Travel writing

• English
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)
• Upper Secondary (Key Stage 4)
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)
• GCSE

Introduction

Creative writing lesson on travel writing. Features a variety of interactive elements - mind map/word cloud, open questions, drag and drop, plus quiz questions. This lesson features a lot of (good) AI generated content, including some 'celebrity' guest voices from AI Donald Trump, Taylor Swift and Mr. Beast!

Writing Reviews

Travel writing 

Creative Writing 

English Language and Literature

Welcome to this lesson on travel writing! I hope you and your learners find it useful!

Where have you been in the world? Write a place name and one or two words to describe the place.

Where have you been in the world? Write a place name and one or two words to describe the place and/or your feelings about it

Mind map - this may broaden out into a dsicussion of what counts as travel writing!

What are the typical genre features of travel writing?

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Genre features of travel writing

Students should draw on their existing knowledge of genre and terminology.

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• At the end of the lesson you will understand the key elements of travel writing
• Explore different styles
• Create your own travel narrative.

Lesson Aims

The aims here are simple as the lesson is designed as a springboard into creative writing. Modify as you need!

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Travel writing can take many forms.

Articles, journals, memoirs, books......

Some travel writing can be promotional - linked to a holiday destination for example.

What ever it is it should always be interesting!

Travel Writing

Simple information slide - you may have your own examples of bad travel writing you have read in the past to share!

Make the following travel writing more interesting by adding adjectives!

Make the following travel writing more interesting by adding adjectives!

The town of Hallstatt, Austria, is between mountain peaks and the waters of Lake Hallstatt. It was misty when I arrived. There were pine trees, and I watched the sun rise in the sky. 

Use the hotspot to expand the text!

Make the following travel writing more interesting by adding figurative devices like similes and meataphors

Make the following travel writing more interesting by adding similes and metaphors!

The town of Hallstatt, Austria, is between mountain peaks and the waters of Lake Hallstatt. It was misty when I arrived. There were pine trees, and I watched the sun rise in the sky. 

The hotspot does the same thing here. Plus it's also in the extra information box for students!

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Now compare your version to the original!

The travel writing coming up is copyright-free. 

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In the tiny, often overlooked town of Hallstatt, Austria, nestled between looming Alpine peaks and the shimmering waters of Lake Hallstatt, you’ll find a place where time seems to pause. I arrived in early morning mist, with the scent of damp pine filling the air, and watched as a pastel sunrise slowly unfurled across the sky, casting warm colours over rooftops and reflecting off the lake’s surface like a softly brushed watercolour.

Extract

ADJECTIVE

ADJECTIVE

ADJECTIVE

ADJECTIVE

SIMILE

METAPHOR

METAPHOR

ANALOGY

ADJECTIVE

ADJECTIVE

ADJECTIVE

ADJECTIVE

ADJECTIVE

Several ways to do this. Get students to read it on their own screens and drag the answers. Alternatively invite students to drag the labels on the smartboard. I did experiment with a drag and drop 

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In the tiny, often overlooked town of Hallstatt, Austria, nestled between looming Alpine peaks and the shimmering waters of Lake Hallstatt, you’ll find a place where time seems to pause. I arrived in early morning mist, with the scent of damp pine filling the air, and watched as a pastel sunrise slowly unfurled across the sky, casting warm colours over rooftops and reflecting off the lake’s surface like a softly brushed watercolour.

Extract

ADJECTIVE

ADJECTIVE

ADJECTIVE

ADJECTIVE

SIMILE

METAPHOR

METAPHOR

ANALOGY

ADJECTIVE

ADJECTIVE

ADJECTIVE

ADJECTIVE

ADJECTIVE

Answer page! You can still move the hotspots if you need to!

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So far we have seen that adjectives and figurative devices like similes and metaphors are important in travel writing. It is possible to overdo it though!

Another important quality is voice.

The one we looked at is a little bland in terms of voice......

