Travel Writing - The Way to Go

Posted by Cathy Smith Apr 20, 2007

Get Lost in Wonderland

Imagine you are in a fabulous place that should be wonderful to write about. yet everything you see looks familiar. Yes, it probably has been done to death and what can you possibly say that is new or different? What I try do is take a walk on my own and allow myself to get lost. I put the map in my bag and just wander down any street that takes my fancy. Notebook at hand, camera to the ready, and not looking for anything in particular.

It's surprising how many interesting things you come across when you are not chatting to someone else or being led around a prescribed tourist trail. For instance, you might come across a statue in a quiet square. He or she could be someone with special connections to the area you are in. And if you do a bit of research on their lives there may be an interesting story which could be the hook for your article. You can always weave in the popular sites here and there, and it’s possible that they too may have connections with this person.

In Venice I walked the canals of the Ghetto area of Cannaregio, somewhat off the main tourist track, and came across Tintoretto’s house where he lived in the 16th century. It was decorated with a rather worn-down but elegant carved statue of the painter. A good 'talking point' to introduce an article about the Ghetto? This approach is especially helpful when writing about historic places which have been explored upside down and sideways. What on earth can you say that is different? It’s all in the approach. Wander with eyes and mind open and you will get the stories that others miss.

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