Travel Writing in the Internet Age

Over the last few decades, travel writing has gone through phases – from the ancient world up to date, the Internet age. “Travel Record Literature” or Travel Writing is a blend of narrative, prose, essay and diary. In the old ages, travel is only for those who can afford can do so as it was expensive, trips were few and far which most certainly not available for all. Now, with all the development of the transportations all over the world, travelling can be accessible and affordable, the majority of us are seeing the world in one way or another each and every year, and we are documenting our travels as well. Photo sharing, blogging, vlogging, documentation, articles; these are some of the ways that ordinary people and even any traveler can instantly share travel experiences with audiences at home. So, how important travel writers are to the readers who still value their expertise?

Agustinus Wibowo, an Indonesian travel writer, believes that travel writers are changing their ways in order to adapt to the way travelers—and their travels—have changed. According to him, “The world is constantly changing, the way we travel is changing and the travel writers are changing too. We look back at travel writing in the 19th century, and it’s more about the destinations and people’s experiences in undiscovered lands. Nowadays, nearly everyone can travel. There are so many budget airlines and it’s easier to get a passport. If a travel writer wants to insist on being the first person to visit a place, they won’t survive. Nowhere is untouched.” He stated. Travel writing is more of a connection to the readers rather than the information because readers can look for free information in the internet. Travel writers are sharing emotions from writers to readers and the point of connection is getting more and more important as travel writing is getting more and more personal. In travel writing, readers consider the experience or journey of a travel writer as their journey too. It is where they are influenced from travelling from places to another.

Don Georg, editor-at-large and books editor of National Geographic Traveler has something about travel writing as storytelling: “Storytelling is this incredibly ancient and abiding art. It’s one of the things that distinguish us as human beings. We like to share our stories. The travel writer connects with the world outside and then connects his experience with the readers’ lives and worlds. That’s what’s so hopeful and inspiring about travel writing for me. It brings the world closer together on a foundation of understanding, respect, community, and wonder. If we, as travel writers, can communicate that to our readers, we infuse the world with this sense of dignity and respect, appreciation and understanding. That makes the world a better place. For me, that’s the heart of what travel writing is all about. It’s incredibly important so it’s not going to go away.”