Although travel writing is a field in which I am eager to participate, something has always prevented me from getting excited about reading a lot of travel writing. I love travel. I love reading. For me, the two should combine as amicably as chocolate and peanut butter. But, I often find myself less inspired than I had hoped when I have finished reading a travel article.
Roads Not Taken, a 2001 article by Thomas Swick suggests a few reasons why this might be the case. While the article itself is old, it’s a good analysis of the craft of travel writing.