narrative travel writing examples

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Great Travel Writing Examples from World Renowned Travel Writers

Are you ready to be a better travel writer? One of the best ways to do this is to read great travel writing examples from great travel writers.

Writing about travel in a way that keeps your reader reading is not always easy. Knowing how to write an irresistible first paragraph to entice the reader to keep reading is key. Writing a lede paragraph that convinces the reader to finish the article, story or book is great travel writing.  This article features travel writing examples from award-winning travel writers, top-selling books, New York Times travel writers, and award-winning travel blogs.

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The writers featured in this article are some of my personal favorite travel writers. I am lucky to have met most of them in person and even luckier to consider many friends. Many I have interviewed on my podcast and have learned writing tips from their years of travel writing, editing and wisdom.

11 Great Travel Writing Examples

Writing with feeling, tone, and point of view creates a compelling story. Below are examples of travel writing that include; first paragraphs, middle paragraphs, and final paragraphs for both travel articles as well as travel books.

I hope the below examples of travel writing inspire you to write more, study great travel writing and take your writing to a higher level.

Writing Example of a Travel Book Closing Paragraphs

Don George is the author of the award-winning anthology The Way of Wanderlust: The Best Travel Writing of Don George , and the best-selling travel writing guide in the world: How to Be a Travel Writer .

He is currently Editor at Large for National Geographic Travel, and has been Travel Editor at the San Francisco Examiner-Chronicle, Salon, and Lonely Planet.

I had the wonderful opportunity to see Don speak at Tbex and read from one of his books as well as interview him on the Break Into Travel Writing podcast. You can listen to the full podcast here .

Below is the closing of Don’s ebook: Wanderlust in the Time of Coronavirus: Dispatches from a Year of Traveling Close to Home

I continued hiking up to Lost Trail and then along Canopy View Trail. Around noon I serendipitously came upon a bench by the side of the trail, parked my backpack, and unpacked my lunch. Along with my sandwiches and carrot sticks, I feasted on the tranquility and serenity, the sequoia-swabbed purity of the air, the bird and brook sounds and sun-baked earth and pine needle smells, the sunlight slanting through the branches, the bright patch of blue sky beyond.

At one point I thought of shinrin-yoku, forest bathing, the Japanese practice that has become widely popular in the U.S. This was a perfect example of shinrin-yoku, I thought: Here I am, alone in this forest, immersed in the sense and spirit of these old-growth redwoods, taking in their tranquility and timelessness, losing myself to their sheer size and age and their wild wisdom that fills the air.

I sat there for an hour, and let all the trials, tremors, and tribulations of the world I had left in the parking lot drift away. I felt grounded, calm, quiet—earth-bound, forest-embraced.

In another hour, or two, I would walk back to the main paved trail, where other pilgrims would be exclaiming in awe at the sacred sequoias, just as I had earlier that day.

But for now, I was content to root right here, on this blessed bench in the middle of nowhere, or rather, in the middle of everywhere, the wind whooshing through me, bird-chirps strung from my boughs, toes spreading under scratchy pine needles into hard-packed earth, sun-warmed canopy reaching for the sky, aging trunk textured by time, deep-pulsing, in the heart of Muir Woods.

• You can read the whole story here: Old Growth: Hiking into the Heart of Muir Woods
• Please also download Don’s free ebook here:  Wanderlust in the Time of Coronavirus
• In addition to writing and editing, Don speaks at conferences, lectures on tours around the world, and teaches travel writing workshops through www.bookpassage.com .

Writing Example of a Travel Book Intro Paragraphs

Francis tapon.

Francis Tapon , author of Hike Your Own Hike and The Hidden Europe , also created a TV series and book called The Unseen Africa, which is based on his five-year journey across all 54 African countries.

He is a three-time TEDx speaker. His social media username is always FTapon. I interviewed Francis on the Break Into Travel Writing podcast about “How to Find An Original Point of View as a Travel Writer “. You can listen to the full podcast here .

Below is the opening of Francis’ book, The Hidden Europe:

“This would be a pretty lousy way to die,” I thought.

I was locked in an outhouse with no way out. Outhouses sometimes have two latches—one on the outside and one on the inside. The outside latch keeps the door shut to prevent rodents and other creatures who like hanging out in crap from coming in. Somehow, that outer latch accidentally closed, thereby locking me in this smelly toilet. I was wearing a thin rain jacket. The temperature was rapidly dropping.

“This stinks,” I mumbled. It was midnight, I was above the Arctic Circle, and the temperatures at night would be just above freezing. There was no one around for kilometers. If I didn’t get out, I could freeze to death in this tiny, smelly, fly-infested shithole.

My mom would kill me if I died so disgracefully. She would observe that when Elvis died next to a toilet, he was in Graceland. I, on the other hand, was in Finland, not far from Santa Claus. This Nordic country was a jump board for visiting all 25 nations in Eastern Europe.

You can find his book on Amazon: The Hidden Europe: What Eastern Europeans Can Teach Us

For $2 a month, you can get Francis’ book as he writes it: Patreon.com/ftapon

Intro (Lede) Paragraph Examples of Great Travel Writing Articles

Michele peterson.

Former banking executive Michele Peterson is a multi-award-winning travel and food writer who divides her time between Canada, Guatemala, and Mexico (or the nearest tropical beach).

Former banking executive Michele Peterson is a multi-award-winning travel and food writer who divides her time between Canada, Guatemala, and Mexico (or the nearest tropical beach). Her writing has appeared in Lonely Planet’s Mexico from the Source cookbook, National Geographic Traveler, Conde Nast’s Gold List, the Globe and Mail, Fifty-five Plus and more than 100 other online and print publications.

She blogs about world cuisine and sun destinations at A Taste for Travel website. I met Michele on my first media trip that took place in Nova Scotia, Canada. I also had the pleasure of interviewing about “ Why the Odds are in Your Favor if you Want to Become a Travel Writer” . You can listen to the full podcast here .

Michele’s Lede Paragraph Travel Writing Example

I’m hiking through a forest of oak trees following a farmer who is bleating like a pied piper. Emerging from a gully is a herd of black Iberian pigs, snuffling in response. If they weren’t so focused on following the swineherd, I would run for the hills. These pigs look nothing like the pink-cheeked Babe of Hollywood fame.

These are the world’s original swine, with lineage dating back to the Paleolithic Stone Age period where the earliest humans decorated Spain’s caves with images of wild boars. Their powerful hoofs stab the earth as they devour their prized food, the Spanish bellota acorn, as fast as the farmer can shake them from the tree with his long wooden staff. My experience is part of a culinary journey exploring the secrets of producingjamón ibérico de Bellota, one of the world’s finest hams.

You can read the full article here: Hunting for Jamón in Spain

Perry Garfinkel

Perry Garfinkel has been a journalist and author for an unbelievable 40 years, except for some years of defection into media/PR communications and consulting.

He is a contributor to The New York Times since the late ’80s, writing for many sections and departments. He has been an editor for, among others, the Boston Globe, the Middlesex News, and the Martha’s Vineyard Times.

He’s the author of the national bestseller “ Buddha or Bust: In Search of the Truth, Meaning, Happiness and the Man Who Found Them All ” and “ Travel Writing for Profit and Pleasure “.

Perry has been a guest on my podcast twice. He gave a “ Master Class in Travel Writing ” you can listen to the full podcast here . He also shared “ How to Find Your Point Of View as a Travel Writer ” you can listen to the full episode here .

Perry’s Lede Travel Article Example from the New York Times

SAN FRANCISCO — A block off Grant Avenue in San Francisco’s Chinatown – beyond the well-worn path tourists take past souvenir shops, restaurants and a dive saloon called the Buddha Bar – begins a historical tour of a more spiritual nature. Duck into a nondescript doorway at 125 Waverly Place, ascend five narrow flights and step into the first and oldest Buddhist temple in the United States.

At the Tien Hau Temple, before an intricately carved gilded wooden shrine and ornate Buddha statues, under dozens of paper lanterns, Buddhists in the Chinese tradition still burn pungent incense and leave offerings to the goddess Tien Hau in return for the promise of happiness and a long life.

You can read the full article here: Taking a Buddhist pilgrimage in San Francisco

Elaine Masters

Elaine Masters apologizes for pissing off fellow travelers while tracking story ideas, cultural clues, and inspiring images but can’t resist ducking in doorways or talking with strangers.

She’s recently been spotted driving her hybrid around the North American West Coast and diving cenotes in the Yucatan. Founder of Tripwellgal.com, Elaine covers mindful travel, local food, overlooked destinations and experiences. Elaine was a guest on my podcast where we spoke about “ How to Master the CVB Relationship “. You can listen to the full podcast here .

Elaine’s Lede Example

I jiggered my luggage onto the escalator crawling up to the street. As it rose into the afternoon light, an immense shadow rose over my shoulder. Stepping onto the sidewalk, I burst into giggles, looking like a madwoman, laughing alone on the busy Barcelona boulevard.  The shadow looming overhead was the Sagrada Familia Cathedral. It had mesmerized me forty years earlier and it was the reason I’d finally returned to Spain.

You can read the full article here: Don’t Miss Going Inside Sagrada Familia, Barcelona’s Beloved Cathedral

Along with his wife, photographer Mary Gabbett, Bret Love is the Co-Founder/Editor In Chief of Green Global Travel and the Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide.

He’s also an award-winning writer whose work has been featured by more than 100 publications around the world, including National Geographic, Rolling Stone, American Way, the Washington Post, and the New York Times.

Bret’s Lede Example

Congo Square is quiet now. Traffic forms a dull drone in the distance. A lone percussionist taps out ancient tribal rhythms on a two-headed drum. An air compressor from Rampart Street road construction provides perfectly syncopated whooshes of accompaniment.

Shaded park benches are surrounded by blooming azaleas, magnolias, and massive live oaks that stretch to provide relief from the blazing midday sun. It’s an oasis of solitude directly across the street from the French Quarter.

Congo Square is quiet now. But it’s here that the seeds of American culture as we know it were sown more than 200 years ago. And the scents, sounds, and sights that originated here have never been more vital to New Orleans than they are now, more than a decade after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city.

You can read the full article here: Treme, New Orleans (How Congo Square Was The Birthplace Of American Culture)

Middle Paragraph Examples of Great Travel Writing Articles

Mariellen ward.

Canadian travel writer and blogger Mariellen Ward runs the award-winning travel site Breathedreamgo.com , inspired by her extensive travels in India.

She has been published in leading media outlets worldwide and offers custom tours to India through her company India for Beginners. Though Canadian by birth, Mariellen considers India to be her “soul culture” and she is passionate about encouraging mindful travel.

Mariellen’s Middle Paragraph Example

While the festival atmosphere swirled around me, I imbued my  diya with hope for personal transformation. I had come to India because a river of loss had run through my life, and I had struggled with grief, despair and depression for eight years. I felt I was clinging to the bank, but the effort was wearing me out. Deciding to leave my life and go to India was like letting go of the bank and going with the flow of the river. I had no idea where it would lead me, what I would learn or how I would change. I only knew that it was going to be big.

You can read the full article here: The River: A tale of grief and healing in India

Joe Baur is an author and filmmaker from Cleveland currently based in Berlin. His work has appeared in a variety of international publications, including BBC Travel, National Geographic, and Deutsche Welle.

He regularly reports for the Jewish Telegraphic Agency and is the author of Talking Tico detailing his year of living in Costa Rica and traveling around Central America. I interviewed Joe about “ How to Find Unique Travel Stories “. You can listen to the full podcast here .

Joe Baur’s Middle Paragraph Example

I first became aware of the Harz mountains and the Brocken when reading the works of some of Germany’s great writers, like Goethe and Heinrich Heine. Legends of witches congregating with the devil being the main theme of the mountain’s mythology. I, however, was more interested in a refreshing time spent in nature rather than reveling with the devil.

The first stage from Osterode to Buntenbock was a warm-up to the more rigorous stages ahead. It began on sidewalks before sliding into the forest sporting a healthy shade of green — a gentle jaunt that made my hiking boots feel a bit like overkill given the dry, pleasant weather.

You can read the full article here: Follow the witch through the forest: 5 days hiking Germany’s Harz

Samantha Shea

Samantha is a freelance travel writer with bylines in Matador Network, GoNomad and more. She also runs the travel blog Intentional Detours which provides thorough guides and tales related to offbeat adventure travel in South Asia and beyond.

When she’s not writing she enjoys cycling, hiking, the beach, as well as language learning.

Samantha Shea’s Middle Paragraph Example

Suddenly, the spark of a match pulsed through the early-fall afternoon and my head snapped towards the men. Amir touched the flame to an unidentifiable object that seconds later made itself known by the deep earthy scent of Pakistani hashish.

Amir’s ice blue eyes focused intently on his creation: a combination of tobacco and nuggets of greenish-brown charas. He forced the mixture back into the cigarette, before bringing it to his pursed lips, flicking the match, and setting flame to his high.

I reached out from the cot to take my turn and took a deep inhale, acutely pleased. I savored the familiar burn of the drag, the rows and rows of corn and apple plants in front of me, the stuttered cacophony of animal exclamations behind me, and the generosity of the men to my left, some of whom we had just met an hour before.

You can read the full article here: Thall Tales: A Hazy Afternoon in Thall, Pakistan

Final Paragraph Example of Great Travel Writing Articles

Cassie bailey.

Cassie is a travel writer who has solo backpacked around Asia and the Balkans, and is currently based in Auckland. Alongside in-depth destination guides, her blog has a particular focus on storytelling, mental health, and neurodiversity.

Cassie’s Final Paragraphs Example

So my goal is to feel, I guess. And I don’t mean that in a dirty way (although obvz I do mean that in a dirty way too). This is why we travel, right? To taste crazy new foods and to feel the sea breeze against our skin or the burn on the back of our legs on the way down a mountain. We want to feel like shite getting off night buses at 4am and the sting of mosquito bites. We know we’re going to feel lost or frustrated or overwhelmed but we do it anyway. Because we know it’s worth it for the ecstasy of seeing a perfect view or making a new connection or finding shitty wine after a bad day.

My goal is never to become numb to all of this. To never kid myself into settling for less than everything our bodies allow us to perceive. I’m after the full human experience; every bit, every feeling.

You can read the full article here: Goals inspired by life as a solo backpacker

Lydia Carey

Lydia Carey is a freelance writer and translator based out of Mexico City who spends her time mangling the Spanish language, scouring the country for true stories and “researching” every taco stand in her neighborhood.

She is the author of “ Mexico City Streets: La Roma ,” a guide to one of Mexico City’s most eclectic neighborhoods and she chronicles her life in the city on her blog MexicoCityStreets.com .

Lydia’s Final Paragraphs Example

Guys from the barrio huddle around their motorcycles smoking weed and drinking forties. Entire families, each dressed as St. Jude, eat tacos al pastor and grilled corn on a stick. Police stand at a distance, keeping an eye on the crowd but trying not to get too involved.

After this celebration, many of the pilgrims will travel on to Puebla where they will visit some of the religious relics on display in the San Judas church there. But many more will simply go back to their trades—legal and illegal—hoping that their attendance will mean that San Judas protects them for another year, and that he has their back in this monster of a city.

You can read the full article here: San Judas de Tadeo: Mexico’s Defender of Lost Causes

I hope you enjoyed these examples of travel writing and they have inspired you to want to write more and write better! The next article that will be published is a follow-up to this and will include travel writing examples from my first travel writing teacher, Amanda Castleman. This article will include travel writing tips from Amanda and travel writing examples from her students as well as one from her own writing.

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Alexa Meisler is the editorial director of 52 Perfect Days. Born in Paris, France she has since lived in Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon. She currently resides in San Diego with her husband and son where they enjoy exploring California and Mexico.

Travel has always been a part of her life; traveling to such places as Morocco, Tangiers and Spain as a young child as well as taking many road trips to Mexico with her grandparents as a young girl. Since then, she has traveled abroad to locations such as Russia, Taiwan and throughout Europe.

Prior to working at 52 Perfect Days she was a freelance travel writer; focusing on family and women’s adventure experiences.

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6 examples of gorgeous travel writing

Inspiration to help your next travel blog, guidebook, or article stand out from the crowd.

We live on a wondrous, ever-changing planet— from alpine lakes and cloud forests to ancient cobblestoned cities.

The best travel writers can transport readers to these far-flung destinations, and to introduce them to new cultures and experiences. When done well, travel writing can be an insightful, thought-provoking and even life-changing genre of writing.

And with interactive content platforms, it’s possible for travel writers to create truly immersive reading experiences online. In this guide, we introduce six ideas — and examples of travel writing — to help you create beautiful, interactive travel stories.

Whether you're a beginner travel writer, a publisher, destination marketer, or freelance travel blogger, we've got plenty of inspiration to get you started.

What do the BBC, Tripadvisor, and Penguin have in common? They craft stunning, interactive web content with Shorthand. And so can you! Publish your first story for free — no code or web design skills required. Sign up now.

The features of great travel writing

The best travel writing is unique, but there are still some general guidelines you’ll want to follow to make your travel writing stand out from the pack. Here are some travel writing tips to help you compete with the best examples of the genre.

• Have a point of view. Great travel writers — from the travel books of Bill Bryson and John Steinbeck to the documentaries of Paul Theroux — all have very specific points of view that are difficult to copy. Find your voice, and your travel articles will truly sing.
• Take great photos. The best travel writing is visually immersive, using high resolution images and video to engage the reader’s senses. Even if you’re not creating a photo essay , modern travel writing relies of great visual assets.
• Use multimedia content where you can. If you can, create audio and video assets, too, and consider building out your story with a digital storytelling platform to use interactive features. Embed podcasts and clips to keep the reader engaged.
• Learn from the best. Keep track of longform feature stories in the New York Times and the Washington Post, and steal their techniques. (Good travel writers borrow, great travel writers steal, to butcher TS Eliot.)
• Create a beautiful web presence. We love the print Lonely Planet travel guides, but these days you need to produce stunningly engaging content on the web. Standards are high, but you’d be amazed what you can do with modern interactive content platforms.
• Provide a sense of adventure — even if you’re not strictly doing ‘adventure travel’. Whether you’re writing a first person travel memoir or writing about your backpacker’s trip through the Amazon, you want to keep your reader engaged with your travel experiences.
• Make it educational. Teach the reader something new about the world they’re exploring.
• Edit your work. The best travel writers kill their darlings and pay attention to details — hello, commas — knowing that this is how the best work is created.

