In Case You Missed It — 2022

TOP NINE Stories by Travel Writers That I Really Admire

Sometimes, you just have to stop and say… “You’re awesome!”

I chose nine travel authors who’s perspective I admire — along with their ability to spin that into prose!

In my series of TOP NINE lists that I’ve been scrambling to publish before the year runs out, this one may have been the trickiest — largely because I decided at the onset that each of my lists would feature only nine authors, or in the case of my own stuff, nine stories.

When it comes to travel writing, there are so many great writers who have been to the most amazing places and have the most amazing stories to tell. So I took a slightly different tack, choosing nine authors whose perspective I admire — along with their ability to spin that into prose — while giving extra kudos to those who’ve taken the time to engage via responses and comments. I so appreciate those who take the time to do that, and even more so when that relationship evolves to the occasional poking of fun. (Happy New Year Adrienne!)

I came to know most of these writers through Globetrotters, which is where I found my footing on MEDIUM as well. That pub has very much become my home base on this platform, so that may have biased my decision to feature stories by their editorial team below.

Jillian Amatt and her husband travel the world painting murals in exchange for a place to stay. She writes a lot about those experiences, and in particular, how their style of travel requires them to interact with the locals in the most meaningful ways. Despite a disappointing Starbucks visit — Starbucks ruined Christmas! — this recent piece will give you a sense of her unique writing flavor.

Not only is JoAnn Ryan the founder and chief editor of Globetrotters, but her writing about Trinidad and Tobago also has a flare for history and sociology as well. I love that. This piece really captures that vibe. I’ve been to Trinidad (and Tobago) several times and was certainly aware of the Colonialism period, but I wish I had read this before my last visit there.

I frequently give shout-outs to Adrienne Beaumont, not only for her love of hot springs and spas but also for her witty and upbeat travel reporting that always makes me smile. Turns out she just made an impulse buy on a plane ticket to the UK. Having just returned, I might recommend you bring a raincoat and galoshes — but you probably already know that! Safe travels, Adrienne!

Here’s a new angle by Anne Bonfert. Actually, the angle if familiar, but rarely documented as well as Anne made a story of watching the sunset just off the wing of her flight arriving in Namibia. Anne writes a lot about Africa as well as Eastern Europe and I rarely finish reading one of her articles without experiencing pangs of wanderlust!

I read stuff on a lot of different topics by Linda Ng, and she frequently comments on my stories as well — even the crazy naturist ones! It’s never occurred to me to seek out a coffee shop in Malaysia, but after seeing her pics — which are always imaginative and unique — I need to go shopping for airfare for the next cup of Jo! Such is the timbre of this wonderful and eclectic writer.

OK, Jeny Austria. My only question is — “You go to these parties with all those naked people, but you keep your clothes on?” 😜 This piece, in particular, is really intriguing, and validating in so many ways — especially to those of us who do practice naturism. But… Jeny has an introspective writing style that I find alluring, regardless of the destination. You should follow her.

I’ve been meaning to feature Scott-Ryan Abt in several of my previous redux stories, but somehow that’s slipped through the cracks. I think that’s partially due to the fact that he writes about travel and a lot of other things as well. All of it is engaging, but he has an adventurous streak in his travel writing that I find at least a little intoxicating.

I recognize Vanessa Brown’s name largely from comments on various posts, but her travel experiences are varied and unique, as exemplified by this one where she traveled for half a year as a digital nomad. That lifestyle has always fascinated me, though I don’t think I’d ever do it myself. Wonderful trips for the winding road here.

And finally, my recently rekindled affection for train travel has led me to dig around on MEDIUM for people who’ve documented their experiences on Amtrak. Sharon Johnson has published several great reads about train travel in the United States — part inspirational; part practical. All good for us train dreamer types.

So, there’s my list for today. I could create three more, but if I don’t hit “publish” soon, it’ll be 2023.

Thanks for the inspiration and affirmation, traveling friends. Here’s to much more of that in the coming year!

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