Top 6 Destinations for Travel Writers

Whether you’re battling with one too many mosquito bites or sampling food you can’t even read on the menu, travel has the power to make you want to pick up a pen and write. From tastes and smells you might not ever experience again in your life to breath-taking scenery and moments of self-discovery, heading to faraway lands can unleash your creativity.

Over the past 5 years I’ve been to several places that have fuelled my diary writing, blogging and zest for getting all kinds of awesomeness down on paper in a memorable way. I’m currently mapping out my official travel blog. But in the meantime, I wanted to share 6 destinations that totally did it for me. And might do it for you too if you’re looking to write as you explore. Here goes…

#1 Cyprus

Cyprus! A tiny island with endless inspiration for those who not only want to write a story but live one too. With a multitude of writing spots, you can whip out your notebook on the beach or head to the picturesque mountains for head-space and some serious brainstorming. Dive to the bottom of the ocean during a much-needed break, head to the sea caves for some setting inspiration, or people watch in Limassol to help craft the character traits of your next protagonist. 

Love reading and want to learn more about this fascinating country before you come? Then here are some top reads to check out:

• The Cypriot – Andreas Koumi – a love story set against the backdrop of the Cyprus conflict.
• Journey into Cyprus – Colin Thubron – a travelogue detailing Thubron’s 1000-kilometre trek on foot around the island, 2 years before the war that divided the country to this day.
• Ledra Street – Nora Nadjarian – this is a collection of short stories by a Limassol/Armenian exploring love, adultery, the diaspora experience, racism and family crises.

#2 London

Oh, how I adore London. It’s where my writing career began, with reviewing West End shows being a real highlight of my life to date. While Hyde Park – or any of the Royal Parks in fact – are a hot-spot for the artistic type (including writers), you could also head to quirkier parts of the city including Covent Garden or Camden Market for experiences that could become best-sellers. 

Top books set in London to get you in the mood for the Big Smoke include:

• Mrs Dalloway – Virginia Woolfe – take a sneak peek into the life of upper-class London housewife Clarissa Dalloway as she prepares to host a dinner party.
• Swing Time – Zadie Smith – long-listed for the Man Booker Prize, this is a charismatic tale of modern Britain set against the lively backdrop of music and dance.
• Oliver Twist – Charles Dickens – a trip to London really wouldn’t be a trip to London unless you’ve read some Dickens now, would it? Oliver Twist is an all-time classic giving a glimpse into London’s somewhat ‘colourful’ past.

3. Thailand

There’s a reason so many books are set in Thailand, notably The Beach by Alex Garland, Pure by Timothy Mo and Selected Short Stories of Thailand by William Peskett. From the traditional Buddhist mode of thought to the demands of modern tourism, this is a place full of contrast, intrigue, hustle and exquisite beauty. Want an island retreat to pen your latest script? Thailand will deliver. Need to visualise a busy marketplace with all its chaotic glory before your next chapter? Thailand won't disappoint.

Top tip: If you’re backpacking, keep a pencil and a small notepad in your day bag along with your essentials. You never know what might crop up that you want to remember.

#4 Singapore

Singapore is a bustling, multicultural hub that’s sure to delight as soon as you step off the plane. With the main ethnic groups of the country introducing their own culture and cuisine, there’s plenty for writers to jot down along the way. From the mouth-watering delights of the hawker markets where ‘carrot cake’ is not what it may seem if you’re from the West, to China Town with its plethora of striking colours and eateries, there’s fascination around every corner.

5. Egypt

As the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, the Great Pyramid of Giza is an obvious tourist attraction and one that gets the brain ticking. If you’re a history buff, have watched The Mummy or simply fancy an adventure, Egypt is an absolute tried and tested cure for writer’s block. While artefacts from The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities including the ‘Royal Mummies Hall’ are sure to ignite your imagination and get those brain cogs turning, Cairo’s Khan el-Khalili marketplace will undoubtedly set your senses on fire as you wind down the old narrow streets.

Top tip: There’s loads to take in. Let your creativity flow into a notepad. You can always rearrange your thoughts at a later date. Another tip is to sketch what you see or take snaps that you can later bring to life with words.

6. Dubai

Dubai is a visual spectacle. Designed to impress from every angle, record-breaking buildings such as the Burj Khalifa are sure to fill you with awe. Take some time to think about the drive of humans to create such magnificent and powerful structures and the architectural talent this requires. Love or hate the razzle-dazzle, such achievements can encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and push a little harder to achieve bigger and better things.

The French Toast in the Dubai Mall is pretty fantastic too. So, if you want to process all those overwhelming, complex thoughts of the trip, head to The Cheesecake Factory and let everything out over a calorific brunch.

Travel has undoubtedly opened my mind and encouraged me to apply more creativity to my writing, backed by real-life experiences.

There are so many places I still want to go. Where would you recommend?