-1,500 words in length. (20 marks) .††

If you are an HL student who enjoyed this section of work, and find the topic of travel writing interesting, you might consider this Body of Work to write your Higher Level Essay. You could extend your research beyond Human Tribe to include some of her other published collections. Angles of investigation might include: to what extent you think she is successful in her aim of bridging the gap between different cultures; whether her photography constitutes a modern form of travel writing; to what extent her photography reveals and represents cultural practices; whether you feel the photographs form or impose an identity onto people from an outsider’s perspective. Here are some suggestions for you – but always follow your own lines of inquiry should your thoughts lead you in a different direction:

• How is colour and composition used to present ideas about identity in Alison Wright’s photography?
• How does Alison Wright imply a close connection between people and the natural world in her photography collections?
• How does Alison Wright use metonymy in her photographic work?
• Explore the symbolism of eyes in Alison Wright’s photographic collections.
• In what ways does Alison Wright’s photography meaningfully negotiate our encounter with unfamiliar people and places?

Wider Reading and Research

• Outpost Magazine – a Canadian adventure-travel publication published six times a year, Outpost is known for its long-form adventure narratives from across the world.
• My Favourite Travel Book – six famous travel writers nominate their favourite travel books.
• The Most Inspiring Talks on Travel – a selection of the best Tedtalks about travel, including Lavinia Spalding’s talk.
• The Truth About Tribal Tourism – visit this Rough Guide blog to discover how your sustainable tour may not be as friendly to people or places as you might have thought…

Share this:

Categories: Time and Space

Leave a comment Cancel reply

• Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
• Subscribe Subscribed
• Copy shortlink
• Report this content
• View post in Reader
• Manage subscriptions
• Collapse this bar

The Power of Writing for the Travel and Tourism Industry

Picture yourself sitting in front of a blank piece of paper or a blinking cursor, with a mind bursting with ideas, thoughts and emotions that you want to put down on paper. Now, imagine this process being not only therapeutic but also one that can take you on a journey of discovery and adventure, immersing you in different cultures and breathtaking landscapes. That is the power of writing in the travel and tourism industry. Writing has the ability to transport the reader to a different place, and allow them to experience the sights, sounds and tastes of the world through the eyes of a traveler. In this article, we will explore the ways in which writing is used in the travel and tourism industry to inspire, educate and entice travelers, and how it has the power to transform the way we see the world. So, whether you are a travel writer, a blogger, or a marketer in the travel industry, get ready to discover the power of the written word in the world of travel.

Inspiring wanderlust through descriptive writing

Have you ever read a travel article or blog post that made you feel like you were right there, experiencing the sights, sounds and smells of a far-off destination? That is the power of descriptive writing in the travel and tourism industry. It has the ability to transport the reader to a different place, igniting a sense of wanderlust and inspiring them to explore new destinations.

Descriptive writing in travel often goes beyond just listing facts or figures about a destination. Instead, it paints a vivid picture of the place, bringing it to life in the reader's mind. It may describe the intricate architecture of a historic building, the vibrant colors of a local market, or the feeling of the sun on your skin as you soak up the rays on a pristine beach.

By using sensory details and evocative language, descriptive writing creates a connection between the reader and the destination, sparking their imagination and fueling their desire to experience it firsthand. It's the magic of words that can transform a simple description of a place into a full-blown adventure waiting to be explored.

In the travel and tourism industry, inspiring wanderlust through descriptive writing is crucial for attracting visitors to destinations, whether it's a bustling city, a quaint village, or a remote natural wonder. It's about creating a sense of excitement and anticipation that motivates people to pack their bags and explore the world, one destination at a time.

Connecting with readers through personal storytelling

Have you ever read a travel story that felt like a conversation with a friend, rather than just a description of a place? That's the power of personal storytelling in the travel and tourism industry. By sharing personal experiences and perspectives, writers can connect with readers on a deeper level and create a more meaningful connection.

Personal storytelling in travel writing goes beyond just recounting what happened on a trip. It's about sharing the emotions, thoughts, and reflections that come with the experience of travel. Whether it's a humorous anecdote about getting lost in a foreign city or a poignant reflection on the impact of a particular cultural exchange, personal storytelling brings a unique and authentic voice to travel writing.

This kind of writing allows readers to see the world through the eyes of the writer, building a relationship based on shared experiences and emotions. It's a way to inspire and encourage readers to embark on their own adventures, armed with the knowledge that they too will encounter challenges, growth, and unforgettable moments .

Connecting with readers through personal storytelling is an essential aspect of travel writing, as it fosters a sense of trust and authenticity between the writer and the reader. It also allows writers to differentiate themselves in a crowded market by offering a unique and personal perspective on the places they visit.

In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, personal storytelling has become a powerful way to build community and foster empathy. Through travel writing, it can help bring people from different backgrounds and cultures closer together, one story at a time.

The role of travel writing in promoting tourism

Travel writing plays a crucial role in promoting tourism by inspiring and enticing potential travelers to visit new destinations. By highlighting the unique experiences and attractions of a particular location, travel writing can help generate interest and awareness of the destination, and ultimately lead to increased visitation.

One of the key ways that travel writing promotes tourism is by showcasing the culture, history, and natural beauty of a destination. Through vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling, travel writers can transport readers to a different place, introducing them to the sights, sounds, and flavors of a destination.

In addition to highlighting the attractions of a particular location, travel writing can also provide practical information and advice to travelers, such as where to stay, what to eat, and how to get around. This kind of information is essential for travelers planning a trip and can make the difference between a memorable experience and a forgettable one. Besides these details are especially significant for hikers who travel around wild nature places as they have to plan and schedule their routes in a proper way. For instance,  Bookatrekking.com   hiking company founders took this fact into account while building their domain, and they placed all the needed information by describing every trek, destination, and tips on how to prepare for hiking in all detail. Every reputable trekking or travel agency realizes that the detailed info described on their service pages can significantly boost the rate of visits to tourist attractions. 

