Say it Like a Travel Writer

A travel writer has the skill to describe a sight in an interesting and often funny way. In other words, a travel writer can turn a sentence and get your attention. If you want to become a travel writer, learn from the best travel writers and study not only what they say but, more importantly, how they say it.

One of the best travel writers out there is PJ O'Rourke. Here are some quotes from various PJ O'Rourke travel books published by Picador (www.bugbog.com):

Cockfighting has always been my idea of a great sport - two armed entrées battling to see who'll be dinner.
O'Rourke, P.J. (1989), Holidays in Hell. London (Picador),

In Western Australia they don't even know how to make that vital piece of sailing-boat equipment, the gin and tonic. O'Rourke, P.J. (1989), Holidays in Hell. London (Picador).

The interesting thing about staring down a gun barrel is how small the hole is where the bullet comes out, yet what a big difference it would make in your social schedule. O'Rourke, P.J. (1989), Holidays in Hell. (Picador)

Traffic was like a bad dog. It wasn't important to look both ways when crossing the street; it was important to not show fear.
O'Rourke, P.J. (1994), All the trouble in the world. (Picador)

Asian music sounds as if a truck full of wind chimes collided with a stack of empty oil drums during a birdcall contest.
O'Rourke, P.J. (1994), All the trouble in the world. (Picador)

In Japan people drive on the left. In China people drive on the right. In Vietnam it doesn't matter.
O'Rourke, P.J. (1994), All the trouble in the world. (Picador)

Of course the humans in Haiti have hope. They hope to leave.
O'Rourke, P.J. (1994), All the trouble in the world. (Picador)