Want to improve the efficiency of your writing process? Check out our list of the best writing tools .

Inspire readers and move them to action by exploring a location's unique history and culture. By focusing on just one place, your readers get the chance to experience it deeply through your words and imagery.

Intrepid Travel's Shorthand story 'Welcome to Olkola Country' is simple, yet effective. The highlight of the story is its elegant writing — a blend of reporting and personal narrative that explores the history, culture, and ecology of an ancestral land of the Olkola people in Australia. The story is elevated with thoughtful photos and videos, and ends with a call to action for the newly-inspired reader.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out our roundup of ten stunning photo essay examples .

The right images can make a story feel polished and inspired.

2 . Time travel

Taking readers back through historical moments is a great way to achieve more depth in your stories.

In the story The Museum of Atari, Mario and Electronic Childhood Dreams , Channel News Asia uses Shorthand to create a stunning visual story about a little-known museum of retro video games in Singapore. The highlight of the story is an interactive scrollytelling timeline about the history of video games, which is created using the Shorthand Reveal feature and animates a pixel character as the reader scrolls.

Our Reveal section allows animations like this to be controlled by the reader's scrolling.

3 . Immerse your reader

When words and photos simply aren't enough to convey the complexity of a travel story, add another layer of reader engagement using various forms of media.

The Sydney Opera House story  A Guide to Dance Rites uses multimedia to bring indigenous culture to life. With elements like animation, slideshows, and embedded audio clips, readers can feel fully immersed in one of Australia's most traditional dance competitions.

Embed your own code to add further customisation to your story.

With Shorthand, remember that you always have the option to add custom HTML to add further customisations to your stories. See a list of our recommended third party tools in this support document .

4 . Just the highlights

Not every trip allows for the luxury of time. In order to get the point across, sometimes a quick and to-the-point listicle is all that's necessary to deliver a clear and time-efficient message.

Mansion Global's story 6 Cities, 6 Continents takes a quick jaunt around the world to some of the best cities to buy a dream vacation home. The destinations are all tied together by an interactive map that tracks a route between the cities — a creative use of the Shorthand Reveal section .

Interactive maps can help connect different locations in your story.

5 . Keep it practical

Travel stories don't always need to inspire wanderlust or transport readers to far-flung destinations. Some of the most effective and important travel stories simply provide practical advice — whether that's how to exchange currency, say "thank you" in a foreign language, or avoid danger.

Travel Weekly's story Traveling While Female explores how female travellers can stay safe, and uses data to stress the importance of improving women's safety abroad. By displaying the data as interactive graphics, Travel Weekly draws extra emphasis to key statistics.

Make your data memorable by giving it special emphasis.

6. Zoom out

When you've written a couple of beautiful travel stories, what's next?

Tie together your creative vision by consolidating your stories into a single landing page. You can use Shorthand to create a home for all of your stories, whether that's by using our Collection section or by including links in other section types.

For example, Luxury Travel nests all of their feature content within a Shorthand story. The page takes advantage of our media-rich sections to create a scrolling archive of their beautiful travel stories.

Consolidate your features in a single Shorthand story.

There are myriad ways to turn a Shorthand story into a landing page. Here's another example from Perth Now, which takes a simple, colourful approach.

There are many ways to customise a Shorthand story to serve as a landing page.

Creating a unique online travel story can seem like a daunting task, but Shorthand's many easy-to-use features exist to help make your stories exceptional. There are thousands of destinations waiting to be written about, and we can't wait to see where your stories take us next.

Publish your first story free with Shorthand

Craft sumptuous content at speed. No code required.

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

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Blog • Perfecting your Craft

Posted on Jun 21, 2017

12 Types of Travel Writing Every Writer Should Know

So, you want to be a travel writer?

There are plenty of reality doses out there already, so we’re going to focus on the positives, and what you can do to maximize your chances of travel writing professionally. One of the first steps: you should absolutely know your markets, and what types of travel writing are popular in them. In today’s competitive market, this knowledge can both help you structure your article  and target the right audience.

In this post, we break down modern travel writing into three distinct categories: freelance journalism , blogging, and book-writing. Then we identify the prevalent types of travel writing each category is known for, to give you an initial sort of compass in the industry.

Freelance Travel Journalism

The truth is this: the travel sections in major publications (New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal) are slimmer now, so competition will be tall. But there are other outlets. Local newspapers are sometimes open to travel pitches from freelancers. Certain websites pay for travel articles, while magazines can be great for targeting niche audiences.

So what are the common types of freelance travel journalism?

Destination articles

Here, the game’s in the name: destination articles tell readers about a place to which they might want to travel one day. One of the most standard type of travel stories, these pieces act as the armchair reader’s bird-eye view of a place. Useful or interesting facts pepper the writing. History, points of interest, natural scenery, trendy spots: a destination article can touch upon them all within the framework of a broad narrative.

Where the average article gives readers a sense of the destination, the best of the best convinces readers that this is a destination they want, nay, need to visit. As such, though some destination articles are written in first person, the focus is rarely on the writer. Instead, the destination is the star of the show.

For examples of destination articles, check out:

• Besalú, the most interesting Spanish village you probably don’t know (LA Times)
• In Indonesia (Washington Post)
• 36 Hours In The Finger Lakes Region of New York (New York Times)

Special-interest articles

Special-interest articles are offshoots of destination articles. Instead of taking the reader on a tour of an entire country or city, these pieces cover one particular aspect of the destination. This kind of writing can cover anything from art in Colombia, ghost towns in the U.S., trekking in Patagonia, alpaca farms in Australia, motorbiking in Brazil, railroads in France, volunteering in Tanzania — you get the gist.

Since special-interest articles are narrower in topic, many writers tailor them for niche magazines or websites. Before you start pitching, we recommend flipping through the Writer’s Handbook , one of the most useful guides to the freelance publishing market, to see which publications fit your target audience.

For a taste of some special-interest articles, see:

• Exploring Portugal — From Pork To Port (epicurious.com)
• This Unsung Corner of Spain is Home to Fabulous Food (Washington Post)
• Karsts of China's Getu River region attract rock climbers, other travelers (CNN Travel)

Holiday and special events

Holiday and special events travel articles ask writers to write about a destination before the event takes place. The biggest global events are magnets for this type of travel writing, such as the World Cup, the Olympics, the World Expo, fashion weeks, and film festivals. Depending on the publication, regional events work just as well.

Want to see what special events pieces look like? Have a read through these:

• This summer’s solar eclipse is southern Illinois’ chance to shine (Chicago Tribune)
• How To Plan A Trip To The 2016 Rio Olympics (Travel & Leisure)

You’ll recognize a round-up article when you see one, as it’ll go, “40 best beaches in West Europe,” or, perhaps, “20 of the greatest walks in the world!” It’s a classic tool in any magazine or newspaper writer’s toolbox, taking a bunch of destinations and grouping them all under one common thread.

Ultimately, a clear motif makes this type of article a breeze to read, as they’re a play on the ubiquitous List Format. But, OK, before you jump at this excuse to sacrifice your belly at 99 food trucks in New York City, remember that your premise should be original, not to mention practical. What’s tough is coming up with X ways to do Y in the first place, as that demands you put in the travel and research to produce a thorough write-up.

Want even more examples of round-up articles? Here you go:

• 12 new art exhibits to see this summer (Smithsonian)
• 21 ways to see America for cheap (Huffington Post)
• 41 places to go in 2011 (New York Times)

Personal essays

Publishers are experiencing something of a personal essay fatigue , so the market for more might be scarce these days. However, quality trumps all, and a good personal travel essay is just plain good writing in disguise: something that possesses a strong voice while showing insight, growth, and backstory.

Just don’t make it a diary entry. In an interview with The Atlantic , travel writer Paul Theroux said: “The main shortcut is to leave out boring things. People write about getting sick, they write about tummy trouble. They write about waiting. They write three pages about how long it took them to get a visa. I’m not interested in the boring parts. Everyone has tummy trouble. Everyone waits in line. I don’t want to hear about it.”

Here’s a jumping-off point for personal travel essays:

• Taking the Great American Roadtrip (Smithsonian)

Have a burning opinion to share? Sometimes publications end up giving op-eds to staff, but there are always open calls for opinion pieces.

Travel op-eds are much rarer than political opinion pieces, but there’s a pattern to the ones that make the cut: good persuasive writing. If you can come at a topic from a unique angle (and argue your case clearly) then you may be able to publish your opinion.

If you’re in the mood for travel op-ed articles, see:

• The West Coast Is The Best Coast For Food In America (Food & Wine)
• Why Climate Change Is Actually Relevant To Travel (Conde Nast)

Travel Blogging

When typing “travel blog” into Google returns 295 million results, we can guess it’s a fairly competitive market.

Here’s the plus side: bloggers get to write what they want and go where they please. When it comes to blog posts, there are no editors, no gatekeepers. Only you and the “PUBLISH” button.

We won’t go revisit the types of travel writing we covered earlier (such as the roundup format). Instead, we’ll explore some of the other formats bloggers use to tell their travel stories. Since the rules of travel blogging are next to non-existent, our tally below is by no means definitive. And, again, our best advice is to note what your favorite bloggers do on their blogs.

Already running a successful travel blog? You might consider turning that blog into a book !

How-To articles are already fairly popular in magazines, but they’re positively omnipresent in the travel blogging world. Blogs provide a direct communication platform, allowing trust to build up quicker with the readers. As a result, for the search query, “How to travel Europe on a budget,” six out of the top ten results are posts from trusted independent blogs.

A How-To article is the most standard form of advice column a travel blogger can produce. It’s intrinsically useful, promising that it’ll teach something by article’s end. A blogger’s challenge is delivering fully on that promise.

How to read more How-To articles? We got you covered:

• How To Start A Travel Blog (Nomadic Matt)
• How To Travel Solo To A Party Destination (Adventurous Kate)
• How to Visit Penang’s Kek Lok Si Temple (Migrationology)

Itineraries

Itineraries reveal the schedule that the writer took at a given destination, city-by-city or sight-by-sight. They’re meant for the traveler who’s embarking on a similar trip and needs a template. Typically, you’ll find that an itinerary post is an easy place for you to slip in recommendations, anything from the accommodation you used or the restaurants you tried.

You can use itinerary posts to reinforce your blog’s brand. For instance, an itinerary posted on a blog focused around budget travel will probably maximize cost-saving chances.

For more itineraries, see:

• My Trip To Japan (A Complete Japan Itinerary)
• Backpacking Vietnam on a budget: 2-3 Weeks Itinerary + Tips

Longform posts

Longform travel blogging tells a travel story through extended narrative content, as it takes a week’s worth of adventure and shapes it into a story. Longform blog posts about travel often end up being creative nonfiction : a way to present nonfiction — factually accurate prose about real people and events — in a compelling, vivid, dramatic manner.

Photography can add another dimension to the form, as Emmanuel Nataf (our co-founder!) shows on his travel blog . And Reedsy's very own Arielle provides a glimpse into why she prefers longform travel writing on her blog, Steps, a Travel Journal :

My favourite kinds of stories are the ones that give you a real sense of place. That’s why I enjoy longform travel blogging: I get to describe the character of a place through the experiences I encountered there.

If you want to dip your toe into the sea of longform posts, you can also read:

• The Cow Head Taco Philosopher King of Oaxaca (Legal Nomads)
• The Best Worst Museum In The World

When it comes to writing a book, you can take all the challenges about travel writing from above and magnify it times 2,000. If you’re asking readers to commit to you for more than 100 pages, you’d best make sure that your book is worth their while.

As far as examples go, travel writing’s boomed in the mainstream book market recently. But there’s much more to it than Eat, Pray, Love and its descendants.

Travelogues

In travelogues, authors record their adventures in a way that illustrates or sheds insight upon the place itself. Travelogues possess a storied past, from Lady Mary Wortley Montagu’s Turkish Embassy Letters in 1763 to Mark Twain’s 1867 The Innocents Abroad , which paved the way for the sort of comic travelogues that Bill Bryson’s perfected today.

Up for some travelogues? Check out:

• Notes From A Small Island , by Bill Bryson
• In Patagonia , by Bruce Chatwin
• Travels with Charley In Search of America , by John Steinbeck

Travel memoirs

Nowadays, travel memoirs are practically synonymous with Elizabeth Gilbert’s wildly popular Eat, Pray, Love and Cheryl Strayed’s bestselling Wild , which were both recently adapted into Hollywood blockbusters.

That said, be aware that you’ll need a pretty exceptional personal story for your memoir to compete in today’s market . If you’re still set on writing or self-publishing a travel memoir, it’s tricky to balance personal backstory and travel for 400 pages, so think about taking on a professional for a second pair of eyes.

Did you know? You can find Nicki Richesin , a top Bloomsbury editor who’s edited for Cheryl Strayed, on our marketplace.

In addition to Eat, Pray, Love and Wild , you can read:

• Under the Tuscan Sun , by Frances Mayes
• Coasting , by Jonathan Raban
• Wind, Sand, and Stars , by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

As Oscar Wilde said, “I never travel without my diary. One should always keep something sensational to read in the train.” But these days, people are replacing diaries with travel guides — the ubiquitous Lonely Planet becoming one of the more common sights on transit.

Travel writing in guidebooks is straightforward, informative, and fact-filled. In addition, there’s a certain amount of responsibility that comes with the job. Lonely Planet alone is read by millions of travelers worldwide.

General Tips and Guidelines

As we mentioned before, the trick to producing great travel writing is ultimately simply writing well . To that extent, you should make sure to follow all the guidelines of good writing — not least, spell-checking your article before submitting or publishing it anywhere. You don’t want an editor or reader to see it while it stilll reads lik edis.

Also, keep in mind the tone, style, and vibe of the publication and platform (and by extension, your audience). A story about a moon-rock could go into a kid's magazine or it could go into Scientific America .

Finally, some category-specific tips:

• If you’re freelance writing, always check submission guidelines. Publications may accept only pitches or they may welcome articles “on spec” (pre-written articles). Some sources only take travel articles that were written within 6 months of the trip.
• If you’re blogging, brand your website (same advice if you’re an author who’s building an author website ).
• If you’re writing a book, get a professional editor! An unedited book is an unwieldy thing, and professional eyes provide direction, continuity, and assonance. ( Layout designers can be important if you’re publishing a travel photography book, in the meanwhile.)

Travel writing isn't a cinch. In fact, it's a long and often hard grind. But by figuring out what type of travel writing you want to try your hand at, you're taking the crucial first step.

Have you tried travel writing before? Want to show us the cool travel blog that you're keeping? We're always in the mood for great travel writing + pretty pictures. Leave us a note in the comments and we'll be sure to check it out! 

7 responses

Amanda Turner says:

20/03/2018 – 16:20

Thank you, this was very helpful. Here's one of mine: http://vagabondingwithkids.com/every-mothers-guide-to-piranha-fishing-in-the-amazon/

Travalerie says:

24/05/2018 – 18:42

I landed on this page Googling for one thing and coming up with another. Haha! But what I found instead was helpful as I'm devouring as much as I can on travel writing. A few months ago, I started a new travel business, revamped my website including a new blog, and am in the process of writing, writing, writing. I took 2 trips this year so far and wrote what seemed like a mini-novella. Burning out in the process. I know I can do better. But I had no idea what I was writing could be re-worked to fit a certain category of travel writing -- which is what I found helpful in this post above. Thanks https://www.travalerie.com/blog

Surya Thakur says:

04/03/2019 – 12:39

Very good information. Lucky me I discovered your blog by chance (stumbleupon). I’ve saved as a favorite for later! KuLLuHuLLs

David Bishop says:

08/05/2019 – 12:28

Thanks for this good article. I'm in my third year on the road and recently started my senior solo adventure travel website. I think my site has some pretty good stuff, of course. Take a look and tell me what you think. www.davidhunterbishop.com

Iris C. Permuy says:

23/05/2019 – 18:03

Thank you very much for all of these useful pieces of advice. I will make sure to implement them all on my travel blog, which is a combination of travel and gastronomy and uses the memoir and itinerary types, apart from recipes. Come check it out if you feel like it! I am more than open, eager for some professional feedback :)

Serissa says:

26/10/2019 – 14:53

This post is the perfect diving board for aspiring travel writers. I plan to link to this page from my travel blog if that is alright! ?? The link on my website will appear as "[title of this post] by Reedsy Blog". I assume this is alright, but if not, please email me directly to let me know! Thanks so much!

↪️ Martin Cavannagh replied:

29/10/2019 – 10:11

We'd be absolutely delighted if you shared this article on your blog :)

Comments are currently closed.

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Examples of Great Travelogue Writing to Inspire Your Next Adventure

‍“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta.

Ah, the joy and thrill of travel! Discovering new places, meeting strangers, and immersing yourself in unfamiliar cultures. But what’s the point of all this if you can’t capture the essence of your expedition in words?  That’s where travelogue writing comes in. 

Have you ever read a post that made you feel like you are experiencing the adventure alongside the writer? Well, that’s the power of a well-written travelogue.

It can transport your readers to far-off lands and make them feel right there with you. Add vivid descriptions, engaging anecdotes, and personal reflections, and voila!  - You’ve got yourself some entertaining travel tales to share.

So, are you ready to unlock your inner travelogue writer? 

Craft captivating tales that will leave your readers wishing for more. Let’s get started and master the art of travel writing!

Discover the Art of Travelogue Writing

From ancient Greece to modern-day blogs, travelogue writing has existed for centuries. It is a form of creative non-fiction that combines memories and factual data. But it’s not just about facts and statistics - a journey of self-expression, storytelling, and adventure. 

Remember - it is your travel tale, not a guidebook!

Travelogue writing captures a location’s essence in conveying its beauty and complexity. The key is to immerse yourself in the culture and environment of the places you visit.