Another way that travel writing promotes tourism is by creating buzz and excitement around a destination. By sharing stories of hidden gems, off-the-beaten-path experiences, and insider tips , travel writers can generate interest and curiosity among readers, sparking their desire to explore and discover new places.

Finally, travel writing can also promote sustainable tourism by raising awareness of the environmental and cultural impacts of travel. By highlighting responsible and sustainable travel practices, travel writers can help travelers make informed choices and minimize their impact on the destinations they visit.

Overall, the role of travel writing in promoting tourism is essential in today's globalized world. Through compelling storytelling, practical information, and responsible travel practices, travel writers can inspire and empower travelers to explore the world and make meaningful connections with new cultures and communities.

Writing for niche markets in travel and tourism

Travel and tourism is a vast and diverse industry, and writing for niche markets is a way for writers to connect with specific audiences and cater to their unique interests and needs. Niche travel writing is about identifying a specific group of travelers and tailoring content to their preferences, whether it's adventure seekers, luxury travelers, or eco-conscious tourists.

Writing for niche markets in travel and tourism requires a deep understanding of the interests, motivations, and behaviors of the target audience. It involves researching and identifying the specific destinations, experiences, and services that will appeal to the niche market and crafting content that speaks directly to their interests.

For example, writing for adventure travelers might involve highlighting destinations and experiences that offer a thrilling and adrenaline-pumping experience, such as bungee jumping, skydiving, or white-water rafting. Luxury travel writing, on the other hand, might focus on showcasing the most opulent and exclusive hotels, restaurants, and experiences in the world.

Writing for eco-conscious tourists might involve highlighting destinations and experiences that promote sustainability and responsible travel, such as eco-lodges, community-based tourism, and conservation efforts. Niche travel writing can also focus on specific cultural interests, such as food and wine, music, or art.

Writing for niche markets in travel and tourism can be a lucrative and rewarding career path for writers, as it allows them to connect with passionate and engaged audiences and provide valuable information and inspiration. It also requires a high level of expertise and specialization, as well as a willingness to adapt and evolve with changing trends and interests in the industry. Ultimately, writing for niche markets in travel and tourism is about providing a tailored and personalized experience for readers, inspiring them to explore the world in their own unique way.

The influence of travel blogs and social media on tourism

In recent years, the rise of travel blogs and social media has had a significant impact on the travel and tourism industry. Travel blogs and social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter have become powerful tools for travelers to share their experiences, connect with others, and inspire new travel trends and destinations.

One of the primary ways that travel blogs and social media influence tourism is by providing travelers with a wealth of information and inspiration about destinations and experiences. Travel bloggers and influencers can provide insider tips, recommendations, and reviews of hotels, restaurants, and attractions, helping travelers plan their trips and make informed decisions.

Social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest have also become popular sources of inspiration for travelers, with users sharing stunning photos and videos of their travels, showcasing the beauty and uniqueness of different destinations. These images and videos can go viral, attracting millions of views and likes, and inspiring travelers to add those destinations to their bucket list.

Another way that travel blogs and social media influence tourism is by shaping new travel trends and behaviors. For example, the rise of "bleisure" travel , where travelers combine business trips with leisure activities, has been influenced by the flexibility and convenience of remote work and the influence of travel bloggers and influencers who showcase the benefits of this type of travel.

However, the influence of travel blogs and social media on tourism is not without its challenges. The rise of overtourism, where popular destinations become overcrowded with tourists, can be exacerbated by the popularity of certain destinations on social media. This can lead to environmental degradation, cultural commodification, and other negative impacts on the destination and the local community.

In conclusion, travel blogs and social media have become powerful influencers in the travel and tourism industry, providing travelers with a wealth of information and inspiration, shaping new travel trends and behaviors, and promoting destinations and experiences around the world. However, it's important to balance this influence with responsible and sustainable tourism practices to ensure the long-term viability and preservation of the destinations we love to explore.

Using writing to showcase local culture and cuisine

One of the most exciting aspects of travel is experiencing the local culture and cuisine of a destination. For travel writers, using their writing skills to showcase the unique culture and cuisine of a destination can be a powerful way to inspire readers to explore and appreciate different parts of the world.

Writing about local culture and cuisine involves going beyond the surface-level tourist attractions and delving into the authentic experiences and traditions of a destination. This can involve researching and interviewing locals to gain insights into their way of life, customs, and traditions. It can also involve exploring the local cuisine, from street food to high-end restaurants, and highlighting the unique flavors and ingredients that make it special.

Travel writers can use various writing techniques to showcase the local culture and cuisine of a destination. For example, descriptive writing can help transport readers to the destination, painting a vivid picture of the sights, sounds, and tastes they can expect to experience. Personal storytelling can also be a powerful tool, sharing anecdotes and experiences that highlight the unique aspects of the culture and cuisine.

In addition to inspiring readers to explore different parts of the world, writing about local culture and cuisine can also have a positive impact on the destination and the local community. It can help promote cultural preservation and encourage responsible tourism practices, such as supporting local businesses and respecting local customs and traditions.

Ultimately, using writing to showcase local culture and cuisine is about celebrating the diversity and richness of our world and inspiring readers to appreciate and embrace the differences that make each destination unique. As travel writers, we have the power to influence how people perceive and engage with different parts of the world, and by highlighting the local culture and cuisine of a destination, we can encourage a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world we live in.

The impact of travel writing on sustainable tourism

Travel writing has the power to shape the way people perceive and engage with different destinations and experiences around the world. This influence extends to sustainable tourism practices, which aim to minimize the negative impacts of tourism on the environment, culture, and local communities while maximizing the benefits.

Travel writers have an important role to play in promoting sustainable tourism practices through their writing. By highlighting destinations and experiences that prioritize sustainability, writers can inspire readers to adopt responsible and sustainable travel practices, such as reducing waste, supporting local businesses, and respecting local customs and traditions.

