Travel Writing by Marilee Kostadimas
Once upon an autumn day, a tantalizing book beckoned from the shelf of a San Francisco bookstore. Its invitation launched a decades-long journey for a girl who loved travel, writing, and telling stories.
On an otherwise ordinary Wednesday, Travel Writing: A Guide by L. Peat O’Neil opened the path to my dreams.
"We are the filter through which experience passes on a path to the reader.” (O’Neil, pg. 73)
Since that September afternoon, the bookstore closed years ago. The path has changed direction several times. Yet travel writing remains both the book on my shelf and the journey of my life.
I'm Marilee Kostadimas, the voice and writer of Spotlight Sojourns. I've been requested to share my perspective of travel writing and storytelling today.
In truth, this request presents a conundrum.
On one hand, it's easy to wax rhapsodic when I'm writing, for example:
- A slow travel story for our weekly newsletter
- A destination article, a cultural travel guide, or a coffee guide
- The introduction to Paul's photography portfolio
- How we define what is slow travel and why slow travel matters
- Our travel story and why we're known as the Hidden Gemologists
- Why your travel story deserves your own voice in your own words
- A podcast conversation or a motivational speech for a speaking engagement
Each assignment requires a different structure, story line, style, pace, and point of view. It's a welcome challenge.
But on the other hand, it's less easy to write about myself, under my byline. In fact, it's downright awkward.
Hmm, I pondered, should I use first-person or third-person singular? Ah, I wondered, could I simply share some kudos for storytelling?
“Marilee’s soulful eloquence will touch you to the core."
Dr. Alexandra Stockwell, MD, Host, the Intimate Marriage Podcast
“Inspirational and knowledgeable … able to captivate a multi-generational audience.”
Dean, School of Applied Arts and Sciences, San Jose State University
“A masterful storyteller who has an innate ability to draw readers in.”
Sarah Yekinni, Attorney and Social Media Strategist
Travel writing perspective
My perspective of travel writing and storytelling begins with three fundamentals which are increasingly relevant now, more than ever before this automated age:
- Old-fashioned principles
- Traditional skills
- Modern craftsmanship
Old-fashioned principles, coupled with traditional skills and modern craftsmanship, frame my view of travel writing and storytelling today.
Old-fashioned principles
To clarify my perspective, old-fashioned principles entail more than wielding pen and ink to fill notepads and stationery.
(although yes, I still keep a little notebook handy. I do still send hand-written cards and letters)
Instead, old-fashioned principles of travel writing take the approach of travel journalism, such as:
- Proper researching
- Checking and double-checking facts
- Sourcing and verifying sources
- Citing sources, primary sources whenever possible
- Interviewing experts and locals
Furthermore, while desk research is essential, old-fashioned principles call for taking the trip.
Traditional skills
Traditional skills remain invaluable in the craft of travel writing and storytelling today.
The travel writer possesses solid knowledge, a well-trained fluency in the rules of grammar, structure, and technique.
At the same time, the travel writer develops supple flexibility, a well-honed instinct when to follow or ignore the rules.
Then, the travel writer deploys both knowledge and dexterity in considerations how best to create and shape the material.
My own considerations include the following questions I ask myself throughout the creative process:
- Why am I writing this, for the purpose of inspiration or education?
- Who are the readers or audience, will they engage through formality or approachability?
- Where will they read or receive the work, i.e., a blog, social media, print, or onstage?
- What are the key takeaways or call to action?
- How does this create authentic human connections to the destination, the culture, the experience, and the local community?
Modern craftsmanship
The craft of travel writing and storytelling means more to me than straightforward facts and stats, catchy captions and trends.
In my perspective, the best travel writers and travel journalists today blend professional expertise and personal expression in their storytelling.
Lastly, the craft of travel writing and storytelling is an ongoing quest for originality and creativity, an enduring commitment to quality.
Yes, from time to time, even the most masterful artisans will make mistakes.
Occasionally, the keen eye sees a slight flaw, an uncommon quirk, little imperfections.
Yet in my perspective, these surely reveal the hand-crafted work, the real human touch of a real person in the real world.
Travel writing inspiration
I'll close with a favorite travel quote from another treasured book on my shelf.
The author, Gertrude Margaret Lowthian Bell, CBE (1868 to 1926), is one of my inspirations.
Bell blazed trails and made history as a female archaeologist, bold adventurer, antiquities curator, and museum director.
Not surprisingly, the "Queen of the Desert" was also a world traveler and prolific travel writer.
Bell opens her 1907 book, The Desert and the Sown, with these indelible words:
"Behold! the immeasurable world. The world of adventure and enterprise, dark with hurrying storms, glittering in raw sunlight, an unanswered question and an unanswerable doubt hidden in the fold of every hill.” (Bell, pg. 1)
Although the world is now literally measured today, slow travel still inspires that sense of allure, anticipation, and yes, exhilaration within us.
Likewise, the craft of travel writing and storytelling beholds the world and brings us on the journey.
Onward into the adventure and enterprise, the storms and sunlight ahead.
Onward, friend, into the immeasurable world.
Ready? Let's go!
Sources and Resources
Bell, Gertrude Lowthian. Syria: The Desert and the Sown. New York: E.P. Dutton and Company, 1907.
O'Neil, L. Peat. Travel Writing: A Guide to Research, Writing, and Selling. Writer's Digest Books, 1996.
Special Note: Speaking of travel writing and storytelling, we’ve created an exclusive free resource for you. Our step-by-step storytelling guide helps you easily tell your travel story.
Marilee Kostadimas, CMP Fellow, DMCP
Marilee Kostadimas is an award-winning travel expert and writer. Her mission: To inspire, educate, motivate, and connect. Her style: Elegant and engaging original writing with old-fashioned principles and modern craft. She's the Creative Director of Spotlight Sojourns®, slow travel stories and hidden gems with the Hidden Gemologists®.