Tips for Crafting Engaging Travel Narratives

Once you’ve gathered your thoughts and experiences, it’s time to craft them into compelling narratives. Here are a few tips with examples to help you get started:

Start With a Strong Hook

A vivid description, intriguing anecdote, or thought-provoking question can do the trick. For instance, the following example firmly sets the scene for the travelogue.

“Ever wondered what it’s like to explore Tokyo’s bustling streets? To taste fresh sushi, see neon lights, and immerse yourself in tradition and innovation? That’s what I did on my recent trip to Japan.” 

Create a Sense of Place 

Use descriptive language to create a vivid image for your readers. The following passage skillfully portrays the same.

“The narrow streets of Marrakech were alive with color and sound. The scent of spices and grilled meats filled the air, and vibrant textiles hung from every stall. As I made my way through the bustling souk, I couldn’t help but feel swept up in the city’s energy.”

Show, Don’t Tell

Suppose you visited a beach and want to write a travelogue about it. Don’t write, “The beach was beautiful.” Instead, convey as shown in the given example.

“During sunset, the sun casts a warm glow over the white sand. The sound of waves filled the air as I dug my toes into the sand and breathed in the sea breeze.”

Now you know the difference. Use dialogue and sensory details to immerse your readers in your destination.

Include Personal Reflections

Share your thoughts and feelings. Connect your experiences to broader themes and ideas. For example, 

“Standing atop the fort’s ancient ruins, I was amazed by the stunning views and intricate stonework. But as I gazed over, I reflected on the fragility of human achievement”.

Be Vulnerable

“Doubt crept in as I stood at the peak’s base. Could I make it to the top? But I pushed on and conquered my fear. The sight from the top was nothing short of spectacular”.

In the passage, the writer shares their fears and triumphs in a concise and relatable way.

Use Dialogue

Check out the following example. Here the writer uses dialogue to bring the woman to life and let her speak for herself. It adds depth and personality to your travelogue.

“An old lady chuckled as I haggled with a vendor over a silk scarf in Istanbul. She said, ‘You drive a hard bargain, but everything’s negotiable.’ We chatted about her travel stories as a young trader. ‘Those were the days,’ she sighed. ‘Now, I leave the traveling to the young ones like you.’”

Inspiring Travel Journal Entries to Ignite Your Wanderlust

Reading inspiring travel journals and memoirs is perfect for igniting your wanderlust. Here are a few examples to inspire your travelogue writing.

“Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert: A memoir of the author’s journey through Italy, India, and Indonesia in search of balance and purpose. Vivid descriptions and inspiring encounters.

“A Year in Provence” by Peter Mayle: A memoir of the author’s first year in a French village. Witty observations and charming anecdotes transport you to the countryside.

“On The Road” by Jack Kerouac: A classic novel of freedom and self-discovery, chronicling the adventures of two friends on a cross-country road trip.

“In A Sunburned Country” by Bill Bryson: A witty and informative travelogue about the author’s adventures in the land down under.

In ‘The Great Railway Bazaar,’ Paul Theroux invites us on a captivating train journey from London to Tokyo. Along the way, he explores the rich cultures and stunning landscapes.

Final Thoughts

Travelogue writing is a beautiful way to connect with your destinations on a deeper level and encourage others. 

• Take inspiration and learn from given epic travelogue writing examples.
• Use your own words – dont copy from examples or websites.
• Inject your feelings and make your stories conversational.

Unleash the beauty of your travel experiences through vivid descriptions and captivating storytelling. Make  Text Mercato your partner in this expedition and become a master of the travelogues.

1. What travelogue writers can I look to for inspiration?

There are several great writers you can look for motivation. Here are some personal favourites:

• Bill Bryson is a prolific travel writer with excellent humour and wit. His book, “A Walk in the Woods,” is a perfect engaging travelogue.
• Paul Theroux is known for his deep cultural and historical insights.
• Pico Iyer is known for introspective cultural pieces. For instance, his contemplative travelogue - “The Art of Stillness.”
• Jan Morris writes beautifully descriptive travelogues with her lyrical and evocative style.

2. What are some common themes in engaging travelogue writing?

• Cultural exploration: Write engaging travelogues by exploring the unique cultures of a place.
• Adventure: Discover and write about exotic locations or thrilling activities.
• Food and drink: Review local cuisine, which can be a cornerstone of local culture.
• Personal growth: Focus on self-discovery as you travel to new destinations.

3. How can I apply the techniques of great travelogue writing to my work?

• Have a keen  eye for detail and a strong sense of narrative.
• Take the time to  observe the people, architecture, and landscapes around you.
• Tell a  compelling story and  evoke emotions in your readers.
• Use persuasive language to paint pictures and challenge conventional thinking. 
• Use humor - add some fun to your writing to engage the reader.

Give your readers a  sense of closure .

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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)
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The art of travel writing: How to turn your notes into a story

Travel writing is one of the most misunderstood, and romanticised, jobs on the planet. That’s where this three-part Masterclass series comes in. To shine a light into its dimly lit corners, correct a few misconceptions about travel writing (and writers) and hopefully inspire you to write about your travels.

As I see it, travel writing is the lovechild of journalism and creative writing. Of course there are as many ways to write as there are travel writers, but the best stories have a spark that makes you just want to keep reading.

Before we get onto crafting a travel story, remember that great travel writing is great writing, period (as they say in America). It’s clear, every word pulls its weight and it takes you somewhere (and not just to a destination).

The “Big Five” of travel writing

Hanging out on Lord Howe Island.

There are five common kinds of travel story that can help you make sense of your travel notes, each with a built-in structure:

• Lists and “roundups”. These showcase a selection of experiences or destinations sharing a common theme. Quirky, odd-numbered lists such as “21 reasons you should live in Berlin” and “29 Insta-worthy places to go” are increasingly popular, particularly online, but the Top 10 is a classic that never goes out of style.
• City guides and hotel reviews. These stories are usually short and written to a template set by the publication such as “48 hours in…” or a “Three-minute guide to…”.
• Journey stories. If your trip takes you from A to B, whether by road or camel train, on foot or by cargo ship, the journey is your structure. That is, you can write about it roughly from start to finish, condensing some bits and expanding on others to create interest. A word of warning: diary-style stories are generally easy to write, but can be boring to read unless there’s a reason you’re writing in a day-by-day format.
• Stories with sub-heads. Sub-headings help you structure a longer feature, organising your ideas into clusters. Breakout boxes are also handy, a good place for information that might otherwise break the flow of the main story.
• How-to stories: Don’t forget destination-less travel stories such as “How to” and stories based on issues or travel trends.

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Finding story angles

The sixth kind of travel story is a feature, which requires an angle or theme. That is, you have to know what the story is about . Finding good angles comes with practice, but here are a few ways to nose them out:

• Know who you’re writing for . Getting to know the publication and its readers can help you know what they want to know. What interests them? What can you tell them about this destination?
• “How was your trip?” What’s the first thing you told your friends and family members, or posted on Facebook, after your last trip? It could be something that surprised you, something you loved, something that happened to you, even something you know people back home might find interesting. Whatever it is, it could become the backbone of your story or at the very least the hook you start it with.
• Just write. Sometimes the best way to find out what your story is about is to start writing and see where that takes you. Other times it helps to write down all the main ideas you want to include in a kind of mind-map. Different stories often require different strategies.
• Mind-travel back. Read through your notes, look at your photos, take some time to think about the trip and jot down any themes or highlights you might be able to string together into a story.
• Narrow your focus. Don’t try to cover too much in one story. Instead of writing about the San Francisco food scene, for instance, write about the foods unique to San Francisco (like fortune cookies; who knew they were invented in San Francisco’s Chinatown?).

Once upon a time: The hook

Hiking in the Sierra Nevada.

The next most important part of the story is how it starts. This is where you “hook” the reader and make her want to keep reading, so it pays to spend more time crafting that first sentence or two.

Fortunately, travel writing has a few road-tested hooks. The most common way to start a story is to drop the reader in the middle of the action: “I’m standing naked on the rooftop of a Bangkok hotel with no idea how I got here” (or something).

The hook can also introduce the main idea of your story or make an observation about the place or about travel, or life, in general. It can be controversial or confessional. You can even ask a question or start with a quote. Or find some totally new way to start a story that no one has ever tried before.

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From travel diary to travel story

Now for the main course: building a story. To do this, you need a structure, a framework on which to hang the various points and ideas you want to share about the place. Do this successfully and you create a story that’s bigger than the sum of its parts, one that will take your reader on a ride.

Travel diaries are a fantastic raw material, but a travel story requires you to do more than say what you did each day. Otherwise it’s like giving someone some flour, sugar and butter and a couple of eggs and saying, “Here’s a cake”.

You need to group things together and lift out details, make decisions about what to focus on and what to leave out, to make your story glimmer with interest.

A few tips to help you organise your story into a cohesive whole:

• Be selective. You can’t write about everything that happened, everything you saw, every fascinating person you met. You need to be selective, and be brutal: include only the highlights, the most memorable experiences, the best encounters and leave out the rest –or put those into other stories later.
• More ideas, less description . A popular misconception about travel writing is that it has to be full of adjectives and colourful descriptions. It’s really about ideas and insights, well communicated. One of my favourite writing quotes is: “Words are the carriage, not the queen.”
• “ Up-down” writing. Too much detail gets claustrophobic, but too much overview makes a story feel distant. The trick is to alternate between the two, zooming in on details or a moment in time, then zooming out to the big picture, to keep the story moving.
• Avoid clichés. Travel writing has more than its fair share of phases that have worn out their welcome. You know the ones, but two to avoid at all costs are “paradise” and “a land of contrasts”.
• Be yourself. One of the trickiest balancing acts in writing is knowing how much of yourself to put into a story. Too little and the story is soul-less. Too much and it can sound self-indulgent. As in life, aim for the middle way…

RELATED: IT TAKES A VILLAGE. THE CHANGING FACE OF TOURISM IN RURAL VIETNAM

Bring it home

Canoeing in Canada.

A good story ending ensures you don’t leave your readers dangling at the cliff-edge of the second last paragraph. You’ve brought them this far, after all.

A few ways to end your story:

• Refer back to the beginning; this neatly completes the loop or narrative
• Sum up the main points, in a way you haven’t yet used in the story
• Mention something you’ve learned from the trip: a conclusion or insight that came from your experiences
• Share a “moment in time” as you did in the hook, only this time your intention is not to lead the reader into the story but to leave her with a lasting image or feeling.

Remember that all writing is a process and good writing takes practise, discipline and time. Be prepared to write bad drafts; we all do. The secret to good writing is good rewriting, as American essayist EB White once said; that is, knowing what doesn’t work and fixing it, again and again, until it does.

The best travel stories aren’t just about what you, the travel writer, did or what a place looked like. They take us to the heart of that place, to its true essence. They make us feel something and inspire us to travel and to look at the world, and life, differently.

In the words of Pico Iyer, one of my favourite travel writers, “Writing of every kind is a way to wake oneself up and keep as alive as when one has just fallen in love.”

Some of the best stories come from the road. Make your own on a small group adventure with Intrepid – explore our range of trips now . 

All photos by Louise Southerden. 

Feeling inspired?

Louise Southerden

Louise Southerden has been a professional travel writer and author for more than 20 years and is passionate about travel that makes the world a better place. She’s also an author and award-winner; in fact, in 2019 she won the Australian Society of Travel Writers’ Travel Writer of the Year award – for the fifth time. To follow her adventures in simple, sustainable living, see No Impact Girl .

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Shel Sweeney

A worded life.

Narrative Techniques in Travel Writing

Travel writers can effectively borrow from fiction, using narrative techniques and literary devices to improve their non-fiction writing. Creative non-fiction is engaging as well as informative. In my critique of ‘The Year We Seized the Day’ by Elizabeth Best and Colin Bowles, I examine the techniques these authors use to sweep readers up in the story of their journey.

In his article ‘Roads Not Taken’ (2001), Thomas Swick concludes, “Enlightenment and love – there are no more compelling reasons to travel, or write about it.” Authors Elizabeth Best and Colin Bowles spent 36 days walking the Camino, through Spain. Though far from being religious pilgrims, both were physically, emotionally and spiritually transformed by days spent in contemplation of their own lives and witnessing the wonders of humanity along this old pilgrim route. In reading their book, ‘The Year We Seized the Day’, the reader is swept along with each step. Through the use of a day-by-day episodic narrative structure, intimate characterisation of themselves, enlightening observations of those they met along the way, and the humour that they bring to what was a life changing journey, the reader is able to access the transformation undergone by Best and Bowles. “Travelers are everywhere, but great travel writers from Marco Polo to Mark Twain and Bruce Chatwin all knew that a reader’s attention needs to be gripped with vivid anecdotes, humor, narrative – in short, good storytelling.” (Perrottet, T, 2009). In ‘The Year We Seized the Day’, both Best and Bowles engage their readers through the use of effective strategies: engaging the readers through their use of imagination, characterisation and humour.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bassnett, S 2002, ‘Travel writing and gender’, in P Hulme and T Youngs (eds), The Cambridge companion to travel writing , Cambridge University Press, UK, pp. 225-41.

Best, E and Bowles, C, The Year We Seized the Day , Allen and Unwin, Australia, 2007.

France, A in The Best Travel Writing , Solas House, Inc., California, pp. vii.

O’Reilly, J 2009, ‘Publisher’s Preface’, in The Best Travel Writing, Solas House, Inc., California, pp. xiii-xv.

Perrottet, T 2009, ‘Introduction’, in The Best Travel Writing, Solas House, Inc., California, pp. xvi-xiix.

Swick, T 2001, ‘Roads Not Taken’, Columbia Journalism Review , vol. 40, no. 1, pp. 65-7, retrieved 6 April 2009, Expanded Academic ASAP database.

For more about Colin Bowles (AKA Colin Falconer), see his blog: Looking for Mr Goodstory

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• INTELLIGENT TRAVEL

Three Modern Travel Writing Classics

While I’ve met a few modern-day nomads in my travels, most of us can’t be on the road all the time. So how can we keep our wanderlust satiated in those stretches between journeys? We can escape into a really good book that brings a far-off place to us.

Here are three extraordinary travel narratives published within the past three years that   deserve to be counted among the classics:

1.   The Black Rhinos of Namibia

Novelist and essayist Rick Bass journeys to Damaraland , the red-hot heart of Namibia’s forbidding Namib Desert , to bear witness to the black rhino , a species that had been driven to the brink of extinction by human slaughter, and to its nascent renaissance, propelled by the unstinting efforts of a trailblazing coalition of African and Western conservationists.

Bass evokes the beauty, texture, and pace of this inhospitable desert, where one of the most prevalent plants is the poisonous Euphorbia tree and sand temperatures can soar to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. He vividly describes the wildlife he encounters: oryx, springbok, elephant, and giraffe, and especially the regal rhino, “a great silver tank moving slowly across the plains.”

Most moving of all is his own exhilaration as this new world unscrolls before him. At one point he writes, “I cannot remember being in such a state of perpetual wonder since childhood.”

2.   Turn Right at Machu Picchu

Mark Adams ’s rollicking historical-homage-cum-adventure-saga   interweaves descriptions of explorer Hiram Bingham ’s life and expeditions with a riveting account of his own adventures retracing Bingham’s storied, and sometimes slippery, steps toward the history-rewriting re-discovery of Machu Picchu .

Adams proves an engaging and enlightening guide. He is intimately familiar with the literary landscape of the wild — but, it turns out, charmingly unfamiliar with its real-world counterpart (the last time he’d slept in a tent, he confesses, was in 1978, and that was in his backyard). Despite this lack of preparedness, he engages a Peru-savvy Australian wilderness addict as his guide and sets out to follow Bingham’s trail along the Qhapaq Ñan , or Great Inca Road, through Choquequirao , Vitcos , Espíritu Pampa , and Machu Picchu.

He and his companion scale precipitous peaks, slash through the jungle, and endure torrential downpours. He brings to life the varied coca-chewing characters, sacred stones and peaks, and llama- and orchid-rich landscapes he encounters as he seeks to piece together the Inca puzzle.

3.   To a Mountain in Tibet

• Nat Geo Expeditions

Acclaimed travel writer Colin Thubron journeys to Mount Kailash , a peak that is sacred to almost one-fifth of humankind and an ancient pilgrimage site for Buddhist, Hindu, Bon, and Jain believers. He undertakes this trip as an act of reverence to mark the recent passing of his mother, an exploration of the role of solitude in his own life, and an investigation of this venerable rite.

Thubron evokes the “icy winds and dust storms that sandpaper the land,” the trailside presence of rocks “carved with prayers… faded, like a lost language,” the nighttime sky “dense with stars” whose “constellations multiply and blur together like mist,” the monks who “move in shambling pomp, puffing horns and conch shells, clashing cymbals… in a jostle of wizardish red hats,” as he guides us along on an unforgettable journey.

Don George   is an editor at large at   Traveler a nd the author of   Lonely Planet’s Guide to Travel Writing .   He   has also edited   several award-winning travel-writing anthologies, including   Better Than Fiction .   Follow Don on Twitter   @don_george .

Read any good travel books lately?   Leave a comment or use the   #Triplit hashtag   on   Twitter   or   Google+   to share your recommendations with the Intelligent Travel community.

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• January 24, 2016

Writing a Travel Narrative

As the world has become more interconnected, some people are, not just able to learn more about other places on the other side of the planet, they have an increased chance to actually visit these places.  However, because it’s just a visit, which places should be visited first?  And the culture is so different, what if you offend someone.  That’s a few of the reasons that travel blogs are increasing in number, in addition to the fact that some want to document their experience, whether just for themselves, or for their family.  But how should you write one?

One important factor is that, ultimately a travel narrative, is a story, just a personal story.  Don George, a travel blogger, suggests sharing your experience as if it were just like any other novel, with a beginning, a middle, and an end ( The secret formula for writing a successful travel narrative ).  He emphasizes the importance about stating what the writer has learned from the journey, and to add “wonder.” A lot of other stories do that too: fictionalized or otherwise.    Gemma Bowes explains this as because you want to make your story as interesting and enticing for the readers ( Tips for travel writing ).  She claims that writers should avoid writing about personal mishaps because it doesn’t make the writing interesting, and should instead focus on what the readers might experience themselves.