One way that travel writing can promote sustainable tourism is by highlighting eco-friendly and sustainable accommodations, such as hotels and resorts that use renewable energy, minimize waste, and support local conservation efforts. By showcasing these accommodations and highlighting the benefits of sustainable tourism practices, travel writers can encourage readers to choose eco-friendly options when planning their trips.

Travel writing can also promote sustainable tourism by highlighting destinations that prioritize environmental conservation and protection. This can involve showcasing natural parks, wildlife reserves, and other protected areas, as well as highlighting local conservation efforts and initiatives. By emphasizing the importance of protecting the environment and natural resources, travel writers can encourage readers to engage in sustainable tourism practices that minimize negative impacts on the environment.

Another way that travel writing can promote sustainable tourism is by highlighting responsible tourism practices that support local communities and cultures. This can involve showcasing local businesses, artisans, and cultural experiences that prioritize authenticity and respect for local traditions. By encouraging readers to support these local businesses and engage with local communities in a responsible and respectful way, travel writers can promote sustainable tourism practices that maximize the benefits of tourism for everyone involved.

In conclusion, travel writing has the power to influence sustainable tourism practices by promoting eco-friendly accommodations, highlighting environmental conservation efforts, and showcasing responsible tourism practices that support local communities and cultures. By using their writing skills to promote sustainable tourism practices, travel writers can inspire readers to engage in responsible and sustainable travel practices that benefit the environment, local communities, and future generations.

The future of travel writing and digital media

The world of travel writing is rapidly evolving, thanks in large part to advances in digital media and technology. As we look towards the future, it's clear that travel writing will continue to play an important role in inspiring and informing travelers around the world, but the way we consume and engage with travel writing will change.

One of the biggest changes we're seeing in travel writing is the shift towards digital media. With the rise of social media platforms and online travel publications, traditional print media is no longer the only way for travel writers to reach their audience. Instead, writers are using a variety of digital media channels, including blogs, podcasts, videos, and social media platforms, to share their travel stories and insights.

This shift towards digital media has also changed the way readers engage with travel writing. Rather than relying solely on printed guidebooks or magazines, travelers can now access a wealth of information and inspiration from a variety of online sources. This has created a more diverse and decentralized travel writing landscape, where writers from all backgrounds and perspectives can share their experiences and insights.

Another trend that is shaping the future of travel writing is the focus on personalized and experiential travel. Rather than simply providing information on tourist attractions and destinations, travel writers are increasingly focusing on sharing their own personal experiences and insights. This can involve sharing their own stories and perspectives, highlighting off-the-beaten-path destinations, or providing insider tips and recommendations for authentic cultural experiences.

As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more changes in the world of travel writing. Virtual and augmented reality technologies, for example, could provide new opportunities for immersive travel experiences, allowing readers to virtually explore destinations before they even arrive.

In conclusion, the future of travel writing is an exciting and dynamic one, with new technologies and media channels creating new opportunities for writers to share their experiences and insights with readers around the world. While the ways we consume and engage with travel writing may change, the power of storytelling and the ability to inspire and inform travelers will continue to be at the heart of this ever-evolving industry.

Writing for travel guidebooks and publications

Travel guidebooks and publications play a crucial role in shaping the way people explore and experience different destinations around the world. These publications provide travelers with valuable information on everything from local attractions and accommodations to cultural norms and safety tips. As a result, writing for travel guidebooks and publications requires a unique set of skills and approaches.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when writing for travel guidebooks and publications is the need to be concise and informative. Travelers often use these publications to make important decisions about their trip, so it's important to provide them with clear and accurate information that can help them make informed choices.

In addition to being informative, travel writing for guidebooks and publications must also be engaging and inspiring. By sharing personal anecdotes, insider tips, and unique perspectives, writers can help readers connect with the destination on a more emotional level, encouraging them to explore and experience the destination in their own way.

Writing for travel guidebooks and publications also requires a deep understanding of the target audience. Different publications cater to different types of travelers, from backpackers and adventure-seekers to luxury travelers and families. By understanding the interests and needs of the target audience, writers can tailor their writing to meet the expectations and preferences of readers.

Finally, writing for travel guidebooks and publications requires a willingness to do extensive research and fact-checking. Travelers rely on these publications to provide accurate and up-to-date information, so it's important to ensure that all information provided is accurate and reliable.

In conclusion, writing for travel guidebooks and publications is an important and rewarding field, but it requires a unique set of skills and approaches. By being informative, engaging, and tailored to the target audience, writers can provide travelers with valuable insights and inspiration that can help them make the most of their travel experiences.

Collaborating with local writers and travel experts

Collaborating with local writers and travel experts is an effective way to produce high-quality travel writing that is both informative and authentic. Local writers and experts can provide valuable insights and perspectives on the destination, which can help to create a more nuanced and detailed portrayal of the place.

Working with local writers and experts can also help to ensure that the writing accurately reflects the culture and customs of the destination. By working closely with people who have an intimate understanding of the local culture, writers can avoid common pitfalls and stereotypes that can lead to inaccurate or insensitive portrayals of the place.

In addition to providing local expertise, collaborating with local writers and travel experts can also help to build relationships and foster connections within the destination. By working with people who are passionate about their home, writers can gain a deeper appreciation for the place and the people who call it home. This, in turn, can help to create a more meaningful and impactful travel writing that resonates with readers.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when collaborating with local writers and travel experts is the need to be respectful and collaborative. Local writers and experts are often passionate about their home and may have strong opinions and perspectives on the destination. By listening carefully to their input and ideas, writers can create a more collaborative and respectful working relationship that produces the best possible travel writing.

In conclusion, collaborating with local writers and travel experts is an important and effective way to produce high-quality travel writing that is both informative and authentic. By working closely with people who have an intimate understanding of the destination, writers can create a more nuanced and detailed portrayal of the place that resonates with readers and accurately reflects the culture and customs of the destination.

