Ten top tips for travel writing

June 14, 2013 - PRLog -- Ten top tips for travel writing

Everyone seems to be at it, travel writing (http://www.silvertraveladvisor.com/workshop) that is!  Travel blogs, reviews and articles abound on the internet, and at Silver Travel Advisor (http://www.silvertraveladvisor.com) we have some marvellous pieces of writing which really tell you all you need to know about a destination that’s good for over 50s travel.  We’ve brought together some of our top tips, from successful travel writers.  

Read travel articles in papers, magazines or blogs and work out what really draws you into the writing.  Try to find 3 or 4 phrases that create a real ‘pull’ and why that is.  It could be the action, the descriptions or the humour.

Start your article in the middle, catapult the reader into an interesting moment and give it substance.  Then you can fill in the details of the beginning of your story.

 Most people are visually aware, so language that paints a picture is really compelling.  Try closing your eyes and remembering, then describe the image or mind-movie you have.  Colours are good as are shapes.

 Use unusual adjectives (never the word ‘nice’), however be aware that they need to be used naturally.  

Use the sense, and support the description of your picture or movie with noises, smells and feelings to give more depth.

Less is often more!  Be disciplined, excessive words that clutter or pad out a review or piece put readers off.

Use quotes sparingly but they can be a good way to change the pace of your writing, or say something in a different way.

Use HUMOUR but don’t try too hard. Some of the best travel writers have a style that makes you smile and laugh. Try to reflect your own personality in your writing.

Don’t use too many clichés – or if you like them, try to spread them out.

Practice makes perfect (with apologies for the cliché). Write and then write some more, many accomplished writers take years to be acknowledged as newcomers.

Silver Travel Advisor runs popular travel writing courses (http://www.silvertraveladvisor.com/workshop) at the Noble Caledonia offices in Central London with experienced travel writers Deborah Stone and Nick Dalton. The next courses will be held on Wednesday July 17th (limited places remaining) and Wednesday November 6th 2013.

More details on travel writing workshops can be found here (http://www.silvertraveladvisor.com/index.cfm?v=CULTURE_LI...).