However, as more people have the chance to travel, more people also have more adventures to write about, and some do, in hopes that their story becomes the next big thing.  However, as more stories come out, readers have more of a chance to pick, instead of having just one option.  That’s why, before anything else, Wendy Dale’s first two pieces of advice is to avoid travel writing at all costs and try to pick another genre before helping give ideas on how to write a travel narrative (Tips on getting a travel narrative published) .  She, like the other two writers, puts emphasis on the fact that the writer’s narrative is more than just a story about the experience but how you felt during this experience.  This seems to make writers more relatable, like how a writer in a novel must do so that people can like their characters and become a mega-success.

On first glance, travel writing might seem easy, but a lot more goes into it than most think about.  A lot of other types of narratives are probably like this too.  For example, travel writing kind of reminds me of asylum seekers’ testimonies in Australia.  Gillian Whitlock points out that many asylum seekers have to “perform” narratives to fit the expectations of their new country (Whitlock).  She argues that only the people who perform the best can gain the coveted goal of refugee status.  Similarly, many travel narrative writers have to fit the expectations of this criteria in order to gain recognition and readers.  However, maybe there is a chance for change and we can find a new way for travel writing not be so formulaic.

Bowes, Gemma et. al.  “Tips for travel writing.” theguardian. Web.  24 Jan. 2016

Dale, Wendy.  “Tips on Getting a Travel Narrative Published.” Author Wendy Dale. Web.  24 Jan. 2016

George, Don. “The Secret Formula for Writing a Successful Travel Narrative.” Gadling.  Web. 24 Jan. 2016

Whitlock, Gillian. “Protection.” We Shall Bear Witness: Life Narratives and Human Rights. Ed Meg Jensen and Margaretta Jolly. Madison: U of Wisconson P, 2014. 80-99. Database Web. 24 Jan. 2016.

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What is a Travel Narrative?

Posted on Published: September 30, 2020  - Last updated: February 10, 2022

Ah travel narratives. Some of the best content out there for travel-bugs and those who like to explore the world both locally and abroad. If you’re unfamiliar with this form of writing, it essentially refers to any non-fiction story taken from personal experience of the traveller who wrote it.

To give you more insight into travel narratives and travel literature as a whole, we’ve put together this guide:

Qualities a Travel Writer Needs to Have

The right pov.

When writing a travel narrative it is important that you use the first person (I, me, us). This will help it feel more personal to the reader.

You will also want to use the past tense unless you feel that the present tense is warranted by the action taking place. Be sure to include your own observations along with vivid descriptions and facts to support the overall writing.

Start With a Strong Intro

Your introduction is your chance to capture your reader’s attention and entice them to keep reading. Find a captivating hook and use it early in your piece. You might be able to incorporate a new trend or begin building the suspense of a new discovery you made.

Use your introduction to convey the overall tone of the story as well as the point of your trip. Think about the purpose of your trip and include important details such as where you were and what you were doing there ( backpacking , camping, visiting friends/family, etc.).

Later on, you can connect back to how your journey began but the introduction should focus on getting your reader interested and engaged.

Creating The Narrative Thread

As you are writing you aren’t necessarily chronicling your trip as it happened. It should be organized and well thought out but think of a thread that will tie it together from beginning to end and then use interesting pieces to help tell the story along the way. These could be stories, events, or people you met.

Include Quotes

Including words from real people involved in your trip will help bring your story to life. Readers will feel that they are going along the journey with you and become more invested if they hear from the locals and anyone you met along the way.

When quoting be sure to do so accurately and identify them clearly. Give any context that might add to understanding the conversation.

Avoid Cliches & Formal Words

In a travel narrative, you want to bring the reader into the story with you so they feel as if they are sitting right next to you. Use language that you would use in real life by avoiding overly formal language and overused travel cliches.

Check Your Facts!

Include interesting facts as they are relevant but be sure you are using reliable information from authoritative sources. If you aren’t sure of something double-check it with sources you know and trust.

Write Economically

Make sure every word has a purpose. Look for phrases and sentences that can be shortened and do so. Avoid redundant language and cut out anything that doesn’t add to the story. Instead of “I soon became aware of” – use “there was”.

Avoid Irrelevant Personal Moments

When including personal anecdotes think about the relevancy to the reader. Maybe you missed a flight or your hotel reservation was canceled, but unless it directly impacts the story it doesn’t need to be included.

You want to connect with the reader but also keep it relevant to the point of your writing. Ask yourself how the incident adds to the overall story.

Why do People Read Travel Writing?

Travel writing allows the reader to visit places they may not otherwise get to visit and experience new things from the comforts of their home. Travel writing began during Elizabethan times and many say that Shakespeare used the writings of others as background to his plays.

What are the Different Types of Travel Writing?

1. weekend warrior.

This type of travel writing is great for a shorter experience that can be retold in short-form content like a magazine article or blog post.

Think about where the piece will be published and if this type of writing would be appropriate. For example, a family-oriented blog may be looking for a short day trip a family could take with activities along the way.

Click image for more info

A more adventurous audience might be interested in reading about mountain biking trails in the area and your experience riding them or perhaps even survivalist stories .

2. Content And Social Media Marketing

This type of writing can be very short form including tweets and Instagram captions. Travel companies and those that sell outdoor gear often look for people who are using their products to show this to their customers.

You must be able to write quickly and with a mind for highlighting the company itself. Think about the audience as you write and use a voice that will engage them.

Companies that hire these writers will appreciate your ability to bring the audience with you and tell a captivating story. For this type of travel narrative videos and photos are essential and you should be able to use them in a way that adds to the overall story.

3. Roundups And “Best Of” Lists

List posts have been and always be incredibly popular on the internet. They are easy to read and great for our short attention spans. Use the introduction to show the common thread between each of your bullet points.

Be sure your information is accurate and well researched. A list post could include “ 50 Things to Do In Woodland Park, CO ” and each bullet would include a short description of the activity and your personal opinion on why it made the list.

Since these posts typically get a lot of traffic you could reach out to companies or locations and see if they will give you a free day pass in exchange for listing their location in your post. Doing this can help you explore new attractions and locations you (and your audience) might miss out on.

4. Holidays And Special Events

If you are planning to write about and cover a holiday or special event be sure to pitch it well in advance and plan well. These types of events can provide enough content for several pieces all of which can be repurposed and used for different platforms.

You could begin weeks before by talking about the announcement of the event. As the event gets closer think of things your audience might be interested in. Could you interview someone organizing the event or do an in-depth review of the city it is being held in?

5. Side Trips

Most magazines actually include space for “side-trips” when planning a long featured article. Think of ideas for these well in advance to make planning easier on you and the publisher.

Side-trips are valuable to the audience because it provides even more insight into a trip or location. It also invites the reader to explore more fully if they visit that location. These smaller pieces of content are valuable because they can be repurposed as shorter forms of content like a social media post.

6. Destinations Pieces

Destination pieces can be difficult because you often have to find a new angle to describe a location that others have already described. Brainstorm interesting ways to bring new light to the location such as “hidden gems†or something other travel writers may have missed in their pieces.

This type of feature is usually a long in-depth piece assigned to an experienced and knowledgeable writer. These need to have an interesting introduction and describe the journey by incorporating your own anecdotes, facts, and quotes from locals. Think of ways to make the location seem new and different to an audience that is probably already familiar with it.

Team Wanderlust | 12 June 2020

13 travel writing prompts to inspire you.

Use these travel writing prompts, initially created as part of the Wanderlust Writing Challenge, to help inspire your writing, dream up new story ideas, or simply get your creative juices flowing...

Welcome! You've landed on Wanderlust 's travel writing prompts. Hopefully, you're sat at your laptop (or have your pen in hand) and are ready to write.

Originally created for the Wanderlust Writing Challenge, these prompts are designed to help you flex your writing muscles. All of them will help you to explore past travels as something to write about, and hopefully spark a few ideas for future stories, articles and journal entries.

Don't forget to let us know if you've used one of our writing prompts. Tell us  @wanderlustmag on Twitter , or on Facebook . To find about the Writing Challenge, and when the winners will be announced, head here . 

Explore your senses

Nothing like the sight - and sound - of a lion on safari (Shutterstock)

For your first prompt, let’s open up the senses. Write no more than three sentences about one of your favourite destinations. Include all five senses in your description.

What can you see, hear and smell? Was the sun shining, and did you smell crisp, clear fresh air? Were cars whizzing past in a bustling city centre, or were you struck by the wild roar of a lion on safari? What did you eat while you were there – how delicious (or not-so-delicious) did it taste? Did you touch anything – how did it feel?

Save your sentences in a safe place, like a Notes folder or a Word Doc, so you can refer back to them.

Describing people

Practice writing about people (Shutterstock)

Often, our travels involve meeting kind strangers or quirky characters. Before you write about them, it might be easier to describe someone you know. Pick someone you’re close to – be it a travel companion, a friend at home, a family member, etc – and write out 10 words you’d use to describe them.

Think about their personality, the way they walk and talk, their laugh, not just their physical appearance. Now take two or three of those descriptors, and use them in a line or two about the person.

Reflect: Looking back, do you think you chose the best adjectives? Have any others popped into your head today, maybe that would be suited to describing the people you met on the road? Write them down and keep them somewhere you can look back on.

A picture tells 1,000 words

Today's prompt requires reflecting on travel photographs (Shutterstock)

Whether print or digital, pull out your last (pre-lockdown) travel photo. Take a good long look at it – what’s happening in the shot?

Write a short account of that experience, just before and just after you snapped the photo. As much as you like, but a few lines is more than enough. What was it like? What were you doing? How do you feel about that experience looking back now?

Don’t worry about trying to make it sound ‘fancy’ – instead, imagine you’re recounting the experience to a friend or fellow traveller.

Reflect: Did you find it easier to write when you imagined telling the story to someone? Or harder? It’s great to journal and record travel experiences for yourself, but your entry at the end of the challenge is about writing a story for other people – friends, and fellow travellers – read and enjoy.

Sentence starter

Not sure where to begin? Try this sentence starter (Shutterstock)

As  we've learned , an engaging first line and paragraph is important for hooking the reader's attention. Especially when it comes to travel writing. So, h ere's a sentence starter to get you going.

Try starting a piece of writing with the sentence:  Of all the things that could have gone wrong, this could only happen to me.  You'll need to revisit a trip that didn't quite go to plan to make it work.

Conversations

Inside a market in Fes, Morocco (Shutterstock)

When we're travelling for ourselves, we don't often think to make a note of the conversations we have, though professional travel journalists and authors will often take a notebook and note conversations, times, dates and places.

For the latest prompt, try to write up what you remember of an interaction with a local, or a fellow traveller, from any past adventure you've been on. Where were you: haggling in a market? Meeting at a restaurant? What do you remember them saying, exactly? Can you only remember the outline of what they said? If so, jot it down.

What was it about? How did they describe things? Did you learn something from the conversation, and if so, how would get that across subtly in your writing, without saying it outright? Imagine how you'd recall the conversation to a friend or colleague, and try to write it that way.

Write as much or as little as you like. Keep your writing somewhere safe, so you can refer back to it.

Highs and lows

Kayaking through Lan Ha Bay? Definitely a high point (Shutterstock)

On any trip, no matter how spectacular, there'll be high points and low points. You may be ticking off a bucket list adventure, or enjoying one of the world's great wonders, but nobody is immune to the annoyance of a delayed flight or missing suitcase.

Ups and downs are still part of our travel experience, whether we like it or not. So, decide which trip you'd like to write about (surely, when you think of a 'low point', one springs to mind?) and try to take your reader on a short journey, starting with the lowest point.

The purpose? To help you write a knockout ending - with the 'pay off' being the absolute highlight of the trip. What went wrong, and how did you get past it? Was it all worth it in the end?

What's the weather?

A rather angry-looking Sydney lightning storm (Shutterstock)

Picture the worst weather you’ve experienced on your travels: biting cold, stifling heat or endless flurries of rain. How did it feel? Did you get drenched? Maybe it was so severe you had to seek shelter, or find a water supply?

Write as much or as little you like for this prompt, but you must start with a straight-into-the-action description of the weather around you.  See where that takes you.

If describing the weather doesn't come naturally, make an attempt to one instance of pathetic fallacy. It's a writing technique where you attribute a human emotion or feeling to something in nature, like an animal or, indeed, the weather. Here's an example: The sandstorm raged on.  Often, it mirrors the narrator's own feelings.

Sentence starter #2

What's the kindest thing anyone's ever done for you? (Shutterstock)

No pressure to remember conversations or practice literary techniques for today’s prompt! Phew . Today, we just want to focus on the kindness of strangers, which was also our theme for the  Wanderlust Writing Challenge.

Simply begin a short (or long - up to you) piece of writing about your life, leading on from:   The kindest thing anyone has ever done for me is…

Reflect: How did this prompt go down? And was your experience connected to travel, or was it something that happened in your home life? We'd love to know, tell us on Twitter , Instagram or Facebook

Pack your bags

Write about packing for a trip (Shutterstock)

Wherever you travel, however you travel, and no matter how long you travel for - packing for your trip is essential. Today's prompt is all about turning that unavoidable constant into something a bit more creative. It's simple: write as much or as little as you like about a packing for a recent trip. 

Ever packed for a long weekend the night before, and argued with your travel companion about a misplaced passport? Felt overwhelmed by a to-do list for a trek or three-month expedition, and forgotten most everything on it?

How do you feel when you pack: are you calm and excited for the adventure ahead, or do you feel wistful as you come across old plane tickets and paper maps, as you re-pack your trusty travel case? Perhaps you simply hate this part of travel, and want to (comedically) vent your frustration. Put it all down on paper, and see where that takes you.

Sentence starter #3

Where did you last land? Time to tell the story (Shutterstock)

Keeping it simple with another sentence starter. Write as much or as little as you like about a travel experience, following on from: As soon as I landed in... 

A seafood barbecue by the Mediterranean Sea (Shutterstock)

Foodie travellers, rejoice! This prompt is for you. Your challenge is to write a few lines, a short paragraph, about a particularly enjoyable foodie experience you've had.

A  region or country's cuisine is part of its culture, and for lots of us, a big part of our travel experience. So, aim for lots of vivid detail: what were your surroundings? Was it made by a local chef?  What did you eat? What ingredients could you taste?

Was when you ate it important (say, after a challenging hike), and how did it make you feel? And important, did you dare to try the national tipple after your meal? 

The Simien Mountains in Ethiopia (Shutterstock)

Describe the most breathtaking, awe-inspiring landscape you've ever witnessed, putting our travel writing tips into practice.

Don't fall into the trap of over-fluffing your descriptions, with fancy words you'd never use in daily life. At the same time, make a real effort to avoid these  all-too-common travel writing phrases . Time to stretch your vocabulary. Write as much or as little as you like, but aim for at least a few lines.

Reading your work

An Arctic village. Will you describe the people, the food, the landscape - or all three? (Shutterstock)

Your writing prompt today isn't about writing. It's about reading, which is incredibly important if you want to be a travel writer. Not just the work of others, but your own work, too.

Firstly, give yourself a pat on the back if you're here and you've used some of these prompts – challenging yourself to write when you're just starting out or are starved for inspiration isn’t easy! 

Secondly, read through what you've written based on these prompts. Choose your favourite piece of writing and continue it - write the full story, flesh it out and see where it takes you. Enjoy.

P.S. Do let us know if you would like us to keep updating this article with more prompts. W e always love to hear from you  at [email protected].

More travel writing inspiration to enjoy:, how to describe people in your travel writing, 10 classic (and expert) writing tips for travel articles, related articles, looking for inspiration.

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10 Travel Book Subgenres with Examples

You may think that all travel books are the same, recounting stories of protagonists traveling, struggling, and returning home transformed. While this is a common narrative structure in travel books, the travel writing landscape is in fact much more diverse and complicated than that. This post will discuss 10 of the most common travel book subgenres, and it will give you some examples of each one. 

Travel book subgenres

Like other literary genres, like science fiction and romance, there is a variety of “flavors” in travel books that depend on not just the content of the book, but also how they are put together and organized. For lack of a better term, I’m calling these “flavors,” “frameworks,” and “organizational principles” subgenres .

The subgenres of the travel book are not well known. Case in point: browsing Amazon’s Science Fiction & Fantasy category reveals some of its subgenres like cyberpunk, dystopian, space opera, and time travel, but browsing Amazon’s Travel category reveals mostly countries, regions, and continents. Curiously, there is also a subcategory under Travel called “Travel Writing.” Aren’t all the books listed under the Travel category “travel writing”?

To be sure, guidebooks and other types of books that deal with countries, regions, and continents call the Travel category home. But readers and writers of travel literature find this categorical ambiguity frustrating. So, today we’re going to clear the air and discuss 10 travel book subgenres and give some examples of each.

But first, some caveats. These subgenres are not mutually exclusive. Writers sometime combine elements of multiple subgenres or subvert them altogether. And, there are more travel book subgenres, flavors, frameworks, or whatever you want to call them than the 10 we discuss below. I discuss a few more, along with travel writing tropes, in the Travel Book Guidebook , which you can download for free here .

Caveats aside, let’s dive into the travel book subgenres. 

The Travelogue

The travelogue is the prototypical travel book subgenre. In the travelogue, the author recounts the experience of traveling to or through some place. It is usually a step-by-step account or description of what the author saw, did, experienced, etc. If you journal when you travel, your diary can be considered a rough travelogue. Indeed, this is the basis of many of the other subgenres below.

Examples: Ibn Battuta’s The Rihla ; John Steinbeck’s Travels with Charley: In Search of America ; Patrick Leigh Fermor’s A Time of Gifts ; Isabella Bird’s The Yangtze Valley and Beyond .