Wrapping up

Travel and tourism industry is a sector that relies heavily on effective communication to attract visitors and promote destinations. Travel writing is a powerful tool that can help to inspire wanderlust, connect with readers through personal storytelling, promote tourism, showcase local culture and cuisine, and promote sustainable tourism. Writing for travel guidebooks and publications, collaborating with local writers and travel experts, and utilizing digital media and social platforms are some of the effective ways of producing high-quality travel writing.

As the travel industry continues to evolve, it is important for travel writers to keep pace with the changing landscape and embrace new technologies and platforms to create compelling and engaging content that resonates with readers.

Want boost your traffic with AI-generated content?  Start for free.

My WordPress Site

Our best Services

• Content Writing
• Graphic Design

Top Services

• Article Writing
• Blog Writing
• Product Descriptions
• Website Content Writing
• Proofreading

Top Industries

• Agriculture
• Health & Beauty
• Sports & Fitness
• Realestate & Construction
• Entertainment & Gaming
• Marketing & Advertising

The global online travel market size was valued at USD 795.1 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.1% from 2021 to 2028. While many travel companies failed to be a part of such rapid growth, there is one that took advantage of powerful travel article writing to grow their business in a short period.

Airbnb launched its own magazine, Airbnb Magazine, in 2017, which features stories from hosts and travellers around the world. It allowed Airbnb to gain loyal subscribers who were interested in such experiences. 

Moreover, Airbnb saw a significant revenue bump after the launch of its magazine. Due to its real value-adding properties and gorgeous aesthetics, the magazine has won several awards for its design and content and has a circulation of over 1 million. 

In this article, we will go through such characteristics that enable travel article writing a success for travel companies and travel agencies.

Who are we? Content Whale is a complete content writing company specializing in 30+ content writing domains, such as blogs & article writing, magazine articles, graphic design, website content writing, etc. 

We serve 33+ industries, out of which the travel & tourism industry is one of our niche industries. We have served travel companies such as MakeMyTrip, Redbus, Thomas Cook, TripAdvisor, etc., providing affordable travel article writing solutions.

If you are a travel company looking for affordable travel article writing services to grow rapidly in the market, Content Whale will be a viable solution for you.

However, if you are writing one yourself, ensure that it is unique and adds value to your audience. But how can you ensure your write travel articles stand out from the crowd and resonate with your audience? Here are some travel article writing tips and best practices to keep in mind.

1. Practical Niche-Specific Research for Travel Article Writing

Let’s say you are a travel company that offers customized tours to Japan. You want to write an article about the best places to visit in Tokyo during cherry blossom season. How would you do your research?

a) First, identify your target audience and their pain points, goals, interests, and preferences:

• Google Analytics – to find which page of your website your audience relates to the most and what bounces them off your website.

• Different SM Insights – Behaviour of your social media followers on different posts related to Japan & Tokyo.

• SurveyMonkey – To understand your email subscribers’ CTRs, interests, and successful email campaigns.

• Google Trends/BuzzSumo – popular or trending topics in the travel niche related to Tokyo & Cherry Blossom.

b) Now you can collect the right information for travel article writing:

• Wikipedia – To collect credible data on Japan’s history, culture & attractions. (Check the reference section to ensure the data is reliable.)

•  TripAdvisor – for experts’ opinions, people reviews & recommendation places & hotels in Tokyo.

•  Lonely Planet – for travel guides on how to travel more efficiently & economically.

• Instagram/Pinterest – for visual inspiration or user-generated content on Tokyo’s cherry blossom spots.

c) Finally, organize everything in one place. Some widely used tools are:

• Evernote/Google Docs – for notes, key points, and creating outlines. 

• Excel/Google Sheets – for creating charts, graphs, or tables to visualize your data.

If you don’t want to invest your time into writing travel articles yourself, you can always outsource to us at Content Whale . 

2. The Right Way of Content Writing for Travel Companies (ft. Funnel Model)

One of the most important aspects of travel article writing is storytelling. Storytelling increases the likelihood of readers remembering the information. According to a Stanford study , people are 22 times more likely to remember a fact when it is embedded in a story, rather than presented as a raw data point. 

Additionally, storytelling can help you convey your message, and showcase your brand personality, and persuade your readers to take action.

But how do you tell a good story in a travel article? One of the methods you can use is the funnel model. The funnel model allows you to structure your story from broad to specific, general to personal, and abstract to concrete. The funnel theory consists of four stages: hook, overview, details, and call-to-action.

a) Hook: It’s the first sentence or paragraph of your travel article that should be able to hook your audience, alluring them to read more. The hook can be a question, a quote, a statistic, a fact, a joke, a story, or anything else that sparks curiosity or interest. 

A dramatic hook is one of the most powerful hooks in travel article writing. However, a ‘ Do-you-know’ bit or a rhetorical question also works with almost the same efficacy.

b) Overview: The overview is the second part of your article that gives the reader an idea of what the article is about and why they should care. The overview can be a summary, a thesis statement, a problem statement, a benefit statement, or anything else that explains the purpose or value of your article.

c) Details: The details are the third part of your article that provide the main information, evidence, or arguments that support your overview. The details can be facts, figures, examples, anecdotes, quotes, or anything else that adds depth and credibility to your article.

d) Call-to-action: The call-to-action is the final part of your article that tells the reader what to do next. The call-to-action can be a link, a button, a coupon, a phone number, an email address, or anything else that encourages the reader to take action.

If you are not sure about how you’ll pull this off, let us handle the writing part for you. Connect with your dedicated account manager now!

3. SEO Content Writing for Travel Companies

There is no doubt that SEO improves your website’s visibility and ranking on search engines. It helps creating content that is relevant, useful, and engaging for your target audience, as well as optimized for search engines.

According to a study by BrightEdge , organic search accounts for 53% of all website traffic. This means that more than half of your potential customers are reaching out to you from search results. Hence, SEO content writing is highly important for your travel company.