Voice

This is a setup slide for the next activity.

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Voice

Let's have AI rewrite it in the style of someone with a distinct voice!

The voices of Trump, Swift and Mr. Beast here are all AI generated - I just had the celebrity voices read their opening sentences just to set the tone. The texts have been rewritten by AI in the celebrities' respective styles.

INSTRUCTIONS

What are the differences between voices in the three versions? Identify what makes them distinct as pieces of writing. Remember to write a letter T for Trump, An S for Swift, and a B for Beast before your point to make it easier for them to be dragged to the right box.

Even though they didn't really write the texts, for the purpses of this exercise we will assume they did!

What are the differences between the three voices?

Remember to follow the instructions other wise the contributions can be disorganised! Make sure the students put T:, S:, or B: before their contribution to make it easier for you to place the bubbles.

Another way of doing this is to have the class work in three groups, focusing on each version.

How does Northup appeal to emotions in his autobiographical writing? Write a PEEL sentence!

Rewrite the opening of the Halstatt piece but give it your own distinctive voice.

Students don't need to necessarily rewrite the whole text, just enough to stamp their own distinct voice on it. 

Depending on your group you may need to remind them about classroom appropriate language. This can actually lead to useful conversations about making language choices suit a target audience.

Your turn! Writing a Review

Write about an interesting place you've visited. You can use the wheels to help you if you are stuck for ideas. Make sure you give your piece a distinct voice and it must be based on somewhere you have really been! 

Your turn: Travel Writing

If you set to show this to student screens they can interact or if you prefer you can set the spinner tasks for the class even though this may take too much time with a large group.

Exchange your work with the person next to you. Find what you think is the best bit and highlight it. Write why you think it is good.

Peer Review and Feedback

Encouraging peer review and feedback. Reflecting on creative writing is always a good idea!

You could ask them to find something that needs improving but this would depend on the group.

Write or take a picture of your best bit of your travel writing and why it is effective

Submit the best bit of your travel writing and say why it is effective.

This is intended to be flexible to your learning environment or student preference.

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How might Promotional travel writing be different to the travel writing we've seen and written so far? Enter your ideas on the next slide.

Promotional Travel Writing

Just a simple exposition slide setting up the next task.

What are the typical genre features of promotional travel writing?

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Genre features of promotional travel writing

A mind map to get thoughts on the board. The next slide is an example based on the Halstatt piece, but some groups may prefer to see that slide before doing this. I leave it to your judgement!

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Discover the Timeless Beauty of Hallstatt, Austria

Step into the enchanting village of Hallstatt, Austria, a destination that promises unforgettable moments in a setting of natural wonder and rich heritage. Nestled between the majestic peaks of the Alps and the serene waters of Lake Hallstatt, this picturesque town is a dream come to life.

Arrive in Hallstatt to the gentle morning mist and the refreshing scent of pine trees, with the tranquil atmosphere setting the stage for a perfect escape. As the sun rises, it brings the town to life, casting warm hues over the lake and historic rooftops, creating reflections that paint the landscape like a living masterpiece.

Wander through Hallstatt’s charming cobblestone streets and discover a town steeped in centuries-old traditions and inviting sights at every corner. Visit the town’s unique Bone House, explore the ancient salt mines, or take a boat ride on Lake Hallstatt for panoramic views that will take your breath away.

Extract

AI turned the original into a promotional piece of travel writing.

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AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL TRAVEL WRITING

PROMOTIONAL TRAVEL WRITING

Persuades readers tp visit with inviting or enthusiastic tone

Focus on personal experiences and reflections

Professional voice with broad appeal

Voice reflects writer's personality and views

Highlights best features and experiences

Personal stories, sometimes imperfect

Descriptive language designed to bring readers in

Detailed descriptive language based on writer's experience

A clear, organised structure which can be skim read

Follows a narrative structure

A nice drag and drop activity to organise thoughts from the last two slides.