The quest is a travel book framework where the author travels in search of something specific, or to do something specific. It could involve searching for a physical object, achieving a goal, or reaching a destination. What drives the story here is the emphasis on something external to the author. Note: the protagonist doesn’t necessarily need to achieve the goal. 

Examples: Peter Matthiessen’s The Snow Leopard ; Bill Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods ; Sophy Robert’s The Lost Pianos of Siberia ; Erika Schelby’s Looking for Humboldt .

The Adventure

In the adventure subgenre, the author/protagonist pushes the boundaries of human endurance and strength, either mental and/or physical. The adventure usually involves overcoming the elements and the limitations of the self. It includes feats of power, endurance, strength, and resolve. The adventure pits man (and historically it has been most often men) against nature and the environment. The adventure is a dangerous one. 

Examples: Apsley Cherry-Garrard’s The Worst Journey in the World ; Wilfred Thesiger’s Arabian Sands ; John Krakauer’s Into Thin Air ; Arlene Blum’s Breaking Trail .

The Journey

The journey is a travel book framework where the story’s emphasis is on something personal in nature. This subgenre is like the quest, but an inner, spiritual, or emotional emphasis drives the story. This is like a book of self-discovery more than it is a book of discovery. Every travel book necessarily has a subjective element to it, but the individual subjective experience here, the so-called “inner journey,” takes narrative precedence over the exterior journey. 

Examples: Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love ; Cheryl Strayed’s Wild ; Peter Matthiessen’s The Snow Leopard ; Virtually every book written about the Camino de Santiago. 

The Investigation

The investigation is a subgenre of travel where the protagonist travels somewhere to solve a mystery or a puzzle. This could be a crime, a disappearance, or an unsolved mystery. It could also have a journalistic or anthropological feel. 

Examples: David Grann’s The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon ; John Berendt’s Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil .

Gonzo Journalism

This subgenre riffs off of the investigation subgenre, but the author/protagonist becomes a central part of the story. Gonzo journalism often has an eccentric, ridiculous, or a comedic feel to it. 

Examples: Hunter S. Thompson’s Fear and Loathing Las Vegas ; Charles Nicholl’s The Fruit Palace .

Echotourism (Following in the Footsteps of…)

In this subgenre, the author follows in the footsteps of another traveler or author. The author/protagonist attempts to visit the places an earlier traveler visited. 

Examples: Alastair Humphreys’s My Midsummer Morning ; Paul Theroux’s Ghost Train to the Eastern Star ; Nick Hunt’s Walking the Woods and the Water . 

The Big Idea

A “big idea” or a central concept connects the material in these types of travel books. The narratives in these books do not always move chronologically; the chapters often “bounce around” independently and as thematically-connected essays. These books often use a destination or a series of destinations to illustrate, explain, or comment on a bigger idea or concept. 

Examples: Victoria Preston’s We Are Pilgrims ; Dan Richards’s Outposts ; Cal Flyn’s Islands of Abandonment ; Pico Iyer’s Video Night in Kathmandu ; Robert Macfarlane’s Underland .

The Expat Experience

This travel book subgenre recounts the experiences of someone living or moving somewhere different from their home country. Unlike books about passing through a location temporarily, these books involve the author moving to a place for an indefinite period of time and revealing what it is like to move and/or live there. This framework has been particularly successful when blended with humor or wit. 

Examples: Chris Stewart’s Driving Over Lemons ; Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence ; Peter Hessler’s River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze .

In this travel book subgenre, front and center is the mode of transport, be it foot, kayak, bicycle, motorcycle, car, boat, or train.   

Examples: Dervla Murphy’s Full Tilt: Ireland to India with a Bicycle ; Monisha Rajesh’s Around the World in 80 Trains ; Ernesto Che Guevara’s The Motorcycle Diaries .

Know more travel book subgenres or examples?

There are more travel book subgenres, flavors, frameworks, or whatever you want to call them than the 10 we discussed above. In fact, I discuss a few more, along with travel writing tropes, in the Travel Book Guidebook , which you can download for free here .

But if you know other travel book subgenres and examples that we should include on this list, let us know in the comments section below!

Last Updated on 17 July 2021 by Travel Writing World

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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.

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Travel vignettes

A travel short, flash format of varying length, that attempts to capture and convey a specific experience of a place, culture, travel encounter. Example: Contact! by Jan Morris (2009)

That is a good one, and it has parallels to what PICO IYER most recently wrote with “A Beginner’s Guide to Japan.” Thanks for the note.

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Best Short Travel Stories: 15+ Bloggers Share Their Favorite Travelling Story

Table of Contents:

Every tourist has at least a few interesting travel stories to share. The more you are exploring the world, the greater the chance that you have experienced something unique. We’ve asked our blogging friends to share their most memorable experiences. Check out these awesome short travel stories and get inspired!

Best Travel Stories Including Romance

Love at first lettuce.

by Juliette from Snorkels To Snow blog

4 years later the hunky builder became my husband.

Adventure With A Stranger In France

by Barbara from Jet Settera blog

After our short meeting, we kept on chatting for about a month on Facebook and then we decided to meet up in Florence in a hotel room and explore Tuscany together.

We agreed on the itinerary and he flew in from Vienna and I arrived from Milano. We rented a Fiat500 and we traveled all around Tuscany for a long weekend.

We visited some of the most romantic cities in Italy , such as Siena, Lucca, Pisa, and Cinque Terre. It was an amazing adventure together.

We had lots of fun on the trip and we went on more trips after that. The conclusion of the story was that sometimes it is good to come out of your comfort zone and take a chance on a stranger, maybe he will be an excellent travel partner.

Scary Travel Stories That Will Give You Chills!

Jumped by an adult puma in the bolivian jungle  .

by Aaron from The Dharma Trails blog

Cheap, Bolivian vodka . That’s what got me there. Isolated, deep in the Bolivian jungle, with an apex predator wrapped around my body (and hot breath on my face).  

Volunteering at a Bolivian animal sanctuary I saw all kinds of monkey bites and scratches. It was common for backpackers to show off their fresh wounds at the end of each day. But no one had a story like this…

The weekly volunteer party got out of hand (the night before). Those with the appropriate big-animal training didn’t wake up or sign in to the morning’s meeting. I was there. Hungover, but there.   So, I agreed to help out with the puma (even though it normally requires months of training and animal integration/familiarity).

After an hour of trekking through the jungle, one of the team members and I reached the puma’s enclosure. The huge cat growled at me with a distinct sense of dislike. But that didn’t stop us from continuing our task.   We entered the caged area, attached two ropes to the puma’s “collar” and begun to walk him through the jungle.   

The puma, completely unpleased with my intrusion, stepped forward hesitantly. After only a couple of minutes, he stopped, looked back at me, and growled directly into my eyes. I watched helplessly as the puma leaped 10ft into the air towards me. In a split-second, his powerful legs wrapped around my waist, arms wrapped around my throat and fangs pressed into my forehead.  

I heard my team member scream. But I couldn’t move. Completely still, I assumed the worst. Yet, somehow it felt completely natural. The circle of life. The scream faded as I began to lose consciousness. Then, all of a sudden, I was released.   The animal let me go and stepped backwards.  

After swearing profusely, my team member yelled “stick your palm out towards him”. For some reason, I did.   The huge cat stepped back towards me and licked it. And, that was it. He knew that I knew, who was king of the jungle. After that we were friends.  

Volunteering with animals is a great way to give back while you  eco travel . Just be sure to pick places with adequate training if you don’t want to have bad travel stories like mine!

Getting Arrested in Gansu, China

by Wendy from the Nomadic Vegan blog

My short story about my travel experience is from Asia. On our first trip to China , one of the destinations my husband and I were most looking forward to, was visiting the Labrang Monastery. Located in remote Gansu province in the west of China , Labrang is a holy site and a place of pilgrimage for Tibetan Buddhists. 

At that time, neither one of us spoke any Chinese, and we were finding it frustratingly difficult to get where we wanted to go. We didn’t understand why all the bus drivers were refusing to let us get on the buses heading towards the transport hub from where all onward transport to Labrang left.

When one of them finally did let us on, he then forced us to get out on the outskirts of town, well before we reached the bus station. Confused, and not knowing what else to do, we started walking in the direction we thought the station was in. We didn’t get far before two police cars skidded to a halt next to us, and we were suddenly surrounded by six cops wearing S.W.A.T. badges on their sleeves.

They brought us to the head of the prefecture, who luckily was a very friendly Tibetan man who spoke enough English to explain what was happening. Unbeknownst to us, the Chinese government had recently made that part of Gansu off-limits to foreign tourists in light of protests by ethnic Tibetans in the area.

After treating us to a tasty lunch of vegetarian Chinese food , the head of the prefecture drove us back across the prefecture border himself and made sure that we got on a bus back to where we had come from.

We never made it to the Labrang Monastery on that trip, but at that point, we were just happy not to be in a Chinese jail. As I write this, we are in Mongolia, planning to cross back into China in a couple of weeks. We have been told that Labrang has reopened for foreigners, so 10 years later we are going to give it another shot. Hopefully, we don’t get arrested this time and we will only have amazing travel stories to share!

Snake Attack In Vietnam

by Lina from Divergent Travelers blog

We were just about to take a final stretch of country road and head onto highway 1 for the next leg when we saw something in the road ahead of us.

It was up ahead of Jon and it was the kind of thing you couldn’t really tell what it was until you were right on top of it. In an instant, we saw Jon whip his legs up as a huge snake lunged at his leg when his scooter sailed next to it. I was mortified as I am very afraid of snakes. The last thing I wanted was to have this thing striking at me as we cruised by.

We pulled over, laughed, and discussed the size of it while noticing a local man running down the road with a long stick. He was hollering at us excitedly and pointing at the road. Apparently, snakes of that size are worth well over 1.2 million dong and the man was bursting with excitement about catching the venomous beast.

Asking where it went, he moved into the grass at the edge of the rice field in pursuit. The movement caused the snake to flee into the rice paddies and the local man immediately gave chase into what became a dance between him and the snake. Each challenged the other until the man lept to the opportunity and seized the snake by the head with his bare hands.

He smiled proudly as he came back to the road, showed off the snake then as swiftly as he appeared, left us standing there while he made his way down the road back to his house. Snake in hand. You don’t see that every day! It was definitely one of these fun travel stories that we will never forget.

Dangerous Night Trip In Peru

by Danielle from the Like Riding Bicycle blog

Not every travel story is fun. I have many scary travel stories to share, including the one from Peru. Many years ago, when I’d just started traveling , I took a bus going through parts of the Amazon… at night. Apparently, this wasn’t the best call. Around 3 am I was alarmed to wake up to the bus stopped, and a man in a black mask with a huge black gun pointed at us all. He yelled in Spanish and everyone’s hands went up into the air, so I flung mine up following suit. Before long the men were marched off the bus, leaving us women, hands still in the air, to wait for what would come next.

I had a moment in which I thought: “What are they about to do with the men? What are they about to do with the women? What are they about to do with me, the only foreigner on the bus?” I was far from rich, but they didn’t know that.

After some time another man came on the bus, this time with a small silver pistol which he pointed at each of us as he robbed us blind. No one was physically harmed, though I knew that people who weren’t as fortunate to be a Westerner like myself lost more than they could afford to replace, which was a hard thing to realize. I couldn’t help, only sit there with my arms in the air.

So go to Peru – it’s amazing! – just don’t take a night bus through the Amazon!

Mutant Bugs Attack

by Nathan from Foodie Flashpacker blog

Although at the time it happened I wouldn’t have called it my best travelling story, now, looking back on it, it’s one of the best/funniest stories of my nearly three years of traveling. This all took place during my visit to Fez , Morocco in 2016.

The time I survived a direct attack to the face by killer mutant bugs from outer space. And then visited a vagina doctor with the world’s oldest x-ray machine to put my face back together again.

Long story short- one day I woke up with a face full of bug bites. The concerned guest house owner sent me to a pharmacist who then sent me to a doctor.

More specifically, I later learned, was that I had been sent to a gynecologist. We established that some large insects had attacked my face and I was in need of multiple medications. And, for reasons still unknown to me, an x-ray. At least I think he x-rayed me.

Being A Suspect In The Disappearance Of Girl In France

By James from The Portugal blog

One of the funny adventure stories that I have is from the time I found a 5-month housesit in the middle of the French countryside. It sounded idyllic, and perfect for me and my girlfriend at the time who had just started out as digital nomads. 

In reality, it wasn’t quite as idyllic as advertised. The biggest issue was the lack of internet; something which was supposed to have been installed by the time we arrived. But, we made do. We bought French sim cards with 3 GB of internet each (the max we could get at the time) and vowed never to look at YouTube or anything that might use lots of data for the entire 5 months.

It was all going perfectly until one day there was a knock at the door and two local French policemen were standing there. They began asking us what we were doing on the property and where the owners were. In the best French, I could manage, I explained the concept of house-sitting but I could see it wasn’t going over. 

Then, they showed us a picture of a girl who was missing. We hadn’t seen her and, in fact, didn’t know anyone in the town. We apologized that we couldn’t be of more help, thinking that was that. 

It wasn’t. One of the policemen then pulled out a printout of a forum conversation between the missing girl and someone who they believed was her biological father. Then in the forum conversation, they showed me a mobile number: my French mobile number. 

I didn’t know how to explain it apart from to say that it must be a typo, but that wasn’t good enough. They asked to see my computer and began looking through the search history. Then, obviously not buying my house sitting story, they asked where the owners were again.  

Unsatisfied, they told me to come into the station that afternoon for more questioning at 2 pm. I didn’t know what to do. There wasn’t enough time to find a lawyer or even a translator as they would probably have had to come from the nearest city. I opened Google Translate and tried to come up with as many useful sentences as I could, but it was hard to concentrate. 

At 2 pm on the dot I walked through the doors of the police station and when the policeman saw my worried face he burst out laughing. “Lucky for you, she showed up,” he said. And that, amazingly, was the end of that. I’ve never heard any more about this again. 

Lifechanging Short Travel Stories

Stepping out of a comfort zone in dubai.

by Michaela from Awe Inclusive blog

In 2014, I was scrolling through a Facebook group when I spotted a post claiming $200 roundtrip tickets to Duba (btw if you want to save on your next trip, check out this trip com coupon ). As is routine in that group, I confirmed the deal, checked my calendar, and booked tickets – no asking friends, no waiting for job approvals, and no overthinking. It would be my first trip alone.

I met Jibri during the layover. She got my attention and started chatting about travel deals and groups. During our small talk, I considered putting my earphones back in or making up a reason to excuse myself. Instead, I decided to embrace a new person and see where it could lead.

Not only did we exchange contact information to meet-up in Dubai, but we joined other travel group members who rented out a yacht for an afternoon cruise along the Persian Gulf.

It was totally outside of my comfort zone and totally what my comfort zone needed – to be stretched out of shape! I met amazing people and forged exciting friendships.

Dubai was life-changing. I learned to trust my abilities and instincts even when I had to improvise. I learned that strangers are just friends who haven’t met you. Most importantly, I learned that my suitcase was much lighter when I didn’t fill it with fear.

This year, I took a solo trip to Thailand and it was the absolute best. More solo trips are in my future as I continue to challenge myself to get uncomfortable and do more than I thought I could.

See also: Best travel stories from Thailand .

Beautiful Travel Friendship

by Viki from Chronic Wanderlust blog

I’ve been in Playa del Carmen, Mexico for a few weeks now for my divemaster training. I spent every day in the water with customers and my instructor. I loved it! We shared the boat with another dive shop and I started to notice that they were also training a divemaster to be.

She seamed to be my age and so I started talking to her. Janice is from Canada and also madly in love with the ocean and all things diving. We started to hang out more and more and even became very good friends then.

She left Mexico a few days before I left, but we managed to stay in touch. For almost two years now we talk several times a week, she helped me through many things as a stupid breakup.

Last year I told her I was going back to Mexico for a few weeks and if she wanted to meet me there. She told me that she couldn’t manage with work. I had wanted to see her so badly! And I knew she wanted to be in sunny Mexico with me as well.

I remember the 30th of December when she told me that she had just bought the ticket and will be in Mexico the next day! I was beyond happy, I was going to see my best friend again. I was going to see her for the second time in my life and yet she knows more about me than any other person that I see more often.

I love how friendships can last over distance and time zones. Meeting Janice is definitely one of the best solo travel stories that I have.

Best Adventure Travel Stories

Hawaii adventure.

by Carole from Berkeley and Beyond blog

Even though I have many short stories about traveling the world, I want to share the one from Hawaii. I’ll never forget the time I landed on the remote Hawaiian island of Molokai and was told, “We have a wedding and two funerals on the island, and so we have run out of cars.” It was at about the same time as a popular movie with a similar title was out, so the statement had a humorous overtone.

However, since this was hang-loose Hawaii , I was assured by a mellow employee that all would work out and so there was really nothing I could do but relax into it. The car agency arranged for (and paid for) a cab to deliver us to our condo so we could check-in, and told us that the next morning someone would pick us up and deliver us to the mule ride.

Done, though we did almost miss our morning ride due to confusion regarding the meeting spot, but the point is we didn’t  miss it, and we were told by that driver that our car would be waiting in the parking lot for us after our ride.

And there it was! Pure Molokai magic.

Visiting A Real Quechua Village

by Gabor from Surfing the Planet blog

Although Machu Picchu is simply indescribable, it turned out that a totally improvised adventure left a much stronger mark on us. When we were staying at a Couchsurfer’s place in Cusco, we asked him whether it would be possible to visit a real Quechua village.

He said we could try, although we would have to find it out ourselves since these Quechua communities live quite far in the Andes and there’s no public transport to get there.

In the end, we got very lucky, since looking for transport in Ollantaytambo, we found out that the local doctor and other social workers were going to visit some of these tribes and they let us join them.

We were really happy because we had the chance to stay in a Quechua community, learn about their traditions, see the colorful clothes they wear every day and take part in their daily routine for some time. We often had to use hand gestures to communicate, since most of these people don’t speak Spanish, only Quechua. This is one of our most interesting travel stories and a real heart-warming experience that we will never forget.