How do you write SEO content for travel companies? Here are some tips and best practices to follow:

• Keyword density (1-2%)

•  Meta Tags (Insertion of keywords)

•  Mobile Optimization (Average 50% of users are mobile users)

•  Image Size (As small as possible to load faster)

•  Image Alt Text (Relevant to images and, if possible, keyword insertion)

•  Snippets (Brief description of the topic)

•  FAQs (Relevant to the target audience)

However, if you wish to have a detailed explanation of SEO, check out this article .

Don’t be overwhelmed, you can always rely on a professional and affordable travel article writing company. Share your requirements with us!

4. Travel Article Writing & Tourism Article Writing

Travel article writing is more focused on the personal experiences, opinions, and emotions of the writer or traveler. Tourism article writing focuses more on the factual information, features, and benefits of a destination or service.

Differences between travel article writing & tourism article writing:

a) Travel article writing:

• More subjective, creative, and narrative

• Uses storytelling techniques such as anecdotes, dialogue, sensory details, humor, or suspense to engage the reader’s attention and imagination.

• Uses the first-person point of view (“I”) to share the writer’s perspective and personality.

b) Tourism article writing: 

• More objective, informative, and persuasive

• Uses data-driven techniques such as statistics, facts, examples, quotes, or testimonials to establish credibility and authority. 

• Uses the third-person point of view (“they” or “it”) to present a neutral or professional tone.

How can travel brands leverage both types of content writing? By using them for different purposes and audiences. 

Travel article writing can inspire, entertain, and connect with potential customers looking for travel ideas or inspiration.  For example:

• You can use travel article writing to showcase your brand’s unique selling proposition, such as personalized tours, local guides, or cultural immersion.

Tourism article writing can be used to inform, educate, and convince potential customers who are looking for travel information or solutions. For example:

• You can use tourism article writing to showcase your brand’s competitive advantages, such as its prices, discounts, or guarantees.

5. Use of Visual Elements While Writing Travel Articles

Visual elements are an essential part of travel article writing. Visual elements can help you attract and retain the reader’s attention, enhance your message, and increase your conversion rate.

How can travel brands use visual elements while writing travel articles? Here are some tips and best practices to follow:

a) Use of high-quality and relevant visuals for writing travel articles:

• Can include images, videos, infographics, maps, charts, graphs, or icons.

•  Clear, sharp, original, authentic, and diverse. 

•  Use tools like Unsplash, Pixabay, Pexels, Freepik, etc. for royalty-free images or videos. 

•  Use tools like Canva or Piktochart to create your own infographics or charts.

•  Illustrate your points, provide evidence, or evoke emotions. 

b) Incorporate your branding elements in your travel articles:

•  Find the right colors, use tools like Coolors, Adobe Color, etc.

c) Finally, optimize your articles for SEO & performance:

•  Use keywords in your file names, alt texts, captions, and titles. 

•  Right image formats, sizes, and compression. 

• To reduce file size, use tools like TinyPNG, Compressor.io, etc.

Final Words

Travel article writing is a powerful way to grow your travel brand and reach your target audience. By following the tips and best practices we’ve shared in this article, you can create travel articles that are informative, engaging, and effective.

However, we know that travel article writing can be challenging and time-consuming. That’s why we’re here to help. As we mentioned initially, we have worked with many travel & tourism brands for their travel article writing requirements. Hence, we believe, we can benefit you as well, with our affordable travel article writing services.

You can contact us here to get started.

A travel feature article is a type of travel article that focuses on a specific aspect or theme of a destination or experience. A travel feature article usually provides more depth, detail, and insight than a regular travel article. A travel feature article can be written in different styles, such as descriptive, narrative, persuasive, or informative.

To write a travel article, you need to follow these steps:

• Choose a topic and a purpose for your travel article.

• Do research on your topic and audience.

• Create an outline for your travel article.

• Write the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion of your travel article.

• Edit and proofread your travel article.

• Add visual elements and optimize your travel article for SEO.

The aim of travel writing is to inform, entertain, inspire, or persuade the reader about a destination or experience. Travel writing can also help writers express their thoughts, feelings, or opinions about a destination or experience.

To find SEO article writers, you can use different methods, such as:

• Searching online platforms or directories that connect clients with freelance writers.

• Asking for referrals or recommendations from your network or industry peers.

• Hiring a content writing service that specializes in SEO article writing.

Content Whale is a content writing service that offers high-quality and SEO-friendly content for various niches and purposes. Content Whale has a team of professional and experienced writers who can create content that meets your needs and expectations. Content Whale also offers fast delivery, affordable prices, unlimited revisions, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

• February 28, 2024

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Mastering the Art of Travel Writing: Tips for Students

D o you love writing and traveling? Do you dream about seeing the world and discovering hidden gems in every country you go to? Then you might have considered becoming a travel writer. Even though this is one of the dream jobs many students have, it comes with challenges too. Mastering the art of travel writing is not hard, but you have to put in a lot of dedication, effort, and time. This is a captivating genre that allows you to share your experiences, observations, and adventures from your journey . Writing about travel is what you, as a student, might aspire to.

So, you are probably looking for some tips and tricks on how to get started. What is travel writing? Are there more types of travel writing? Learn more about some travel writing tips that can enhance your craft and help you create engaging stories. While some spots can inspire you to write fascinating posts, you can take matters into your own hands and improve your skill.

Immerse Yourself in Traveling

Well, you cannot be a travel writer if you are not traveling. This is why it is essential to travel extensively. Explore distinct places , cultures, and landscapes. Get to know the locals, talk with them and find out more about the local traditions and social norms. Every country is different from another one. And even though some beliefs or lifestyles might be similar, there are so many things that tell them apart. And you can learn more about this by traveling and talking with locals too.

However, as a student, you have academic responsibilities too. Getting an education in school is not only about attending classes or what notes you take during teaching but about writing essays and assignments too. And traveling around the world is time-consuming, which might make you fall behind your deadlines. Thankfully, there are essay writers for hire, essay writers that are skilled and professional and can help you complete your assignments. Getting some much-needed help will help you follow your passion and travel around the world . This way, you will gather experiences you can write about.

