How to Start Travel Writing

Travel Opened my Eyes

Travel has opened my heart and my mind. It has taught me to be curious. It has guided me to an openness of other people. To how they live, work, and love differently than we Americans do. For me the world is a kalidiscope of colors, shapes, and landscapes. — Rhonda 

I loved travel stories, especially those of people living in other countries, who navigated a maze of practical, cultural, and language differences. One day I realized I had stories of my own and paid attention to the call to capture them in a book. Stories that indicated a trajectory of my life. Those stories became my coming-of-age, travel memoir, At Home in the World: Travel Stories of Growing Up and Growing Away. When you read the book, please write a brief review on Amazon.com. 

3 Key Elements of Travel Writing 

When it comes to travel writing, there are several aspects that set it apart. Three key elements contribute to distinctive travel writing:

#1 Personal Travel Perspective

Unlike other forms of writing, this allows an author to share their personal experiences, perspectives, and emotions while or after exploring a particular destination. It goes beyond just describing a place. It also delves into the author’s individual encounters, interactions, and reflections. This personal touch adds depth and authenticity, enabling readers to connect with the writer. The “I” is acceptable, unlike what we learned in high school English. You’re the main character, telling the story from your point of view.

#2: Cultural Exploration through the Senses

Travel writing often entails a deep dive into the destination’s cultural fabric. It involves immersing oneself in the local traditions, customs, cuisines, and ways of life. Through vivid descriptions using all five senses and storytelling, travel writers have the power to transport readers to other corners of the world. It also enables them to experience unfamiliar cultures vicariously. By highlighting unique aspects of a place’s heritage, rituals, and values, travel writing fosters cultural appreciation and understanding. “A sense of place” and all that entails is a central character in travel writing.

#3 The Mindfulness of Travel Reflection

Travel writing, by its very nature, chronicles exciting journeys, thrilling escapades, and discoveries off the beaten path. But it can also be a quiet moment in time or an encounter with someone. The skill of paying attention is the key to reflection. Journal writing or taking notes makes recollection easier. Whether hiking through rugged terrains, navigating bustling markets, or uncovering hidden gems, writers can captivate readers’ imaginations. Learn how to find “the so what?” in your travel journals. You writing can create compelling reading but also inspire readers to embark on their own voyages of self-discovery.

Summing it up

The uniqueness of travel writing lies in its ability to weave personal experiences, use place as a character in your writing, and a sense of reflection on captivating narratives. What did it mean to you?

Through the lens of the writer, readers are transported to fascinating destinations, to immerse themselves in different cultures and gain a fresh perspective on the world. So, regardless the type of traveler you are, travel writing may offer an enriching literary journey that transcends borders and broadens horizons for you the traveler and for your future readers. 

Revise, then Edit

Beyond these three things, there is the same gold standard of good writing that stands the test of time for all publications.

1. Read Strunk & White’s The Elements of Style, 2025 edition, or On Writing Well by William Zinsser, both classic writing books.
2. Keep your audience in mind, write for a specific reader to make it easier to focus how you want to tell your story.
3. Revise the story until it sings, then edit until it is flawless.