Funny Short Travel Stories

Mistaking a brothel for a massage spa in china.

by Talek from Travels With Talek blog

Ah… cultural confusion.  One weekend I was in a part of Beijing I was not familiar with and decided to get a massage.  I remembered what appeared to be a massage spa nearby. The location didn’t look exactly like a typical spa, but I went in anyway.

The inside of the location had all the spa-like features which reassured me.  However, when the hostess approached me, she appeared apprehensive and asked me something in Chinese. I pantomimed a massage.  She disappeared into a dark room behind a beaded curtain. I could hear her and another woman speaking animatedly.

After some uncomfortable moments, the woman returned and lead me to a dimly lit, rectangular room with a massage table in the middle. I positioned myself as I normally would. A different woman came in and gave me a lackadaisical massage for about an hour. I paid and went back to my hotel.

The next day my colleagues and I discussed our weekend. I mentioned my massage at a location next to the Wanda department store. “Oh! That’s a high-end brothel” they said. They’re probably still laughing.

Crazy Travel Stories

Free helicopter ride.

by Kris From Nomad By Trade

My favorite travel story is from a business trip I took to a small town in Kentucky. One morning, my co-worker noticed that there was a helicopter parked out on the hotel’s lawn, which we thought was odd but pretty cool.

That week, we ended up befriending the helicopter’s pilot and his wife and talking to them at breakfast and the evening periods of light snacks.

He somehow offered to take us up for a free ride, so one morning before work, we each took a turn hopping in his helicopter and flying up and over town. He banked, dipped, and shot up to the sky like a rocket during our jaunt through the Kentucky skies.

I still find it funny that I wouldn’t get in a car with a stranger, but I had no qualms about hopping in a helicopter with one. I’ve been traveling on an almost weekly basis for work for six years and that’s still one of the coolest things that I’ve gotten to do on the road.

My Birthday In A Private Castle Near Prague

Crazy Flight With A Hyperactive Child

by Alexis from World Travel Adventurers blog

We’ve had our fair share of unforgettable and funny travel stories as parents traveling with a spirited 2-year-old and 4 years old, but this one still takes the cake. We think every parent who has ever flown with young children can relate.

We were on our way home from Salt Lake City to Baltimore, which is a 5-hour flight, so my husband had the brilliant (or so he thought) idea to sedate our energizer bunny son (whose nicknames include Taz, tornado, hurricane, wrecking ball, the destroyer) to make the long flight easier.

Having a wild toddler restricted to a seat for 5 hours is no fun for anyone, but a sleeping toddler sounded much more appealing.

We had given him Benadryl before when he was sick and it put him right to sleep like a charm, so we thought we were in the clear. It turns out, some kids have the opposite reaction to Benadryl and turn into hell on wheels.

Well, our son turned into that kid. I think everyone on the flight, especially the person sitting in front of him, wanted to kill him or at least put him in a straightjacket and a muzzle. The flight attendant, who used to be a nanny, could tell early on that something was up and had a hunch it was from Benadryl gone wrong.

In the midst of his craziness, I took him to the bathroom at the front of the plane to change his diaper. When we headed back to our seats, he took off running down the aisle full speed ahead. He was so fast and agile (being much smaller than me and able to maneuver through the narrow aisle like a star football player) that I couldn’t catch up to him until he had run the entire length of the plane.

My husband said he saw a flash go by his seat, and then saw me running after yelling my son’s name. He thought it was hilarious. I did not. We can both laugh about it today and will NEVER make that mistake again.

So to all my fellow parents of traveling youngsters, beware and never use Benadryl for a stress-free flight unless you’ve tested it a few times and are sure that your child will not turn into a Tasmanian devil. Unless you want to add something to your funny holiday stories collection, then go for it.

Meeting The President Of Ecuador

by Dane from Holiday From Where blog

My best travel story is from a time I was in a small city called Salinas on the south coast of Ecuador . I was just hanging with a local friend and surfing every day before I started to head north. I kept hearing about this wave that was really good and you couldn’t surf because you had to sneak through an air force base to get to.

One day my friend was telling me it was going to be really good, so, we decided to try and sneak in. In hindsight, it was really stupid. We were crawling on our hands and knees through some bushes on the bad side of a shooting range while they were actively shooting. We made it to the beach got changed and ran for the ocean.

We were in the water for all of 15 minutes when two large me with AK-47s appeared on the beach and started to yell and whistle. We got a few more waves and went in. The men were extremely un-impressed and very angry.

We knew we were doing the wrong thing but obviously played dumb. As we were about to get dragged off a man and his wife came over a small dune and just walked up to us. The man asked us how our day was and if we had a good surf we replied we did and he just smiled at us and walked off.

As he did my friend informed me that it was the President. Everything happened so fast and in no time we were in the back of a military vehicle being taken to a small building. I was out a short time later with a stern warning never to return. 

Pin For Later:

Did you enjoy reading this post? Share your best travel story in the comments below!

72 Responses

Love it! Thanks for including our story. Traveling opens you up to so many incredible (sometimes hilarious) experiences so it’s great to hear about other memorable moments from fellow travel addicts!

It’s our pleasure, Alexis! Your story is great, thanks for sharing it :)

Pinoy TV is one of the few international channels that provide high-quality entertainment.

These stories are great. Thanks a lot for sharing.

Thanks for the inspiration Karolina! Traveling the world is something I’ve always wanted to do, but have found it hard to make the leap.

Hey Karolina,

Very inspiring travel stories! Makes me want to book a flight now and create an amazing travel story ever told! ;) There is nothing more gratifying than traveling, yes you spend but you learn more. Been to many places and every story is just different and amazing!

These stories are inspiring and it makes me want to travel more. Cheers!

Some amazing stories in there! It’s amazing what opportunities can present themselves when you are travelling abroad.

There’s some incredible stories in there. It’s amazing to see what opportunities can present themselves to you when you are travelling abroad. We’ve got a lot of great memories and stories from our time abroad, can’t wait to get even more!

Getting arrested in China must have been an exciting experience. Luckily, no jail. So happy end.

Thanks for the inspiration Karolina!……,! great story

Glad I enjoyed the post! Thanks for sharing this.

You’re welcome!

The only way to achieve happiness is to cherish what you have and forget what you don’t have

I really liked reading your post! Very high quality content and useful information. With such a valuable blog I believe you deserve to be ranking even higher in the search engines.

Thanks for your comment, Maria.

Wow, interesting crazy stories! good stuff!

Incredible stories. Frankly, I envy people who travel freely, I hope that I succeed.

Such a kind of knowledge give by this stories.

Much Appreciated! Get your travel and tourism guide of top tourist places, attractions about travelling and exploration of the world.

Hey really Incredible stories.Appreciated your blog.Such interesting travel story.The details are very informative.I also love to travel.This stories inspires me to travel to my dream place.Looking forward to see more from you.

Thanks for your comment!

I’ve got no idea what I’d do if a snake lunged at me while on a scooter! Hopefully, I’d have the commonsense to hit the accelerator and keep going. Even non-poisonous snakes can be dangerous. And I’m guessing that the snake ended up as someone’s dinner or that seems be have been implied :/.

I also love to travel the world. Your story inspires me a lot

Your travel stories are awesome. I love to travel to other countries and experience every culture.

Wow, interesting crazy stories! good .

thanks for sharing this info superb

Wow this is very interesting and amazing article for all travellers and I hope they will get lots of information from this article. It will also helpful for all beginners. Thanks for sharing this article to us..

Hey, it’s amazing way for our time . Thanks for sharing.

These short travel stories always teach me something new.

Its really amazing post for me. Thanks for sharing

Excellent post with rich knowledge for travelers. Thanks for sharing

Amazing stories! Thank you so much for sharing them. As a traveler it is exciting to hear new stories. It certainly makes you want to go out and travel again.

It was nice to be inspired by you, Karolina! Although I have always dreamed about traveling the world, I have struggled to make this step because it seems so risky.

Hey, I think it’s a great way to spend our time these days. That’s great that you shared that with us.

I love your all content keep share with us, keep shared with us.

thanks for sharing this info, superb article

I have been wondering where to travel across Europe. And getting exposed to this amazing stories has energised my travelling plans and the countries to visit. Thanks so much for sharing such a wonder and useful stories. Looking forward for more stories.

I am really happy with the quality and presentation of the article. Thanks a lot for keeping great stuff.

Travelling is one of the best way to create memorable stories.

What a great idea for a post and a wonderful collection of stories!

Thank you for this great sharing!

Thank god! The housesitter did not have to go to a Chinese prison. The whole incident was quite amusing.

Thanks for this site i like it.

Article was very lovely and all stories are great

All stories are lovely and amazing.

There is no better way to create memorable stories than by traveling.

Traveling is one of the ways to create and be a part of stories. The travel stories in the blog are all interesting. I have also read stories on how travelers are set up by placing drugs in their luggage at airports.

Yeah however I am not sure if it’s true.

Thanks! i loved this site thanks for recommending.

Excellent post with rich knowledge for travelers.

Unforgettable

Such a great post thanks for sharing this with us and keep posting these are soo amazing.

There is no better way to create memorable stories than by traveling. :)

thank you so much

Thank you. you have explained almost everything.

Great post.Thanks for sharing. You have explained almost everything.

all the stories shared are good and well explained.

Thanks for sharing this article it was quite insightful.

Thanks for sharing such information. I appreciate your hard work

Great post, Thanks for the information provided! Your post is so awesome. Keep it work and share your amazing post with us. Thanks again!

Thanks a lot for sharing this post. Your travel story is so amazing.

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks!

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We are Karolina, Patryk, and Mia, the lazy traveling family. After spending 5 years as digital nomads, and living in many countries in the world, we decided to make Poland our base.

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10 Travel Blog Writing Examples For Inspiration

Planning to be a travel writer? Don't start without looking at these 10 examples of exceptional travel writing! Plus, here's why you need a travel writing portfolio.

Shreya Bose

Written by Shreya Bose , edited by Protim Bhaumik , reviewed by Eric Hauch .

23. Feb 2023 , updated 30. Jun 2023

Nothing opens our minds quite like travel, does it? However, not all of us are lucky enough to travel more than once or twice a year (if that) while juggling a 9-5, school/housework, kids/pets, and everything else in between.

But there are certain people who actually choose to live a life of travel. No, I am not talking about trust fund babies but about the travel blogger.

Giving up the secure desk job to pursue travel stories, writing them, and getting paid is not the life for everybody. But I won't be lying if I say quite a few of us secretly (or not-so-secretly) wish we could live that life.

If you're thinking of embarking on a "job" that takes you around the world, and you think you can write travel blogs that delight and educate every reader, this article is for you. To get started, have a look at these 10 travel blog writing examples. The individuals discussed in this blog post are living the life you want, and exploring their work is a good way to start your travel writing career before building your unique voice and brand.

10 Amazing travel bloggers & their work (to inspire you to write your first blog)

Elizabeth chorney-booth.

Elizabeth Chorney-Booth is a Canadian writer exploring food, drink, travel, medical writing, and general interest topics. She is the weekly restaurant columnist for the Calgary Herald, a regular columnist on CBC Radio, and a weekly contributor to Canada.com 's travel section. Her work has appeared in multiple publications like the Globe and Mail, Culinaire, Bold Travel, Savour, Leap, OnBoard, and more.

Gwendolyn Richards

Gwendolyn Richards is a Calgary-based food and travel writer & photographer who loves patent shoes, bourbon, and burgers. She has also written and published a cookbook named Pucker. If you're looking to have travel adventures (of the stomach especially) in and around Calgary, her portfolio and blog are must-reads.

Jamie Carter

Jamie Carter combines travel blogging with writing about science, and his portfolio and blog showcase the coolest, most eclectic collection of articles and images you'll come across. His work has been published in Forbes, Travel+Leisure, Sky & Telescope, BBC Sky At Night, South China Morning Post, TechRadar, and WhenIsTheNextEclipse?

Jamie's blog: jamieacarter.com

Louise Goldsbury

Louise Goldsbury runs a famous travel blog that has won her the Best Travel Writer award at the National Travel Industry Awards twice. She has also been a 2022 finalist for the same. She writes as a freelance for The Australian, Escape, and Explore. She is also the Editor-at-large at Cruise & Travel magazine (Big Splash Media)

Louise's blog: louisegoldsbury.substack.com

Gina Rich is an award-winning freelance writer exploring topics around parenting, health, travel, and the natural world. She's also quite a coffee enthusiast, as her own travel blog will showcase.

Gina's blog: lovehopeandcoffee.com

Vicki Reeve

Vicki Reeve is a Cornwall/London-based freelance writer & editor who works on Departures International, Centurion, Compendium, and NetJets magazines, Vogue, Art Fund's Art Quarterly magazine, Elephant magazine, and Wylde (among others), and writes about Cornwall for the Mail on Sunday's travel section.

She is also a senior editor at Ultratravel magazine.

Salt in our Hair

Run by Hannah and Nick, two travel bloggers from the Netherlands, this award-winning blog has it all — travel stories, travel photography, travel tips, and even information for solo travelers.

By detailing their own travel adventures, Hannah and Nick provide helpful information and fun-laden itineraries for anyone looking to jet-set around the world.

This is a great travel blog example, encompassing everything from an adventure travel blog to laid-back travel ideas.

Hannah & Nick's blog: saltinourhair.com

The Blonde Abroad

Kiki has been traveling solo for years and collecting her experiences in her travel blog. She has visited over 70 countries and collates information specifically for solo female travelers. Of course, she also covers other categories like adventure travel, budget travel, couple travel, etc. But it's her tips for women traveling alone that really get her blog to stand out.

Kiki's blog: theblondeabroad.com

The Travel Book

Is it possible to travel while being environmentally conscious? The Travel Book says Yes!

It doesn't matter what your travel destination is, this blog will tell you how to have amazing trips without leaving too much of a negative impact on the ecology. This is a great resource if you're looking to travel internationally since those long plane rides are just the start of expanding our carbon footprint. Tips from Karoline and Rasmus (who run the blog) help you counteract that, without missing out on the most beautiful places on this planet.

Karoline and Rasmus' blog: thetravelbook.world

Be My Travel Muse

Much like Kiki, Kristin has also been traveling solo for over 9 years. Her tips about saving money and traveling safely without missing out on any adventures have led her blog to be one of the most popular ones in its niche. She attracts about five million readers per year, and I don't have to tell you how impressive that is.

Kristin's blog: bemytravelmuse.com

Now that you've seen some top-shelf travel blog writing examples, let's move on to a related question.

Are you planning to create a travel writing portfolio?

You've obviously noticed that the first few examples are portfolios rather than blogs. I included them on purpose because these portfolios actually provide a more comprehensive view of the writer's work at one glance than a blog would. In a blog, you'd have to click through different sections or scroll around to find actual articles.

In a portfolio, it's all right there on the front page. Moreover, if you're planning to write about travel for magazines, editorials, and other third-party publications, you need a portfolio. Clients usually don't have the patience to scan through your blog to find relevant articles. Additionally, if you're a professional writer of any kind, you're expected to have an updated portfolio that can be sent out in a second. Failure to meet this expectation immediately demotes you from their list of potential candidates.

Moreover, clients may not end up actually reading/viewing your best work if they are left to scroll by themselves. On the other hand, you can curate your portfolio so that your best work shows up first, and you get to your best professional foot forward.

Ok, so... how do I create a travel writing portfolio?

There are an overwhelming number of portfolio builders available today. You've probably already heard of some — Squarespace, WordPress, Clippings, etc. They're all excellent options, depending on your profession, requirement, and professional seniority.

Before creating my own writer portfolio, I went through quite a few of these tools before choosing Authory. I'm not saying you should choose it too (but you should if you're a writer), but just telling you why it stood out to me over the other, more established, name-brand portfolio makers .

• Automatic importing of ALL your bylined content from ANY digital source you enter. You enter the source website, and Authory finds all your bylined pieces and imports them into its database. You can import from an unlimited number of sources. Moreover, Authory won't just import all existing content from each source, but all pieces published in the future as well. You never have to copy-paste/manually upload any of your bylined pieces to your portfolio ever again. You can, of course, manually upload, non-bylined content if you want.
• All imported content is permanently backed up, in the ORIGINAL format (text/media) rather than screenshots.
• All imported content is downloadable as high-res PDFs or exportable as HTML files. No lock-in period.
• Multiple, low-effort customization options to make your portfolio visually appealing and easily navigable.
• Email notifications every time a new article is imported by Authory.
• In-built search engine optimization and responsive design so your portfolio looks good on mobile screens and shows up on search engine results.
• In-built analytics that provides real numbers on content performance (engagement, readership) across the web and popular social media sites every 30 days.
• Allows creation of newsletters with a couple of clicks. Post setup, Authory will automatically send your newly published content to subscribers.
• Widgets to display your portfolio on other sites, such as your personal website (if you have one).

If you're someone who reads reviews before making a purchase, I've got you covered. Check out these testimonials from Authory users:

today i've looked at 100+ applications for freelance writing projects. tons say something like, "I'm qualified but can't share my ghostwritten samples." just use @Authory to do this. hiring managers need to see your best samples! not an ad, just trying to make my life easier 😆 — Jimmy Daly (@jimmy_daly) February 15, 2023

Epic tool I recently discovered 👇 With @Authory , podcasters, influencers, journalists, businesses and personal brands can create a professional portfolio that highlights their best articles, stories, episodes and other written content including PR. https://t.co/LWXZFauvgR — Adel (@AdeldMeyer) February 15, 2023

I just started using @Authory , it looks great, let's you organize your content super easily and can automatically import all your pieces from the web. It also keeps a backup of everything in case one of your articles is ever taken down. ~8-10 bucks a month 🙌 — Historian turned techie👩‍🎓👩‍💻 (@christina_haaa) February 9, 2023

Emma Wilkinson

I do still love Authory - I do nothing just sit back and let it collate all my work (and tell me interesting things about stats etc) and I now have 1.4k articles on there 👍If you want a bit of a longer free trial to have a go yourself try this link https://t.co/IbHfEk3FDO https://t.co/RDYq2D8dKP — Emmajourno (@Emmajourno) February 7, 2023

Is it any wonder that Authory is chosen by 6X Emmy winner David Pogue , Steven Levy, Editor at Large, WIRED , Brian Fung, a Technology Reporter at CNN , and other industry stalwarts to create their portfolio?