Maintain a Travel Journal

To write a travel short story or an article for your blog, you need to travel. But you also need to observe the peculiarities of every place you go to. You may not have time every day to write an article, but there is a solution. You could maintain a travel journal. Have it with you everywhere you go.

Write down your thoughts, impressions, and experiences while they are still fresh in your mind. This way, you make sure you do not forget anything worth mentioning. When you will sit down and write your articles later, this journal will be an invaluable resource.

Take Photos

If you want to become a travel writer, you have to write, of course. But photos can add more value to your travel stories or articles. So, whenever you can, aim to capture high-quality photos . Learn more about the art of photography to complement your words with images.

Read Widely

Besides practicing the art of writing more and traveling around the world, you could hone these skills by reading too. It is known that reading helps you expand your vocabulary as you learn new words that will help you convey the message effectively.

But, reading what other travel writers have published will help you learn more about writing techniques. How do they tell a story? How do they hook you and capture your attention? Reading widely does not mean that you will end up copying others. It just serves as a source of inspiration that will help you develop your unique voice.

Honesty and Authenticity

Many students who are aspiring to become travel writers think that they only have to share positive experiences from their travels. Indeed, when you discover new places and cultures, everything you see might be through some pink lens.

However, readers appreciate honesty and authenticity. So, help them see your experience through your eyes. Do not be afraid to share the parts of the trip that were not as pleasant. This will help them have a clear idea of what to expect from specific places. They are looking for genuine insights.

What to Keep in Mind?

Writing about traveling and trips around the world is an art. To excel in this craft, not only do you need to improve your writing skills, but also gain as much traveling experience as you can. For those who might not have the time or expertise, there are paper writers for hire who specialize in travel content. However, do not forget that travel writing is a journey in itself. Embrace the process, keep practicing, and let your passion for exploration and storytelling shine through your words.

• SUGGESTED TOPICS
• The Magazine
• Newsletters
• Managing Yourself
• Managing Teams
• Work-life Balance
• The Big Idea
• Data & Visuals
• Reading Lists
• Case Selections
• HBR Learning
• Topic Feeds
• Account Settings
• Email Preferences

How to Take Your Business Writing From “Average” to “Great”

• Elizabeth Danziger

Ask: Is my purpose to inform, request, or persuade?

A simple three-question framework will help you jump-start your writing process — whether you’re tackling an email, a formal document, social post, or another form of written communication.

• Purpose: Think of purpose as the intention — the result you want to achieve. The most common purposes of business documents, ranging from brief emails to voluminous reports, are to inform, to request, or to persuade. Knowing your purpose in advance creates the context for your whole document.
• Person: Your document will not generate any outcome until the readers understand your message. They may agree or disagree, like or dislike, but unless they understand you, your efforts are in vain. For that you have to speak the reader’s language, anticipate the answers to questions they might have, and target their emotional trigger topics.
• Point: The point is your essential message. It is closely connected to your purpose and may at times overlap with it. If you imagine that communication is like shooting an arrow, then the purpose is the direction in which the arrow is aimed. The person is the target. The point is the arrow: It is the message you are sending to your reader. Get to the point very early in your document, preferably within the first 40 to 50 words, while your reader is still paying attention (and before they delete or archive your email).

Erica, a staff engineer at a construction consulting firm, was faced with a dilemma. Her manager asked her to follow up with the client about a proposal they had submitted the week before, but she was confused about what her boss meant by “follow up.” Was she supposed to confirm receipt, request a signed document back, or highlight the firm’s consulting capabilities? As someone new to her role, she wanted to prove that she could figure it out alone. She would type a few words, then press “Delete,” and rewrite the email again. When she finally sent a draft to her manager for approval, they sent back lots of edits, leaving her insecure and discouraged.

• Elizabeth Danziger , founder of  Worktalk  Communications Consulting, offers webinars and presentations that equip teams to write clearly, confidently, and correctly. She is the author of  Get to the Point! , a reader-friendly book on business writing. Danziger also sends Writamins monthly writing tips.

Partner Center

• Share full article

Advertisement

Travel Advisers: When to Let a Professional Plan Your Trip

By Julie Weed

Decades ago, your vacation most likely began with a visit to a travel agent, who relied on a combination of expertise and connections to find the best deals on plane tickets, hotels, tours and more. Since then, the internet has turned most of us into our own travel agents, and artificial intelligence software is making research and self-booking even easier. But for some trips, that special insider knowledge can still make a big difference.

So when should you hire a professional, and how does it all work? Here are some tips.

Why should I consider a travel adviser?

It’s easy for a traveler to do the research for a standard trip, said Chris Anderson, a professor at the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, “so they should look for a specialist for the type of tour they are looking for, say a bike trip in Ireland, who can really add value.”

The insider knowledge offered by a travel adviser can add the most value to trips that have multicity itineraries, involve a wide age range of travelers , are very significant (like an anniversary vacation) or are to destinations you are unfamiliar with, said Gary R. Johnson, who has run the travel agency Woodside Travel in Seattle for nearly 30 years. An adviser could help you decide, for instance, in which order to visit European cities based on local events and transportation options.

What can an adviser give me that a booking site can’t?

Travel advisers can help you research the best destinations, lodging, or activities for your particular group and travel goals, offering up specific advice that might be hard or time-consuming to find yourself. Those specializing in cruises might know which cabin to choose if you are prone to seasickness, while a safari planner could help you decide which park would be best for bird-watching or seeing specific animals, like rhinos.

Travel advisers typically have relationships with tour companies, hotels and cruise lines, sometimes through networks. Those connections can allow advisers to offer extra perks such as late checkout, free breakfast, airport transfers, a welcome basket or a credit to spend on a cruise ship.

