I have done some travel writing before I researched into what travel writing is all about. Among my pieces included islands of Maldives such as Gaafaru, Kaashidhoo, and Vilimale (North Male' atoll), and Dhigurah (Alif Dhaal atoll). I wrote a piece for "Discover Maldives" magazine after bodyboarding all the surfing points of North Male' atoll.
I have visited a few countries but at the time I didn't bother about writing my travels. This is a character in me I still don't understand. I would do things and then would later wonder why I didn't write about them. So there's countries I have visited such as France, Switzerland, Australia, Kuwait, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, yet, at the time I visited them, it didn't occur to me to write about my travels.
Same with some Maldives' islands and resorts I have visited; I didn't bother writing about them although it included - but not limited to - the breathtakingly beautiful islands such as in Addu, Laamu, Gaaf Dhaal, and Shaviyani atoll.
It is only now I am thinking that hereafter I should engage in travel writing about places I visit. There's no going back to places I have already visited because my memory of the details of my journeys has somewhat faded by now.
Hence, please don't be surprised that this is the first time I am reading a travel book - borrowed from a friend this week. It's Nobel literature prize winner Trinidad's Indian ethnic writer V.S. Naipaul's book "Among the believers: An Islamic Journey" (pictured). I haven't finished reading it yet. It's about his travels to Iran, Pakistan, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Because I have decided to indulge in travel writing in future, I hit Bard and garnered information on what travel writing is about by asking Bard this question:
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What are the features of travel writing?
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And here's the information Bard provided me:
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Travel writing paints vivid pictures of journeys and destinations, inviting readers to embark on adventures alongside the author.
Here are some key features that make it stand out:
Storytelling:
Engaging narrative: It's not just about recounting facts and figures; it's about weaving a compelling story with a beginning, middle, and end.
Personal touch: Often written in first-person, the author's experiences and reflections connect with readers on a deeper level.
Unexpected twists: While beautiful sights are appealing, good travel writing explores the quirks, challenges, and unexpected encounters that make travel unique.
Sensory details:
Show, don't tell: Vivid descriptions evoke the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures of the place, transporting readers to another world.
Engage all senses: Go beyond the visual; describe the spice of a local dish, the rhythm of a street vendor's song, or the feel of sun-warmed sand beneath your feet.
Cultural insights:
Beyond the tourist trail: Offer glimpses into local customs, traditions, and ways of life, sparking curiosity and understanding.
Honest and respectful: Travel writing should avoid stereotypes and present diverse cultures with sensitivity and appreciation.
Informative but engaging:
Useful tips: Share practical advice like navigating public transportation, finding hidden gems, or navigating cultural nuances.
Historical background: Weave in interesting facts and stories about the places visited, enriching the reading experience.
Conversational tone: Use an accessible and friendly voice that feels like chatting with a fellow traveler.
Remember:
Uniqueness is key: What makes your travel story different? Share your perspective, interests, and personal experiences to stand out.
Evocative language: Choose words that paint pictures and stir emotions, making the reader feel the magic of travel.
Honesty and authenticity: Share your genuine experiences, both good and bad, to create a relatable and trustworthy narrative.
These are just some of the key features that make travel writing engaging and inspiring. So, whether you're planning an epic adventure or simply escaping through the pages of a book, good travel writing offers a window into the world, broadening our horizons and igniting our wanderlust.
Here are some examples of different styles in travel writing:
1. The Adventurous Explorer:
Style: Fast-paced, dynamic, full of thrilling encounters and challenges. Think kayaking through white rapids, dodging mountain lions, or trekking through unexplored jungles.
Example: "My heart hammered against my ribs as I clung to the rickety rope bridge, swaying precariously above the churning river. Below, the rapids roared like hungry beasts, promising a watery grave for any misjudgment. One wrong step, and my journey through the Amazon would end with a splash – literally." (Excerpt inspired by Robyn Davidson's "Tracks").
2. The Cultural Immersive:
Style: Reflective, insightful, delving deep into the traditions, beliefs, and daily lives of local people. Picture attending a traditional tea ceremony in Japan, learning to salsa in Cuba, or volunteering at a community center in Nepal.
Example: "The old woman, her face etched with wrinkles like a weathered map, patiently demonstrated the intricate art of sari weaving. As her nimble fingers danced across the silk threads, she shared stories of her ancestors, whispers of a culture stretching back centuries. In that moment, I wasn't just learning a craft; I was absorbing the soul of India." (Excerpt inspired by Pico Iyer's "The Global Soul").
3. The Humorous Observer:
Style: Lighthearted, witty, finding humor in unexpected situations and cultural gaffes. Think getting lost in a labyrinthine Moroccan souk, accidentally ordering cow tongue in Mexico, or trying to communicate with charades in a remote village.
Example: "My attempt at bargaining in the Marrakech marketplace was like a toddler negotiating a peace treaty. My rusty Arabic met their rapid-fire Berber with a comical symphony of mispronounced numbers and exaggerated hand gestures. In the end, I walked away with a rug that clashed tragically with my apartment decor, but with a pocketful of laughter and a new appreciation for the art of the haggle." (Excerpt inspired by Bill Bryson's "Neither Here Nor There").
4. The Introspective Wanderer:
Style: Poetic, introspective, using travel as a lens to explore personal growth, self-discovery, and universal themes. Imagine solitary treks through the Scottish Highlands, meditating in a Buddhist monastery in Bhutan, or gazing at the vastness of the Sahara Desert.
Example: "As I stood alone on the edge of the Grand Canyon, the wind whipping my hair and the sun painting the rock face with golden hues, I felt a profound sense of insignificance. Yet, within that insignificance, there was a spark of something else: a connection to the eternal flow of time, a whisper of the stories etched in the canyon's wrinkles. This journey wasn't just about miles; it was about finding myself within the vastness of the world." (Excerpt inspired by Cheryl Strayed's "Wild").
These are just a few examples, and the possibilities are endless! Remember, the best travel writing is the one that speaks to your unique voice and resonates with your audience. So, pick up your pen, pack your bags (metaphorically or literally), and start exploring the world through the power of words!
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