Get started with Authory for free today!

Seasoned writer & editor working with B2B & B2C content since 2017. Writes about music on weekends. Trying to overcome caffeine addiction.

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Step-by-step guide to creating your writing portfolio. Tips, examples, and everything you need to make a writing portfolio clients will love!

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How to Write Traveling Scenes Readers Love (21 Best Tips)

If your characters move from point A to point B by foot, plane, train, bus, motorcycle, boat, or griffin, you’re now writing a traveling scene.

Here is how to write traveling scenes:

Write traveling scenes by integrating purposeful journeys, vivid sensory details, character interactions, and varied pacing. Incorporate cultural nuances, effective dialogue, and logical consistency. Whether a short voyage or a long expedition, each traveling scene should enrich the story.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to write traveling scenes that readers love.

What Are Traveling Scenes?

Table of Contents

Traveling scenes depict the journey characters take from one place to another.

Simple, right?

These scenes serve as transitions, character development arenas, and sometimes even plot catalysts. Travel allows characters to interact with new environments, face challenges, and grow as individuals.

It’s during these journeys that many stories expose the character’s vulnerabilities, strengths, and evolution.

For me, traveling scenes have always been a way to not just move characters around, but to move the plot forward.

It’s that suspense-filled moment where Frodo and Sam tread cautiously through Mordor or when Elizabeth Bennet travels through the English countryside, unveiling the tapestry of her thoughts and emotions.

But, wait, there are actually more than one type of traveling scene.

Types of Traveling Scenes

Before you can pen prose readers palpitate over (surely I get bonus points for that alliteration :), you’ve got to nail down which type of traveling scene you want to write.

Here is a list of the major types of traveling scenes:

• The Quest — This is a journey with a purpose. Think of Frodo in The Lord of the Rings , setting out to destroy the One Ring.
• Escape and Pursuit – The character is running away from something or someone, like Maximus in Gladiator , escaping his captors.
• Discovery and Exploration : — Here, the character is on a journey of exploration. Christopher Columbus setting sail to unknown lands is a classic example.
• The Pilgrimage — A spiritual or religious journey. The pilgrimage to Mecca, known as Hajj, or Santiago de Compostela in Spain come to mind.
• The Romantic Getaway — Think of two characters escaping to a secluded spot, away from the world. Elizabeth and Darcy in Pride and Prejudice when they stroll in the Derbyshire moors.
• Transformational Journey — Where the trip brings about a significant change in the character. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert offers a rich tapestry of transformational journeys.
• The Return Home –This is the journey back to one’s roots or home, often after a long time. Odysseus’s journey back to Ithaca in The Odyssey is an apt example.
• Forced Relocation — When a character has no choice but to move. The Cherokee Trail of Tears or the Jewish diaspora are historical examples.
• Business Trip — A journey made for work-related purposes. Ryan Bingham’s constant travels in Up in the Air depict this type.
• Family Vacation — A trip made with family members, often filled with quirky moments. National Lampoon’s Vacation is a comedic take on this type.

Don’t rush this part.

Choose the right type and mix up the types of traveling scenes in your stories so that readers don’t get bored.

21 Best Tips for Writing Traveling Scenes in Your Story

Time to get down to the nitty gritty of writing traveling scenes.

Read through these tips that have served me well in writing and publishing several books and short stories over the last three decades.

Tip #1: Start With a Purpose

Every journey should have a purpose.

Whether it’s a quest for a hidden treasure, escaping from danger, or merely discovering oneself, the motive is the driving force behind the scene.

A purpose gives direction to the narrative and keeps the reader invested in the journey.

Personally, I’ve always found that when I start with a clear purpose in mind, the traveling scene writes itself.

It’s like planning a road trip; knowing your destination makes choosing the route easier.

Example: Lila packed her bags, determined to find the lost city and reclaim her family’s stolen heirloom.

Tip #2: Incorporate Sensory Details

Engage your readers by incorporating sensory details.

Let them feel the icy wind, hear the bustling marketplace, or taste the salty sea air. Detailed descriptions can make a scene vivid and immersive.

When you travel, make it a point to jot down the unique sensory experiences you encounter.

It’s amazing how the rustle of leaves in a forest in Germany differs from the ones in my hometown.

Drawing from these notes breathes life into your scenes.

Example: The market bustled with energy, the aroma of spicy curries mingling with the metallic clang of blacksmiths at work.

Tip #3: Add Conflict and Obstacles

A journey without challenges can quickly become monotonous.

By adding conflict or obstacles, you not only heighten tension but also provide opportunities for character development.

During one of my trips, my got lost in downtown Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

The frustration, the unpredictability of the situation, and the eventual resolution of the problem offered me a wealth of material to use in my writing.

Example: As Jake’s car neared the border, a sudden roadblock loomed, manned by armed guards demanding papers he didn’t have.

Tip #4: Showcase Character Interactions

Traveling scenes can be a great way to show characters interacting with each other, especially if they are confined to a tight space like a car, wagon, or ship.

These interactions can reveal character dynamics, backstories, and hidden tensions.

I recall a roadtrip I took with friends in college where tight quarters led to both hilarious exchanges and intense confrontations.

These moments can be a goldmine for a writer.

Example: In the cramped confines of the spaceship, tension grew between Captain Aria and Engineer Leo, their differing views sparking heated debates.

Tip #5: Use Varied Pacing

Not all travel needs to be at a breakneck pace.

Use varied pacing to highlight different parts of the journey. Slow down to let readers savor a beautiful landscape or speed up during a chase.

Think about your own travels.

You’ve probably had days of leisurely exploration contrasted with rushed airport dashes.

Both can be used effectively in a story.

Example: For days, they trekked through the barren desert, but as they sighted the oasis, they broke into a sprint.

Tip #6: Include Local Culture and Traditions

To make your travel scenes rich and authentic, delve into the local culture, traditions, and customs of the places your characters visit.

Once, while visiting Japan, a friend of mine was deeply moved by a traditional tea ceremony.

The ritual, the precision, and the significance behind each movement offered so much depth to their understanding of Japanese culture.

Example: At the village festival, Mia was invited to partake in the Moonlight Dance, a ritual honoring the harvest goddess.

Tip #7: Remember Physical Needs and Challenges

Traveling can be physically demanding.

Characters might face hunger, exhaustion, or even injuries. Addressing these challenges adds realism to your scenes.

If you’ve ever embarked on a rigorous hike unprepared, then you know the sheer exhaustion and muscle pain that comes afterward.

Such experiences can add depth to your narrative.

Example: Hours into their mountain hike, Ben’s legs started to cramp, and their water supply dwindled dangerously low.

Tip #8: Introduce New Characters

Travel scenes provide an excellent opportunity to introduce new characters that can add flavor to your story.

These can be brief encounters or new allies/enemies for the protagonist.

On one of my trips, I met an intriguing stranger on a train, and our short conversation left a lasting impression.

Such fleeting encounters can add layers to your story.

Example: On the coastal path, they encountered an old fisherman, Selby, who shared tales of ghostly ships seen on foggy nights.

Tip #9: Use Flashbacks and Memories

During travel, characters often have time to reflect.

This can be an opportunity to introduce flashbacks or memories that shed light on their past, motivations, or fears.

While traveling alone (like my trip to Vegas last December), I often find myself reminiscing about the past.

These introspective moments can provide depth and backstory to fictional characters.

Example: As she sailed closer to the island, images of her childhood there flooded back, from beach picnics to sunset stories.

Tip #10: Change the Mode of Transport

Variety is the spice of life. Change the mode of transport to keep the journey interesting.

Whether it’s by foot, car, horse, boat, or flying carpet, each mode offers a unique set of challenges and experiences.

One of the most memorable parts of my travels in Brazil was a sudden switch from rental van to school bus.

The unexpected change was both challenging and entertaining.

Example: In The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien, the fellowship travels by foot, boats, and even eagles, making their journey varied and adventurous.

Tip #11: Highlight the Emotional Journey

While the physical journey is most obvious, there’s often an underlying emotional journey.

This can be a process of self-discovery, reconciliation, or even overcoming personal demons.

This emotional arc can be as crucial as the actual travels and can provide a depth that resonates with readers.

Example: Each mile Jack traveled away from home made him reflect on his choices, the weight of his regrets growing heavier.

Tip #12: Utilize Nature and Weather

Nature and the weather can be significant players in traveling scenes.

A sudden storm, the beauty of a sunrise, or the perils of a desert can influence the characters’ journey, create conflict, or offer moments of reflection.

Nature isn’t just a backdrop — it’s an active element that shapes the story.

Example: As they entered the forest, a sudden downpour turned the path muddy and treacherous, making every step precarious.

Tip #13: Make Use of Maps and Geography

Maps, landmarks, and geographical features can inject authenticity into your travel scenes.

They can serve as tools, obstacles, or points of interest for your characters.

Mentioning real places or creating fictional ones with depth can help readers visualize and invest in the journey.

Example: Holding the ancient map, Clara traced the route to the hidden waterfall, marking potential dangers along the way.

Tip #14: Address the Passage of Time

Travel often takes time.

It’s important to address the passage of time in your narrative, whether it’s through changing seasons, characters’ physical changes, or evolving relationships.

This not only provides a realistic feel but can also highlight the length and significance of the journey.

Example: In my novel, Wicker Hollow, I routinely reference the time of day and night, since the entire story occurs in less than 72 hours.

Tip #15: Use Symbolism and Themes

Travel scenes can be enriched by incorporating symbolism or recurring themes.

A river could symbolize a character’s personal transformation, or a mountain might represent an insurmountable challenge.

Such symbols can provide a deeper layer of meaning to the journey.

Example: The river they traveled along became a metaphor for Elsa’s own life: sometimes calm, at times turbulent.

Tip #16: Inject Humor and Light Moments

While challenges and conflicts are essential to keep the narrative engaging, it’s equally important to include moments of levity.

Humorous incidents, quirky characters, or light-hearted banter can provide relief and endear the characters to the readers.

This brings up a great point about storytelling.

Namely, contrast. Keep readers guessing and engaged with a balance of serious and silly moments.

Or, at least, moments of relief.

Example: In the hot air balloon, Eric’s hat flew off, landing on a goat far below, much to the group’s amusement.

Tip #17: Emphasize Cultural Differences

When characters travel to unfamiliar places, cultural differences can play a significant role in their experiences.

These differences can lead to misunderstandings, appreciation, or even conflict.

It’s a great way to highlight diversity and enrich the narrative.

Example: In the city square, Tom tried to buy a loaf of bread, but ended up with a live chicken due to a language mix-up.

Tip #18: Use Dialogue Effectively

Travel scenes provide ample opportunities for dialogue.

Conversations can (and often do) reveal character motivations, backstories, and dynamics.

They can also be a means to convey information about the journey or the destination without resorting to lengthy exposition.

Example: “We can’t keep heading west,” whispered Nina, eyeing the ominous clouds. “Storm’s coming, we need to find shelter.”

Tip #19: Make Use of Foreshadowing

Hints about future events can be sprinkled in during travel scenes.

A fleeting comment, a mysterious character, or an ominous landmark can foreshadow events that will become significant later in the story.

Always give readers a reason to keep reading.

Example: An old woman at the train station warned them, “The mountain doesn’t take kindly to strangers after dark.”

Tip #20: Ensure Logical Consistency

You’ll need to maintain enough logical consistency so that your story “feels” real.

At least, real enough.

Make sure that the distances covered, the modes of transport used, and the challenges faced are realistic and consistent with the story’s setting.

You don’t need to get every fact and detail right — but it helps.

Example: They rationed their food carefully, making sure they had enough supplies for the two-week trek across the wilderness.

Tip #21: Conclude with a Sense of Arrival

After all the challenges, conflicts, and experiences, reward readers a sense of arrival.

This doesn’t necessarily mean reaching a physical destination.

It could also be an emotional or psychological realization. This culmination provides closure to the journey segment and sets the stage for subsequent events.

Example: In The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, Santiago’s journey concludes not just with his arrival at the Pyramids but also with his profound realization about where his treasure truly lies.

Check out this video on how to write traveling scenes:

Biggest Mistakes When Writing Traveling Scenes

Avoid these mistakes when writing your traveling scenes:

• Lack of Purpose — A journey without a clear purpose can seem directionless and bore readers.
• Over-Description — While it’s essential to set the scene, excessive description can slow down the narrative and disengage readers.
• Ignoring Character Development — Focusing solely on the journey and neglecting the emotional growth or changes in the characters is a missed opportunity.
• Unrealistic Challenges — Imposing too many or improbable challenges can break the reader’s suspension of disbelief.
• Monotonous Pacing — If every travel scene has the same pace, it can become predictable and lose its impact.
• Forcing Conflict — Introducing conflict for the sake of drama can seem contrived if it doesn’t serve the story.
• Neglecting Cultural Sensitivities — When writing about real places, ignoring or misrepresenting cultural aspects can be off-putting to readers familiar with that culture.
• Overusing Flashbacks — While introspection is natural during travel, excessive flashbacks can detract from the journey itself.

30 Words for Writing Traveling Scenes

Use these words for writing traveling scenes in your stories:

• Exploration
• Peregrination
• Expeditionary

30 Phrases for Writing Traveling Scenes

You can also try out these phrases in your travel scenes:

• “Setting off at dawn…”
• “As the landscape morphed…”
• “Journeying through uncharted territories…”
• “The road stretched endlessly ahead…”
• “With each passing mile…”
• “A sense of wanderlust took over…”
• “Trailing through winding paths…”
• “The rhythmic chug of the train…”
• “Navigating the bustling streets of…”
• “Under the canopy of stars…”
• “The horizon beckoned with promises…”
• “The aroma of distant lands wafted…”
• “Bounded by the thrill of discovery…”
• “Cruising the serene waters of…”
• “Against the backdrop of towering mountains…”
• “Whispers of ancient travelers echoed…”
• “Mingling with locals, they unearthed stories…”
• “An unyielding desire to explore…”
• “Lost amidst nature’s embrace…”
• “Charting a course through…”
• “The map unfolded tales of…”
• “Strangers in a foreign land…”
• “The crossroads posed a dilemma…”
• “With backpacks hoisted, they ventured…”
• “Guided by the northern star…”
• “Chasing the setting sun…”
• “Destinations yet to be etched in memory…”
• “Embarking on a soulful sojourn…”
• “The trail narrated tales of yore…”
• “Every twist and turn held a new surprise…”

3 Examples of How to Write Traveling Scenes

Here are three examples of how to write traveling scenes in three different genres of fiction:

The company of elves and men traversed the Enchanted Forest, the ancient trees whispering secrets only the elves could understand. But danger lurked, as shadows shifted and eyes gleamed in the darkness.

It was said that the forest played tricks on those who dared to cross it, bending reality and illusion.

As they reached a clearing, a shimmering portal appeared. The entrance to the mythical city of Eldoria.

Historical Fiction

Amelia, a young woman in the early 20th century, boarded the grand ship set to cross the Atlantic.

Dressed in her finest, she marveled at the luxurious interiors, a stark contrast to her humble beginnings. As the ship set sail, the shoreline faded, replaced by the vastness of the ocean. At night, grand ballroom dances were held, and by day, tales of adventures in the New World buzzed.

But amidst the festivities, whispers of icebergs grew louder.

Science Fiction

Commander Rayne gazed out of the spaceship’s window, the stars stretching out, a dazzling canvas of light and darkness.

Their mission: to reach and colonize the exoplanet dubbed “Nexa.” As they entered hyperdrive, time warped around them. A sensation of weightlessness enveloped the crew. On Nexa, they would face an environment unlike any other, with floating islands and rivers of light.

But first, they had to survive the journey through the quantum tunnel, a challenge many had failed before.

Final Thoughts: How to Write Traveling Scenes

Crafting compelling traveling scenes is a blend of imagination, authenticity, and keen observation.

If you want even more information about writing scenes, check out some of the articles listed below.

Read This Next:

• How to Write Stealth Scenes (My 21 Best Tips + Examples)
• How to Write Reunion Scenes Readers Love (21 Best Tips)
• How to Write Longer Scenes (21 Tips, Examples, & Guide)
• How to Write Montage Scenes (21 Tips + Examples)

21 Narrative Writing Examples

Written by Dan

Last updated February 14, 2024

Are you looking for the best narrative writing examples to use in your classroom? As an educator, finding engaging and compelling narrative stories that can capture your students’ imaginations can be challenging.

Narrative writing can open windows of opportunity to understand student perspectives while teaching critical literary skills and components.

This blog post’ll explore creative and interactive narrative writing examples to promote a positive learning experience for teachers and students alike!

Related : For more, check out our article on  How To Make Writing Fun  here.

Table of Contents

Section 1: The Awakening of Nature

As the morning sun shyly peeked over the horizon, a glistening dewdrop delicately clung to a leaf, reflecting the first light of day. It was as if Mother Nature herself had adorned the world with tiny diamonds.

“Good morning, world,” whispered the wind, playfully rustling the leaves, its voice echoing through the silent woods like a soft melody. A serene symphony of nature stirred every creature from their slumber.

Suddenly, a rabbit hopped out of its burrow, its fur as white as fresh snow, and its eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Another beautiful day,” it seemed to say, twitching its nose at the scent of fresh earth and blooming flowers.

Just then, a bird burst into song, its voice ringing out clear and true. A sweet serenade filled the air, as captivating as a nightingale’s enchanting tune. The forest, once quiet, now buzzed with the rhythm of life.

Section 2: The Magic of Childhood

In the heart of the city, there was a secret oasis known only to the children; a park where dreams took flight. It was like stepping into a storybook, complete with towering trees that stretched towards the sky, their branches reaching out like giant hands ready to catch any child brave enough to climb.

“Bet you can’t catch me!” shouted Sam, his laughter filling the air as he darted across the lush green grass. His words were a challenge, a spark that ignited the competitive spirit in his friends.

