Travel Writing: Purpose

Overview

Travel writing is a form of creative non-fiction where authors describe places and experiences while traveling.
It aims to inform, entertain, and inspire readers and can feature a wide range of styles from factual guidebooks to narrative essays.

Informative Purpose

Travel writing often includes practical information about locations, landmarks, culture, or travel tips.
Details such as transport methods, accommodations, cuisine, or local customs are commonly presented.
The informative nature of travel writing helps readers make travel decisions or prepares them for their journey.

Entertaining Purpose

Travel writing can entertain readers with stories or personal anecdotes from the writer’s journey.
Engaging narratives and descriptive language aim to evoke emotions and create a mental picture of the location.
The entertaining aspect of travel writing allows readers to experience adventures vicariously through the author.

Inspirational Purpose

Through sharing personal insights and exciting experiences, travel writing can inspire readers to explore new places or cultures.
Anecdotes and stories can convey a strong sense of the place and its character, igniting readers’ wanderlust.
The inspirational purpose of travel writing often drives readers toward planning or going on a trip.

General Tips

Whatever the purpose, effective travel writing is detailed, vivid, and engaging.
The style and tone should be tailored to your target audience, taking into consideration their interests and what they would find valuable.
Always aim to convey a genuine experience, highlighting both the positive and negative aspects of travelling.
Use varied descriptive language to recreate locations and experiences as vividly as possible.
Remember to include personal observations and reflections to give your writing an engaging and personal touch.