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Autobiographical vs Promotional Travel writing

The main goal is to attract readers to visit a destination. It often emphasises the destination’s appeal, using persuasive language and highlighting unique experiences to encourage travelers to book a trip.

PROMOTIONAL

AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL

This focuses more on the writer’s personal journey and reflections. It’s generally more introspective, exploring the writer’s own experiences, emotions, and reactions to a place, without necessarily aiming to promote it.

The voice is professional, enthusiastic, and inviting, presenting the destination as a universal experience accessible and enjoyable for all.

The writer’s personality, quirks, and unique perspective shine through. The tone can be reflective, humorous, critical, or poetic, depending on the writer’s style, providing a personal connection to the place rather than a broad appeal.

Focuses on the best aspects—landmarks, unique features, scenic beauty, dining, and accommodations. The content is generally upbeat and positive, emphasising the idealised experience without too many personal specifics.

Includes personal anecdotes, unique encounters, and sometimes imperfect experiences. The writer might explore unexpected events, cultural insights, or challenges, providing a more nuanced, sometimes raw portrayal of a place.

Uses vivid, appealing descriptions designed to evoke excitement and paint a picturesque image. Descriptions are carefully chosen to entice readers, with a balance of detail that keeps it broadly appealing.

Descriptions are often more detailed and subjective. Writers may use metaphor, humour, or unique observations to convey their personal experience. The language can be more varied, focusing on what stands out personally rather than what appeals universally.

Usually organised to highlight key aspects (e.g., location, activities, dining) in a clear, accessible way. It’s concise and easy to skim, structured for quick consumption.

The structure may be more fluid or narrative-based, reflecting the journey as it unfolded for the writer. There’s more room for digression, personal stories, and observations that build a fuller picture of the writer’s experience.

PURPOSE AND TONE

PERSPECTIVE AND VOICE

CONTENT AND DETAIL

STRUCTURE AND ORGANISATION

DESCRIPTIVE LANGUAGE

Here's a more detailed slide going over the differences. Set it to appear on student devices if you like so they can explore at their own pace. There is a quiz after this slide!

What is a characteristic of the structure in autobiographical travel writing?

What is a characteristic of the structure in autobiographical travel writing?

1. Organised to highlight key aspects.
2. Clear and easy to skim.
3. Follows a narrative or journey-based structure.
4. Concise for quick consumption.

Quiz slide!

How is descriptive language used in promotional writing?

How is descriptive language used in promotional writing?

1. Vivid and appealing to draw readers in.
2. Uses humour and metaphor extensively.
3. Detailed and subjective to reflect experience.
4. Focuses on writer's personal observations.

Quiz slide!

What type of content does promotional travel writing emphasise?

What type of content does promotional travel writing emphasise?

1. Unexpected cultural challenges and insights.
2. Best features and ideal experiences.
3. Subjective descriptions of writer's feelings.
4. Detailed personal anecdotes and reflections.

Quiz slide!

How does autobiographical travel writing differ in tone?

How does autobiographical travel writing differ in tone?

1. Uses professional and inviting language.
2. Highlights best features of a destination.
3. Focuses on concise and clear organisation.
4. Reflects the writer’s unique perspective.

Quiz slide!

What is the main goal of promotional travel writing?

What is the main goal of promotional travel writing?

1. Explore cultural insights and challenges.
2. Attract readers to visit a destination.
3. Focus on writer's personal experiences.
4. Provide a narrative-based structure.

Quiz slide!

What do you think are the most important features of travel writing?

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Key features of travel writing

A mind map to gather up all the ideas from the lesson.

What new thing did you learn today?

What new thing did you learn about travel writing today?

Low stakes opportunity for learners to find out anything they're unsure of. 

Ask about something you want to know more about

Ask one question about something you want to know more about

Low stakes opportunity for learners to find out anything they're unsure of.