Travel writing, at its core, is the art of capturing the essence of a place and sharing it with the world. It’s more than just recounting a trip; it’s about weaving a narrative that transports the reader, evoking sights, sounds, smells, and emotions. It’s about storytelling with a destination as the main character. Travel writers are more than just tourists; they are observers, interpreters, and storytellers.
Travel writing takes many forms, from personal blog posts to in-depth magazine articles and comprehensive guidebooks. The best travel writing goes beyond the surface, delving into the culture, history, and people of a destination. It offers a unique perspective, inviting readers to experience a place through the writer’s eyes.
The Exhausting Reality Behind the Dream Job
While the idea of traveling the world and getting paid to write about it sounds glamorous, the reality can be quite demanding. Many travel writers find press trips, while offering incredible opportunities, can be surprisingly exhausting. As Jennifer points out, the need to constantly be “on” and engaging with hosts can make it difficult to truly relax and enjoy the experience.
Veteran travel writer Kerry Heaney emphasizes the packed schedules. Travel writers often squeeze three times the activities into a single day compared to what a typical traveler would do. This whirlwind pace, while allowing them to gather a wealth of stories, leaves little time for truly soaking in the atmosphere and savoring the moment. As Kerry puts it, “We rarely have time to just soak it in and often the experiences are shortened.”
The Digital Demands of Modern Travel Writing
Digital influencer Kerri McConnel highlights the multifaceted role of the modern travel writer, particularly the demands of creating content for various platforms.
“I am currently on a famil with a solid itinerary, where we are covering many brands at once,” she says, illustrating the fast-paced and business-oriented nature of many press trips.
Kerri elaborates on the complexities of content creation: “As someone who writes for my own website, there’s so much more to do than just my articles.” She details the process of capturing photos and videos in multiple formats for different platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Each platform requires a unique approach, from the aspect ratio to the length of the content.
The Tech-Savvy Travel Writer
The modern travel writer is also a skilled photographer, videographer, and social media manager. Kerri uses a range of equipment, including DSLRs, iPhones, drones, and GoPros, along with gimbals and selfie sticks. She emphasizes the time-consuming nature of editing and processing the content: “A two minute video can take me two days to edit and produce.” Even seemingly simple tasks like posting an Instagram story require careful consideration of the image, caption, and tags to maximize engagement.
The Essence of Effective Travel Writing
In conclusion, what is travel writing? It’s a dynamic and evolving field that blends storytelling, observation, and technical skill. While the allure of travel is undeniable, the reality involves hard work, long hours, and a commitment to delivering engaging and informative content. The best travel writing informs, inspires, and connects readers to the world around them, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for diverse cultures and experiences. The key to success in this field lies in finding a unique voice, embracing the challenges, and never losing sight of the power of storytelling.