Sarah, with her pigtails bobbing, gave chase, her shoes thudding against the ground in a rhythmic pattern. She ran with the determination of a cheetah on the hunt, her eyes focused on Sam, who was now a small figure in the distance.

The park was their kingdom, a place where they could be pirates, explorers, or superheroes. It was where their imaginations roamed free, creating adventures as colorful as a painter’s palette.

Section 3: The Beauty of Love

In the quiet corner of a bustling café sat a couple, lost in their own world. They were like two stars drawn together by an invisible force, their love radiating warmth and light.

“Remember our first date here?” asked John, his eyes twinkling with nostalgia. His words hung in the air, painting a vivid picture of their past.

“Yes,” replied Emily, her voice soft and wistful. “It feels like ages ago, yet it seems like yesterday.” Her smile was as radiant as the sun breaking through the clouds after a summer rain, filling their small corner with a glow that only love can bring.

There was a comfortable silence as they reminisced, their hands intertwined on the table. Their love story was etched into every line of their faces, a testament to the enduring power of love.

Section 4: The Intricacies of Technology

The sun had barely risen when Alex, a software engineer, sat down at his desk. His fingers danced across the keyboard, coding with the elegance of a pianist playing a symphony. The screen, glowing like a solitary lighthouse in the dark room, reflected a world of ones and zeros, a language only understood by a select few.

“Another day, another code,” he murmured, his voice resonating with a quiet determination. His words were not just a statement, but a mantra that fueled his passion for technology.

Suddenly, an email notification popped up on his screen. It was from a tech startup, their proposal as captivating as the siren’s song. “We’re building a future beyond imagination,” it proclaimed, its promise echoing in the silence of the room.

In the world of technology, every day was a new challenge, a puzzle waiting to be solved. It was a thrilling ride that oscillated between triumph and despair, as unpredictable as a roller coaster yet as rewarding as discovering a hidden treasure.

Section 5: The Power of Art

In a quaint little studio tucked away in a bustling city, Sarah painted with a fervor that could only come from within. Her brush strokes were as fluid as a dancer’s movements, each one a testament to her talent.

“The canvas is my stage,” she would often say, her voice filled with a profound love for art. Her words were not merely a statement, but a proclamation of her dedication to her craft.

As the day turned into night, her painting began to come alive. The colors were as vibrant as a summer sunset, their brilliance illuminating the room. “Art is not just about creating something beautiful,” she mused, her eyes reflecting the glow of her creation. “It’s about pouring your soul onto the canvas.”

In the realm of art, every brush stroke was a new journey, an adventure that transported the artist to a world of endless possibilities. It was a dance between imagination and reality, as mesmerizing as a ballet performance under a moonlit sky.

Narrative Texts

Section 6: the thrill of sports.

The stadium was buzzing with excitement as the players took the field. The air was electric, charged with anticipation, as if the crowd was holding its collective breath.

“This is it, the moment we’ve been waiting for,” muttered Jake, his eyes fixed on the opponents. His words were not just a statement, but a battle cry that ignited the fire in his teammates’ hearts.

As the whistle blew, the game began. Each pass, each run, each tackle was executed with surgical precision, as coordinated as a well-choreographed dance. “This is not just a game,” echoed Jake’s voice, his determination palpable even amidst the deafening cheers.

In the world of sports, every game was a test of strength, skill, and spirit. It was a thrilling spectacle that brought together people from all walks of life, a celebration of human resilience, as inspiring as a phoenix rising from the ashes.

Section 7: The Magic of Music

In the quiet solitude of a dimly lit room, Ethan strummed his guitar with a grace that belied his years. His fingers moved with the agility of a seasoned musician, creating melodies that were as enchanting as a moonlit serenade.

“Each note is a story waiting to be told,” he whispered, his voice barely audible over the harmonious symphony he was weaving. His words were not just a sentiment but a testament to his profound connection with music.

As the night grew deeper, his composition evolved, each chord resonating with raw emotion. The music was as captivating as a symphony performed in an ancient cathedral, its echoes lingering long after the final note was played. “Music isn’t just about sounds,” he reflected, his eyes lost in the dance of shadows cast by his guitar. “It’s about capturing the essence of life in a melody.”

In the universe of music, each composition was a voyage across the sea of emotions. It was a mesmerizing dance between silence and sound, as captivating as the eternal dance of stars in the night sky.

Section 8: The Enigma of Science

In the sterile confines of a high-tech lab, Dr. Amelia peered through her microscope, her face illuminated by the artificial glow. Her hands moved with precision, handling the delicate samples with the care of a jeweler inspecting a priceless gem.

“Every atom is a mystery waiting to be unraveled,” she murmured, her voice echoing in the silent laboratory. Her words were not just a hypothesis, but a declaration of her unwavering curiosity for the unknown.

As hours turned into minutes, her research began to bear fruit. The results were as fascinating as the discovery of an alien civilization, their implications reverberating through the realms of science. “Science isn’t just about facts,” she mused, her gaze lost in the labyrinth of data on her screen. “It’s about challenging the boundaries of human knowledge.”

In the realm of science, every discovery was a step towards the unknown, a dance on the edges of human understanding. It was a journey as exciting as venturing into the unexplored corners of the universe.

Section 9: The Allure of Literature

In the serene comfort of her study, Emily penned down her thoughts with a passion that was almost palpable. Her pen moved across the page with a rhythm that mirrored the heartbeat of her story, each word a piece of her soul inked on paper.

Every sentence is a journey into the human psyche,” she mused, her voice blending with the soft rustle of pages. Her words were not just a thought, but a reflection of her deep-seated love for literature.

As the night draped its dark veil, her story began to take shape. The plot was as intriguing as a centuries-old mystery waiting to be uncovered, its twists and turns a testament to Emily’s literary prowess. “Writing isn’t just about narrating a tale,” she contemplated, her eyes gleaming with the satisfaction of a well-written chapter. “It’s about delving into the depths of human emotions.”

In the world of literature, every book was a key to a different world, an exploration into the vast expanse of human experience. It was a voyage as enthralling as sailing across the seas of time and space, discovering new lands of imagination and creativity.

Section 10: The Evolution of Robotics

In a high-tech laboratory bathed in the glow of neon lights, Dr. Lee worked tirelessly on his latest invention – a humanoid robot. Its metallic facade reflected the artificial light, creating an aura of intrigue around it. His fingers moved deftly over the control panel, programming commands with the precision of a master craftsman.

“Each code is a step towards artificial intelligence,” he mused, his voice barely audible over the hum of machinery. His words were not just an observation but a testament to his relentless pursuit of technological advancement.

As the night unfolded, the robot began to respond. Its movements were as fluid as a professional dancer’s, its mechanical eyes flickering with simulated life. “Robotics isn’t just about creating machines,” he pondered, watching his creation with a sense of accomplishment. “It’s about the fusion of creativity and engineering.”

In the realm of robotics, every innovation was a leap towards the future, a journey into the uncharted territories of technology. It was a thrilling exploration as captivating as the discovery of a new planet in the cosmos.

Section 11: The Revolution of Virtual Reality

In the heart of Silicon Valley, Sarah donned her VR headset, stepping into a world that existed beyond the confines of physical reality. The virtual landscape unfolded before her, its vivid imagery as mesmerizing as a Van Gogh painting.

“Every pixel is a window to another world,” she remarked, her voice brimming with excitement. Her words were not just a statement, but a proclamation of her fascination with virtual reality.

As the day transitioned into dusk, her virtual adventure escalated. The experiences were as enthralling as teleporting to an alien civilization, their realism challenging the boundaries of perception. “Virtual reality isn’t just about simulation,” she reflected, her eyes sparkling with awe. “It’s about transcending the limitations of our senses.”

In the universe of virtual reality, every session was a journey beyond the ordinary, an expedition into the realms of imagination. It was an experience as exhilarating as time-traveling into different eras of history.

Section 12: The Impact of Cybersecurity

In the nerve center of a leading tech company, Sean scanned through lines of computer code, his eyes alert for any signs of a potential breach. The glow from the multiple monitors illuminated his concentrated face, reflecting in his glasses.

“Every line of code can be a potential vulnerability,” he stated, his voice steady and serious. His words were not just a professional opinion but a reflection of his dedication to cybersecurity.

As minutes turned into hours, his vigilance paid off. The anomalies were as subtle as a chameleon blending into its surroundings, their detection a testament to Sean’s expertise. “Cybersecurity isn’t just about protecting data,” he contemplated, his fingers swiftly neutralizing the threat. “It’s about safeguarding our digital existence.”

In the world of cybersecurity, every threat detected was a victory over invisible adversaries, a silent battle fought in the digital realm. It was a responsibility as immense as guarding the secrets of a nation’s treasury.

Section 13: The Progress of Space Exploration

In a state-of-the-art control room at NASA, flight director Ava studied the telemetry data from their latest Mars rover. The screens around her were abuzz with information, each dataset a story of the rover’s journey on the red planet.

“Every byte of data is a clue to the mysteries of Mars,” she commented, her voice filled with wonder. Her words were not just an observation, but a declaration of her passion for space exploration.

As the Earth turned on its axis, the rover sent back stunning images. They were as breathtaking as the first photographs of Earth taken from the moon, their impact resonating throughout the scientific community.

“Space exploration isn’t just about reaching new frontiers,” she mused, her gaze fixed on the Martian landscape. “It’s about understanding our place in the universe.”

In the realm of space exploration, every mission was a leap into the unknown, a voyage into the cosmic ocean. It was a journey as awe-inspiring as the birth of a star in the distant galaxies.

Section 14: The Innovation of Quantum Computing

In a high-tech lab buzzing with activity, quantum physicist Dr. Raj worked on his cutting-edge quantum computer. The complex lattice of qubits and lasers before him was as mesmerizing as a symphony of light and energy.

“Every qubit is a step towards harnessing the power of quantum mechanics,” he noted, his voice echoing in the lab. His words were not just a statement, but a testament to his dedication to pushing the boundaries of computing.

As hours slipped into minutes, the quantum computer began to show promising results. The computations were as mind-boggling as deciphering an alien language, their speed outpacing traditional computers.

“Quantum computing isn’t just about faster calculations,” he reflected, watching the data stream on his monitor. “It’s about transforming how we solve complex problems.”

In the world of quantum computing, every breakthrough was a stride towards a paradigm shift in technology. It was an endeavor as exciting as unlocking the secrets of the universe itself.

Section 15: The Advancements in Artificial Intelligence

In the bustling hub of a leading tech company, AI researcher Lily fine-tuned the algorithms of her latest machine learning model. Her code, a labyrinth of functions and variables, was a testament to the intricacies of artificial intelligence.

“Every algorithm is a building block for intelligent machines,” she declared, her voice filled with determination. Her words were not just a professional opinion but a reflection of her commitment to AI research.

As the day turned into night, her machine learning model began to learn and adapt. The progress was as fascinating as watching a child learn to speak, its potential applications limitless.

“Artificial intelligence isn’t just about mimicking human intelligence,” she pondered, analyzing the results on her screen. “It’s about augmenting our capabilities and creating a symbiotic relationship with technology.”

In the domain of artificial intelligence, every innovation was a step towards a future where machines could think and learn. It was a journey as intriguing as deciphering the workings of the human brain.

Section 16: The Expansion of Virtual Reality Gaming

In the heart of a bustling game development studio, designer Marco was fine-tuning the graphics for their latest virtual reality game. The vibrant colors and lifelike textures on his screen were as enchanting as a digital masterpiece.

“Every pixel is a step towards total immersion,” he observed, his voice resonating with enthusiasm. His words were not just a remark, but a reflection of his passion for creating immersive gaming experiences.

As the day transitioned into evening, the game’s virtual world began to take shape. The landscapes were as captivating as a panoramic view of a fantastical land, their realism pushing the boundaries of virtual reality.

“VR gaming isn’t just about playing a game,” he pondered, testing the game on his VR headset. “It’s about living an adventure.”

In the universe of VR gaming, every new game was a journey into a different realm, an exploration into the limitless possibilities of virtual worlds. It was an experience as thrilling as teleporting into a different dimension.

Section 17: The Proliferation of Self-Driving Cars

In a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to autonomous vehicles, engineer Sofia was calibrating the sensors of a self-driving car. The complex network of radars, lidars, and cameras were as intricate as the human nervous system.

“Every sensor is an eye towards achieving full autonomy,” she stated, her voice echoing in the vast garage. Her words were not just a technical assessment, but a testament to her dedication to advancing autonomous technology.

As hours turned into minutes, the self-driving car began to navigate the test track flawlessly. The maneuvers were as precise as a professional driver’s, its decisions based on complex algorithms.

“Autonomous driving isn’t just about replacing the driver,” she reflected, monitoring the car’s performance. “It’s about enhancing safety and efficiency.”

In the world of self-driving cars, every successful test drive was a stride towards a future where cars could navigate without human intervention. It was a progression as fascinating as the evolution of transportation itself.

Section 18: The Advancements in Wearable Technology

In the design lab of a leading tech company, product developer Ryan was refining the features of their latest smartwatch. The sleek device on his workbench was as stylish as a high-end timepiece, its functionalities extending beyond just telling time.

“Every feature is a step towards seamless integration with our lives,” he remarked, his voice filled with excitement. His words were not just an evaluation, but a reflection of his commitment to enhancing wearable technology.

As the day turned into dusk, the smartwatch began to showcase its capabilities. The readings were as accurate as professional medical equipment, its user interface intuitive and user-friendly.

“Wearable tech isn’t just about gadgets,” he contemplated, testing the device’s fitness tracking feature. “It’s about personalizing technology to enrich our daily lives.”

In the realm of wearable technology, every new product was a leap towards a future where technology would be an integral part of our lives. It was a journey as intriguing as decoding the human genome.

Section 19: The Emergence of Quantum Internet

In a cutting-edge lab dedicated to quantum research, scientist Dr. Kim was working on the prototype for a quantum internet. The complex matrix of quantum entanglement and teleportation was as fascinating as a celestial constellation.

“Every entangled particle is a step towards unbreakable encryption,” she noted, her voice echoing with profound determination. Her words were not just an insight, but a testament to her unwavering dedication to quantum technologies.

As the day transitioned into night, the quantum internet prototype started showing promising results. The data transmission was as instantaneous as teleportation, its security unparalleled.

“Quantum internet isn’t just about faster communication,” she reflected, scrutinizing the test results. “It’s about revolutionizing the way we exchange information.”

In the world of quantum internet, every successful experiment was a stride towards a new era of communication. It was a journey as thrilling as venturing into a wormhole in space-time.

Section 20: The Evolution of Smart Cities

In the command center of a futuristic smart city, urban planner Alex was monitoring the city’s intelligent systems. The elaborate network of sensors and AI algorithms was as intricate as a digital ecosystem.

“Every sensor is an eye towards achieving sustainable urban living,” he stated, his voice filled with conviction. His words were not just an observation, but a declaration of his commitment to smart city initiatives.

As the sun set over the skyline, the city’s intelligent systems began to optimize various operations. The efficiency was as remarkable as a well-oiled machine, its impact significant on the city’s carbon footprint.

“Smart cities aren’t just about technology integration,” he contemplated, watching the live data feeds. “They’re about enhancing the quality of life for their inhabitants.”

In the realm of smart cities, every innovation was a leap towards a future where urban living would be sustainable and efficient. It was a progression as significant as the industrial revolution itself.

Section 21: The Advancements in Biotechnology

In the heart of a state-of-the-art biotech lab, scientist Maya was examining genetic sequences for her latest research. The strands of DNA on her computer screen were as mesmerizing as an intricate tapestry of life.

“Every gene is a piece of the puzzle towards understanding our biology,” she expressed, her voice echoing with fascination. Her words were not just a professional opinion, but a reflection of her passion for biotechnology.

As the day turned into evening, her genetic research began to yield insightful results. The findings were as enlightening as deciphering an ancient script, their implications far-reaching.

“Biotechnology isn’t just about manipulating genes,” she pondered, analyzing the data. “It’s about harnessing the power of life to improve health and wellbeing.”

In the world of biotechnology, every discovery was a step towards a future where diseases could be cured at the genetic level. It was a journey as intriguing as unraveling the mysteries of life itself.

Narrative writing is an essential part of the curriculum, fostering creativity, enhancing literary skills, and promoting critical thinking in students.

The examples shared in this blog post are a powerful tool to engage students and provoke their imagination.

Integrating these narrative writing examples into your teaching strategy allows you to create an interactive learning environment that encourages students to develop their narrative skills.

Remember, the ultimate goal is to teach students how to write and inspire them to tell their stories with confidence and creativity.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what is narrative writing.

Narrative writing is a form of writing that tells a story. This could be a personal experience, an imagined event, or a sequence of events. The goal is to immerse the reader in the story through details, plot development, and character interaction.

2. Why is narrative writing important in schools?

Narrative writing is important in schools because it enhances students’ creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills. It allows students to express their thoughts and experiences, thereby improving their understanding of language and literature.

3. How can I use these narrative writing examples in my classroom?

These narrative writing examples can be used as models for students’ writing. Students can analyze these examples to understand the structure, style, and elements of a good narrative. You can also use them to spark discussion or as prompts for creative writing exercises.

4. How can I encourage my students to engage with narrative writing?

Encourage your students by creating an open and supportive environment where they feel comfortable sharing their stories. Provide constructive feedback, incorporate creative writing exercises, and use engaging narrative examples. Celebrate their progress and achievements to boost their confidence.

5. Can narrative writing be used across different subjects?

Absolutely! Narrative writing isn’t just for English or Literature classes. It can be used in History to narrate historical events, in Science to describe a process or phenomenon, or in Social Studies to explore different cultures and societies. The possibilities are endless!

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About The Author

I'm Dan Higgins, one of the faces behind The Teaching Couple. With 15 years in the education sector and a decade as a teacher, I've witnessed the highs and lows of school life. Over the years, my passion for supporting fellow teachers and making school more bearable has grown. The Teaching Couple is my platform to share strategies, tips, and insights from my journey. Together, we can shape a better school experience for all.

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