I wanted to point out two satirical pieces I read this week centered in some way around the wonderful world of travel writing. The first is a short blog post over at Words without Borders: A good travel guide beats reality. The musings of Arnon Grunberg made me chuckle, especially as I look around my bedroom at the six or so guidebooks I currently have scattered about. It looks like I’m trying to cram in lots of juicy guidebook details before I head off on my trip. Maybe I am?! I plan to leave all but one book behind — which will make the cut? And what happens if none of what I read is true once I’m on the road?!?! Will all our greatest travel fantasies really come true if the guide book says they will? The second piece is a smart travel essay by Rolf Potts: The Art of Writing a Story About Walking Across Andorra is based on a true travel story but told with a strong satirical twist. Potts unleashes his perspective on the “…conventions and clichés of mainstream travel writing” in a creative and captivating essay. Two very unique pieces of writing that focus on different genres — I think both are worth a read if you enjoy any kind of travel writing.
One for the Road: Ski Snowboard Europe
I was reading Tripso’s 11 Perfect Gifts For Travelers and agreed with author Charles Leocha’s suggestion that niche guidebooks which focus on particular interests of travelers are indeed super gift ideas. Of course, Leocha used this gift idea list as an opportunity to recommend his own niche travel guides: Ski Snowboard Europe is a step-by-step guide to planning a winter adventure in the Alps in Austria, Italy, Switzerland or France as well as some resorts in Norway, Spain and Andorra. Leocha points out which resorts are best for families or singles and which are recommended for different skill-level skiers and snowboarders. The book also includes helpful details about the atmosphere of particular lodges and updated contact information to make booking your trip easy as a ski down the bunny slope. Leocha is a black-diamond skier who has also written Ski Snowboard America and Canada. The latest editions of both books were released in October 2005.