“A good travel agent will be a better steward of your travel budget than you are,” said Guy Rubin, managing director of Imperial Tours , which arranges travel in China.

When bad weather or other circumstances disrupt your itinerary, travel advisers often have direct lines of communication with providers and can do the work of rebooking and changing plans, saving you time and stress.

OK, let’s say I need help. How do I find an adviser?

Networks like the American Society of Travel Advisors and Travel Leaders have websites that can help you start your search for a travel adviser by answering a few questions about your desired trip. Once you have a handful to choose from, get on the phone with them to talk about what they might do for you, how they charge and the level of service you can expect. Special trips can cost thousands of dollars, so it’s worth investing time up front, Mr. Rubin said.

Make sure to read over the travel agent’s reviews and any user-generated social content that mentions them, Dr. Anderson said. “If there is no external validation, that’s a red flag.”

How do advisers get paid, and how much will it cost me?

Advisers receive commission from suppliers, typically 10 to 15 percent of the price, when selling cruises, lodging and tours. They also sometimes charge travelers a planning fee, from a few hundred dollars, which may be credited to the final bill if the booking is completed, all the way up to tens of thousands of dollars annually for a luxury concierge travel planner they can call on all year. Mr. Johnson said that he charges a planning fee the first time he works with customers. If they return for other trips, he waives the fee.

Advisers may be tempted to sell you something that will earn them a higher commission, Dr. Anderson said. But, he points out, the same is true for the large online services, which promote hotels that pay them larger commissions. Travelers can ask advisers about specific commissions they receive or how they are affiliated with the products they are recommending, he said.

Sometimes a local tour company will package transportation, lodging and experiences for an adviser, who tacks on a percentage before passing it along to a client. But a bill that is not itemized can make it harder to make trade-offs — between a more expensive hotel and a special experience, for example. If pricing transparency is important to you, discuss it with the adviser up front.

How are A.I. and other technologies affecting travel advisers?

While new technologies are allowing do-it-yourselfers to create their own itineraries online based on individual preferences, and to type questions directly into travel websites, advisers are also taking advantage of those technologies to improve their services. Joan Roca, chief executive of the upscale travel planning company Essentialist said his team “uses technology to enhance the human touch,” employing artificial intelligence to choose options from a database of travel offerings selected by a human team. If a couple wants to take an after-dinner stroll, for example, Essentialist’s app will offer up ideas of where to go, based on what part of the city the travelers are in and conversations they’ve had with their travel adviser.

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

Italy :  Spend 36 hours in Florence , seeking out its lesser-known pockets.

Southern California :  Skip the freeways to explore the back roads between Los Angeles and Los Olivos , a 100-mile route that meanders through mountains, canyons and star-studded enclaves.

Mongolia : Some young people, searching for less curated travel experiences, are flocking to the open spaces of this East Asian nation .

Romania :  Timisoara  may be the most noteworthy city you’ve probably never heard of , offering just enough for visitors to fill two or three days.

India: A writer fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting Darjeeling, in the Himalayan foothills , taking in the tea gardens and riding a train through the hills.

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Al Pacino Is Writing a Memoir

Sonny Boy "is the memoir of a man who has nothing left to fear and nothing left to hide."

Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Al Pacino is writing a memoir!

Sonny Boy: A Memoir

Per Penguin Press, " Sonny Boy is a revelatory account of a creative life in full, and Pacino details all of his great roles, his essential collaborations, and his important relationships."

Sonny Boy, the official description reads, "is the memoir of a man who has nothing left to fear and nothing left to hide. All the great roles, the essential collaborations, and the important relationships are given their full due, as is the vexed marriage between creativity and commerce at the highest levels. The book's golden thread, however, is the spirit of love and purpose. Love can fail you, and you can be defeated in your ambitions—the same lights that shine bright can also dim. But Al Pacino was lucky enough to fall deeply in love with a craft before he had the foggiest idea of any of its earthly rewards, and he never fell out of love. That has made all the difference."

The memoir announcement comes on the heels of Pacino's appearance at the 2024 Oscars, where he presented the Best Picture trophy to Oppenheimer in an awkward , anti-climactic moment.

Sonny Boy by Al Pacino will be released on October 8, 2024. Preorder here .

Emily Burack (she/her) is the Senior News Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, culture, the royals, and a range of other subjects. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma , a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Twitter and Instagram .

@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-1jdielu:before{margin:0.625rem 0.625rem 0;width:3.5rem;-webkit-filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);height:1.5rem;content:'';display:inline-block;-webkit-transform:scale(-1, 1);-moz-transform:scale(-1, 1);-ms-transform:scale(-1, 1);transform:scale(-1, 1);background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-1jdielu:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/townandcountrymag/static/images/diamond-header-design-element.80fb60e.svg);}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1jdielu:before{margin:0 0.625rem 0.25rem;}} Best Books of 2024 @media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-128xfoy:before{margin:0.625rem 0.625rem 0;width:3.5rem;-webkit-filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);height:1.5rem;content:'';display:inline-block;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-128xfoy:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/townandcountrymag/static/images/diamond-header-design-element.80fb60e.svg);}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-128xfoy:before{margin:0 0.625rem 0.25rem;}}

The 45 Must-Read Books of Spring 2024

How 'Shōgun' Adapted James Clavell's Novel

Inside Oliver Furth's Redesign of a Bel Air Home

Katharine McGee's New Historical Romance Series

The Best Books by Truman Capote

A Spy Thriller That Was 10 Years in the Making

Audrey Hepburn's Son Opens Up His Mom in Paris

21 Sports Romance Books for Taylor & Travis Fans

The Best Books to Read This February

A Reading List for the 2024 Best Picture Nominees

Ronald Reagan's Most Important Job? Dad

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

How Do I Clean and Maintain Cast-Iron Cookware?

