When you tell people you're a travel writer, most people look at you with a bit of envy in their eyes. But the newest reality show to hit the Travel Channel hopes to dispel (or perhaps perpetuate) the myths of living the high life on a magazine's dime. Just ask Andrew Evans, a regular contributor to National Geographic Traveler and Intelligent Travel and one of the five scribes featured in "Confessions of a Travel Writer," premiering tonight at 9 p.m. EST. He and his cohorts traveled to Chile several months ago (see his blog posts here) while Andrew reported a story for the magazine on Valparaíso (tentatively scheduled to hit newsstands in our November/December issue). We asked him to offer a glimpse of what's in store."Travel writing is a dream job, but it's still a job," he writes. "I think the show employs a kind of nail-biting, Saving Private Ryan kind of realism in order to shock and awe the viewing public into how challenging travel writing can be--trials like antique-furnished boutique hotels, gourmet 12-course taster menus, and remembering NEVER to look into the camera . . you know, all the travel writing essentials. In a bizarre coincidence of fate and foreshadowing, this pilot takes the form of a timely John Hughes tribute as it is basically five travel writers re-enacting the Breakfast Club in South America."
Watch tonight to find out whether Andrew is the brain, basket case, athlete, princess, or criminal... and if you're a fan of Andrew's work, help him get to Antarctica by voting for him in the Quark Expeditions blogger challenge!
[Confessions of a Travel Writer]
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I have been an avid traveler all of my life – on top of which my job takes me all over the world. I relish in finding new things in countries I’ve never been to and more so in countries that I know like the back of my hand. The concept of this show is interesting, but the host, Charles Runnette, is bar none, the worst possible choice for this show — and also entirely wrong for his chosen profession. His entire demeanor is grating and annoying, and on top of all that, he demonstrates such a lack of commitment to do the real research that is required by his chosen profession.
I’m Chilean by birth and know Chile very well. I found that he consistently threw out unsubstantiated and/or offensive information on your show’s first episode, that after about 30 minutes, I just had to turn off the TV.
A travel writer should inform his audience about how travel can be an enriching experience. Listening to his whines would only encourage a person to burn one’s passport and cash in mileage points, not for airline tickets, but for a new toaster oven. What kind of a travel writer is that? One that hopefully re-thinks his career choice quickly — for viewers like me who enjoy traveling and for the sake of the Travel Channel’s commercial sponsors.
PS: What exactly IS wrong with a traveler knowing (or at least attempting) the language of the country he/she is traveling in…? Did Charles Runnette really have to make fun of Andrew Evans, the National Geographic writer that actually spoke Spanish…? Maybe Runnette should stick to writing about day trips in and around the NYC tri-state area – that way at least, he won’t be confronted with things he’s not used to….
I'm so glad I opted to watch the debut of Anthony Bourdain's 2009 season ... it's on Chile. I have no idea who this Chuck Runnette is, but from your description, I would most likely switch to reading a good book. Bourdain rocks -- he captures the essence of the people and the food in his own unique way. And he's a damn good writer. One of the best out there. He's a New York guy but global to the core. Forget Chuck, watch Tony!
Watched the show...good concept, host is a putz.
Listening to a constantly complaining and whining grown man is not my idea of entertainment. I won't watch again.
I'm hoping "Confessions of a Travel Writer" makes it to the Internets. I cancelled cable a few months ago with no regrets save missing the Travel Channel.
I only caught the last 30 min. of the show, but I'm glad I didn't see the whole thing. I'm not sure why they chose Charles Runnette to host this. He doesn't do much but complain about his surroundings, the people with him and the job he's trying to do. Frankly, he's annoying. I was relieved when the camera would occasionally pan to one of the other writers because they had more interesting things to say. I find it hard to believe, with everything that Runnette found to complain about, that he honestly enjoys his job. All in all, Runnette ruins it and I won't be tuning back in.
Some reality about travel destinations is really great and I think Confession's of a Travel Writer was interesting and kept a connection to the title of the show. I, for one, want to know if there are mosquitoes or other problems, so when travelling to specific places, am prepared and therefore, have a better trip.
Would very much appreciate the names and specific info on places where they stayed and ate.
Shira Lazur was absurdly annoying! What kind of travel writer does gives more importance to be in photos herself (very clichéd and touristy) than the place itself? Oh, wait she has a blog.... who cares about Chile? Blog is all about me!!
I did like Andrew Evans, and I agree penguins are adorable and cuddly - he should have been the host, or at least got more air time. I loved his NG penguin post. And for Charles, the penguin and foreign language hater, penguins are the only reason I would ever go to Patagonia... So my advice to Charles, the host, is if you don't like something, how 'bout you don't write about it? At the very least keep your mouth shut on national television! Didn't your mother teach you any manners?
I totally agree with Penguinz Rule; Andrew Evans did wonderfully and truly showed the passion and happiness for their job that a travel writer (or any profession, for that matter!) should represent!
I think they should (appropriately speaking) at least know few words in the local language the place they are visiting; how do you expect to write and get IN in a culture that you can't even say hello to their locals? Specially Spanish, being talked all over this continent. Being a traveler and a student, I put a lot of effort in understanding and trying to be understood in a new place. I also think Penguins are adorable and interesting creatures, worth one's attention!
To Penélope, I know, who is this girl that thinks she can do a story about a place and culture when she's with the camera on her face the whole time?
I would have liked also to see more of the work of Chantal Martineau. (Oh, I remembered is wrong to be interested in food and stop to study it! :D)
Nice post. Travelling is fun and to make it more glamorous, you need to write your whole experience. To master the art of writing, you need to read lots of novels and biographies.You need to write all the details of your experience. Start with an interesting sentence which will create further interest amongst your readers. Think of some creative words and never make grammer mistakes. You can mention a couple of jokes to entertain the readers. For more details refer Travel Experiences
I missed the program but I will be sure to look out for it on Sky. As you say every job has its pros and cons and traveling for a living would be different. You have to admit it is dream job, getting to travel and see the world. The biggest drawback though would have to being away from your family for long periods of time and I would imagine some people don't find love as easy as people in normal jobs. Before I give any more of my opinion I will have to watch the program first.
Gav @ RJ bristol hotels.