To say I was overwhelmed with emotions and pictures when I got home from Scotland is like saying Nutella Donuts taste good. Read: Biggest understatement of the century. So, here I am, almost a year and a half later, and I've finally gotten around to organizing and compiling my Edinburgh photos.
As I did this, I kept thinking: What makes a travelogue good? It's more than pretty photos and informative captions (although those are always important), but they also have a personal touch of the writer's voice and perspective. It's the reason why Samantha Brown and Rick Steves are so popular; they take you on a personal journey to where they've been, not just an informational one.
I know my travelogues could be better (read the post about my run-in with the Loch Ness Monster and you'll see what I mean), and as I started posting about Scotland, I realized it's hard to have a balance between personal and informative. How much do you guys want to know about a place and when does it become boring?
I personally don't need a lot of words to help me feel transported to a different place and I'm okay with a ton of beautiful photos to stare at on my computer screen. Unless I'm planning a trip there. Then I want hotel recommendations, restaurant names, and all the hidden gems the locals refuse to tell you about. Otherwise, showing me photos of those fabulous places without helping me get there is just cruel. Cruel, I tell you!
So starting tomorrow I'll be posting the rest of my photos from Scotland and London. The pictures are up and ready, but the text... well I need help with the text.
What do you look for in a travelogue?
More pictures than words? Witty captions? Outfit posts?
13 comments:
I always enjoy posts that are a balance of personal stuff and tips - I'm always curious as to where to stay, what to do and where to eat so I like when people post a few details but a post can easily become more like an encyclopedia if they don't add in their personal experiences!
Looking forward to your posts!
Tiffany! Holy smokes! These are spectacular!!!! So when will you starting being in more of the photos??? ;) I am excited to see how your travelogue comes together. You have such a way with words, I am sure it is going to be fantastic!
@Lisa- Thank you! Hopefully some will be up tomorrow if I can find the words to adequately express them. So overwhelmed! Thanks for your vote of confidence!
First of all I have to say that I love your posts. But you have certainly pointed out a great subject (LOVE blogging about my trips!) As you well said, it has to be a combo of those 3 elements: pics, insightful info and a personal story (you are blogging after all!) Look forward to seeing more of your European trip!
I prefer more pictures. Obviously if there needs to be an explanation then give it but otherwise I like having lots of visual.
Fab photos and "where to go" suggestions...That's what I look for!
I do look for the personal experience, and actually the recommendations I find handy too.
Look forward to seeing more photos from Scotland!
Better late than never! I love good photos and a few short personal and interesting stories.
i just love seeing pictures! like you, i can easily be transported just by looking at the pictures - can't wait to see them, friend!
i like pictures-with a personal story or adventure of something that happened-and a few lines-with some photos (not overloaded). Looking forward to seeing your post!
Ah beautiful pics, you did us proud!
I just visited Scotland last year too. If you have time, I recommend the Stirling castle as well. It is less 'commercial' and more beautiful in my opiion
posting the pics a year and a half later! lol!!! you make me laugh. and i love seeing your photos! it is nice getting a preview of a destination we know, or don't know, and seeing it through another person's eyes and camera. i am not sure if i will ever make it to scotland, but after hearing and seeing you rave about it i sure hope i will!!!
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