There’s nothing cast-iron cookware can’t do. It’s durable and affordable, is stovetop and oven compatible, has amazing heat retention, and even has some nonstick properties if you care for it correctly. Still, its reputation as a high-maintenance material persists, and people often disagree about the best way to care for it. Here, I set out to answer the question once and for all: How do you clean and maintain cast-iron cookware?

So how do I clean my cast-iron cookware?

It’s fairly simple. Once your skillet has cooled down after cooking, wash it as you would anything else: with water, dish soap, and a nonabrasive or lightly abrasive sponge. Contrary to the hard-to-shake urban legend,  soap will not damage a well-seasoned skillet  (and more on seasoning below) .  If that doesn’t work and you still have stuck-on food, try a  silicone scraper  or a chain-mail scrubber. If  that  doesn’t work, simmer some water in the pan for three to five minutes, let it cool enough to be able to touch it, and scrape or scrub again. Then be sure to dry your skillet thoroughly with a dish towel .

Just note: While it’s fine to clean your skillet with water, do not leave it to soak (or even air dry) and never put your skillet in the dishwasher as this will cause rust and degrade the seasoning.

And how do I season it?

Seasoning — a.k.a. applying a thin coating of oil on the surface of your cast-iron skillet to prevent rust and impart a smooth cooking surface — is the most integral part of keeping cast-iron cookware in good shape. These days, you’ll pretty much only find pre-seasoned pieces on the market, meaning whatever company you buy from has already treated it with oil. But if you’ve inherited an old pan, bought one used, or let your once-new model get worse for wear, you’ll want to season it yourself.

To get the exact how-to of this procedure, I consulted Shannon Van Dusen, associate product and test-kitchen manager at Lodge, which is perhaps the most well-known cast-iron company around. (She also used to work in customer care, so she’s seen it all.) Van Dusen says to start by scraping off any loose surface flakes you see with something rough, like a scouring pad or even steel wool. Wash the skillet with soap and water and towel dry thoroughly. Then, pour a small amount of neutral oil — like canola or vegetable — onto the surface and rub it all over (including the bottom and side walls) with a paper towel. (Olive oil isn’t a hard no, but because its smoke point is lower, you’ll have to be more careful when you heat it.) It should be covered but not thickly glossed. Place the skillet upside down in your oven and bake it at 450-to-500 degrees for an hour. This position allows any excess oil to drip off (some people are more heavy-handed than they realize, Van Dusen says). If you place it upright, it’s likely to pool and create a sticky residue.

Two additional pro tips: Put a baking sheet underneath the skillet to catch drips, and let it cool down inside after you turn the oven off so you’re not handling it while blazing hot.

Okay, but do I need to season regularly, even if everything looks fine?

“The more you use your skillet, the better it gets,” Van Dusen says. “When you brown ground beef, when you bake in it, when you fry in it, you’re seasoning.” For this reason — especially if you use your pan a fair amount — you don’t need to worry about a dedicated seasoning until you start seeing some degradation or discoloration on the surface.

Still, both Van Dusen and I regularly add a very thin layer of oil to the surface after washing and drying, just as a little extra insurance. (This is also helpful to do every once in a while on the bottom, which doesn’t get the benefit of the oil you use for cooking, especially so if you have a gas range where the flame makes direct contact and can burn off seasoning over time without reinforcement.)

What’s the deal with enameled cast iron?

Enameled cast iron — also used to make some skillets I love , and even more famously used to make Dutch ovens — is simply cast iron with one to a few layers of enamel coating over top. The upside: This makes the pieces even more durable and easy to maintain. The downside: This means that for the most part, they’re significantly more expensive than standard cast iron. (And though Joanna Rosenberg, chief sales officer at Staub, says chipping or scratching is very rare, and all enameled cast iron should be able to hold up to stainless-steel utensils , I will add that if the bottom gets damaged somehow, it can’t be reseasoned.)

To learn about the cleaning process, I talked to Rosenberg and Sara Whitaker, director of category marketing at Le Creuset. They both say to start by cleaning the way you would anything else: with soap and a sponge. And they both say that putting pieces in the dishwasher is okay — though Whitaker notes that hand-washing is recommended to preserve the finish over time, as “constant dishwashing may lead to some dulling of the enamel coating,” she says.

If you still have bits that won’t release, Rosenberg says you can graduate to Bar Keeper’s Friend , which is totally safe to use on the surface, and scrub with the more abrasive side of a two-sided sponge or a Scotch-Brite pad — really, “anything that’s a step down from steel wool,” she says. That should take care of it, but if you’re still having trouble, try adding water to the pot or pan, letting it boil for a few minutes and then giving it another go. Soaking is okay and can help here, too.

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments , rolling luggage , pillows for side sleepers , natural anxiety remedies , and bath towels . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

• the strategist
• cookware and utensils
• strategist explains

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

Deal of the Day

Micro sales, greatest hits, most viewed stories.

• The 15 Very Best White Sneakers for Women
• What Sleater Kinney Can’t Live Without
• The Best CC Creams, According to Makeup Artists
• I’ve Tried (Almost) Everything From the Ordinary — Here’s What’s Worth It
• The Best Strategist-Approved Deals From Amazon’s Big Spring Sale (So Far)
• The 15 Very Best Protein Powders
• The Very Best Body Washes

Shop with Google

AAA Newsroom

Automotive, Travel, and Traffic Safety Information

Gas Prices March Higher with the Arrival of Spring

By: andrew gross & devin gladden.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 21, 2024)—The national average for a gallon of gas rose 11 cents since last week to $3.52. While domestic gas demand has been lackluster, rising oil prices helped push pump prices higher. The Midwest may see a bit of a price reprieve, as the large BP Whiting refinery in Indiana is back up and running after being down since February 1 st .

“Gas prices are a lot like seasonal temperatures.  They start to rise with the arrival of spring, said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “And the national average for gas is now higher than a year ago, which we have not seen since late December.”

For the complete report, including the latest EIA data and oil market dynamics, please visit  https://gasprices.aaa.com/gas-prices-march-higher-with-the-arrival-of-spring/