Yes, if all they write about are places they travel to. It seems the traveling public is more interested these days in travel ideas, trends, travel news and technology, than in destinations.
Travel writers love to travel. That’s why most of them are in the business.
But it that the right reason?
I don’t think so.
Matador Notebook points out that the world is so thoroughly Googleized that the tradition of destination travel writers may be coming to an end.
Historically, authentic travel content came from world explorers, cultural investigators and scribes like like Ibn Battuta, W. Somerset Maugham, and even our own, Paul Theroux,
But how relevant can traditional travel writers be in this Googleized world where all kinds of destination travel advice, reports and images are available everywhere?
Do consumers really need another article on the “impossibly blue waters” of the Caribbean or another “Top Ten Destinations,” - or “Top Ten Travel ” anything?
The Society America of Travel Writers, the professional organization representing many travel writers, seems disinclined to look closely at the role and value of travel writers in this time of ubiquitous travel information.
Then there’s the question of motivation.
I read a number of blogs and articles proclaiming that becoming a travel writer was a free ticket to free travel: hotel rooms, airfare, meals. Most everything.
If not free, then deeply discounted. But mostly free.
And after a few conferences, I was, not for the first time, struck by how many professional travel writers measure their success and clout (Klout) by how many press trips they get invited to.
Much of the energy in professional travel-writing conversations centers around how to get noticed by Destination Management Organizations (DMO’s), like public relations or marketing companies, so that the yearned for invite to a Caribbean island or an exotic destination like Bali would be more forthcoming.
Journalists usually chose their professions because they are consumer-facing, committed to providing timely, compelling, useful information to the public. In some cases journalists are actually committed to revealing a truth or exposing unsavory practices. Think Watergate, of course.
Travel writers often seem by comparison to simply want to indulge their passion for travel, and want to write about their trips.
They seem less guided by what information the public needs or wants or finds relevant, and more by the destination the writer wants to visit.
So, something isn’t right when I read a long, puerile thread on Linkedin Discussion Groups about the distance one has to literally travel ( 50 miles?1000?) to be considered a real travel writer.
And then there are those posts with titles like, “So You Want To See the World for Free? Become a Travel Writer”.
In my own practice as a member of the travel writing community, I made the shift to writing about travel trends, technology, travel news and the business of travel.
Of course I like to travel and file a report about an interesting inn or an especially positive travel experience.
I think sometime the public is curious and likes a professional point of view.
But if numbers matter, content about travel brands and social media, or women bloggers or the veracity of TripAdvisor’s reviews, get far more Tweets, comments and views than my St. Lucia story does.
And when I combine an article on how Ireland is cleverly using Foursquare as a marketing tool, and add a video, the content does best.
I still love to travel, and write about it, but my passport is getting dusty.
And I notice really informed DMO’s (and the public) are looking for more than a destination piece on how great they are. They seem to be moving toward a marketing package that includes their destination, but in the context of travel trends, travel technology and travel news.
Comments
Thanks for that, Harvey! I thought I was a voice in the wilderness. Well, I probably am, but glad to have your company! Thanks for writing in. Stay in touch :0
Cheers
Right on target. I have been a "travel writer" for many years and have not traveled much for a very long time. The travel industry is the world's largest and there is so much to deal with as far as consumer and trade information. I admire real "travel journalists," but that is a whole other breed.
I can't totally agree with you, Kaleel. There are a lot of armchair travelers out there who love to pore through colorful magazines and read about destinations. I don't think we're becoming extinct...at all!
I'm not going to let MY passport get dusty.
Bon Voyage.
Well, he couldn't say I loved the beaches and the food and margaritas were divine now, could he?
Yes, and I like Allan's point, "they couldn't believe it when I told them I had made four trips to the Caribbean before I had time to go into the water." I didn't get into travel writing for the free trips, but then, I got into it back when it was easier to be well paid -- not because I was a fabulous writer, but because there were fewer travel writers. Supply and demand, folks; it's fundamental.
I still scratch my head about travel writers who want to amass press trips. First, if they love travel so much, they should know that press trips rarely constitute real travel. Second, how much pleasure can people really expect when they leave their spouses/partners at home to sleep alone and eat all their meals for a week with strangers (or competitors)? Hats off to those travel journalists and bloggers who travel on their own or even set down roots in one place for awhile -- as David did in Prague -- so they can really get to know it instead of writing stories that are inherently shallow.
Better, why not invite me? In person :) Gee....
At our Travel Blogger Show at ASTA in Los Angeles next month we have a panel on just this topic: "Blogging, Your Passport to the World," in which Matt Long of Landlopers.com will speak and moderate. I may or may not be on the panel myself but will be sure to make sure some of your points are included!
Is there any other kind, Jose. :)
But you certainly know how to write a headline that grabs the reader, Kaleel :-)
No, I hear you. I think I was reacting to the idea that all travel writers do is travel and write about it. I wanted to point out that travel is not just about destinations! It's too big and complex and so many aspects of it need exposure to light and clarity
Cheers and thanks as always :)
K
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