Writers' Journal Travel Writing definition

Back to the Travel Writing Contest Guidelines

TRAVEL WRITING ( A definition taken from "Writer's Encyclopedia" from the Editors of Writer's Digest)

Travel writing.

"The travel article has two basic objectives: to inform the reader by way of facts and to enlighten him by way of impressions. The travel writer must be perceptive enough to look beyond landmarks and scenery (although both are important) to the less conspicuous elements of his trip, such as people, customs and atmosphere.

Although the travel writer takes a considerable amount of notes during his actual travel, there is often preliminary research to be done before he leaves. Information can be obtained from travel bureaus, chambers of commerce, books, magazine, other travelers, and newspapers in the town of destination. In addition, querying editors and informing them of the travel destination can help the writer in focusing his research, since it is possible that editors will make suggestions when making assignments.

The travel writer should be prepared either to take photographs or to collaborate with a photographer, because photographs are an essential part of most travel pieces.

A travel article can be written in any of a variety of styles. The quality article displays a sophisticated writing style that includes imagery. The special-interest article relates the trip to another of the readers' interest, e.g., sports. The Me-and-Joe piece is written in narrative form and includes dialogue and other fictive techniques. The mile-by-mile article resembles a log and mentions each activity along the route and at the destination."

Concerning our requirement that the story not be in first person:

Including the reader in the travel adventure will make for a more interesting essay in the his eyes. Rather than telling the reader what you have experienced, let them know what they will experience. The first example below brings the reader into the scene. The second example is written in first person.

"When you visit Perham, Minnesota you will be awestruck by the beautiful sunsets reflecting off the waters of the many area lakes."

"I was awestruck by the beautiful sunsets reflecting off the waters of the area lakes near Perham, Minnesota."

Some readers may not be as interested in what the author experienced (more of a travelog) as much as they are interested in what they will experience when they visit a location. By offering the many sights, tastes, customs, and overall possible experiences as suggestions that the visitor will encounter, the author is bringing the reader to the location.

We chose to have contestants enter stories not written in first person in an effort to eliminate personal essays. We want the readers to be attracted to a location not by the author's review, but rather by the place itself. Let the location lure the reader. You as the author need to choose words and subjects that will entice the reluctant traveler to want to visit the destination.

Back to the Travel Writing Contest Guidelines