The hottest Travel Writing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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The Ego Trip

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 846 implied HN points • 26 Feb 26
🏝 Travel Travel Writing
  1. Walking toward a clear, physical goal can be deeply restorative — the routine and measurable progress distracts from anxiety and gives small daily victories, but it doesn’t automatically produce a new inner perspective.
  2. Pilgrimage exposes ego and social dynamics: people compare routes, credentials, and online applause, and those external markers can feel as important as any real insight.
  3. Vulnerability is hard but necessary: humor and defensiveness can protect you from pain while also blocking deeper change, and honest encounters with others can reveal different ways to find purpose or certainty.

Point Dume

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 466 implied HN points • 05 Feb 26
📚 Literature Travel Writing
  1. People make pilgrimages to writers' places to feel close to the myths and imaginative moments those authors created, even when nothing real happened there.
  2. Powerful, transgressive writing can spark an almost intoxicating urge to write and can pass a guiding light of inspiration from reader to reader across time.
  3. Literary yearning often sits uneasily beside practical realities—family worries, social inequality, and everyday life—but that tension shows why both stories and real-world concerns matter.

New York City part four

Tao Lin • 839 implied HN points • 04 Jun 24
🏝 Travel Travel Writing
  1. The author enjoyed giving a lecture while in New York City and was surprised by the large turnout. It felt good to share ideas and connect with others who were interested.
  2. While reflecting on their trip, the author mentioned their emotional experiences, including crying during movies, which they attributed to a lack of cannabis at home and the effects of their journey.
  3. The author appreciated the conversations with friends and family while also documenting their feelings about art and society, highlighting the importance of genuine connections.

New York City part five

Tao Lin • 779 implied HN points • 06 Jun 24
🏝 Travel Travel Writing
  1. It's okay to choose comfort over appearance sometimes, as it can lead to a more enjoyable experience. Being comfortable helped relax during the NYC trip.
  2. Less phone use during social situations was noticeable and appreciated, showing how people can enjoy the moment without distractions. It's nice when people are focused on conversations rather than taking pictures.
  3. Thoughts about big changes in the world, like the magnetic pole shift, can be overwhelming but also interesting. It's important to reflect on our existence during such significant events.

In search of America

Austin Kleon • 2437 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
📚 Literature Travel Writing
  1. Steinbeck felt out of touch with America after living abroad and wanted to reconnect by traveling. He had a strong urge to explore and escape the feelings of aging.
  2. He named his camper truck 'Rocinante' after the horse of Don Quixote, highlighting his adventurous spirit. The unique name also sparked curiosity during his travels.
  3. The book captures the essence of wanderlust and the desire to discover one's own country, reflecting on how age doesn’t diminish the yearning for adventure.
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Oh No! Again

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 2006 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🏝 Travel Travel Writing
  1. Taking a break can be important, especially when life gets overwhelming. It's okay to step back and focus on personal matters and health.
  2. Traveling continuously for a long time can make it feel like an obligation instead of a joy. It's normal to experience burnout even in jobs you love.
  3. It's good to find a balance between work and personal life. Taking time off can help recharge and bring back enthusiasm.

KG: Fending off Selena Gomez in Bishkek

Castalia • 459 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Travel Writing
  1. Kyrgyzstan is a place that can feel both lonely and welcoming at the same time. The author experienced both isolation and a sense of community during their visits.
  2. Bishkek has changed over the years, becoming safer and more modern. The author's past experiences of danger have shifted to more everyday issues like taxi rides and music choices.
  3. Life in Kyrgyzstan is quite affordable and functional. People seem to get by, and while it may not have rich resources, there’s a sense of contentment in the everyday life.

Big Dumb Adventure Housekeeping Updates

Splattern • 79 implied HN points • 02 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Travel Writing
  1. The blog rebranding from Splattern to Big Dumb Adventure is complete, making it easier to share new adventures. It's an exciting fresh start!
  2. A fundraiser for building a children's cancer hospital in sub-Saharan Africa has launched, highlighting a meaningful cause to support.
  3. It's important not to stress too much about life decisions. Things will fall into place when the time is right, so focus on enjoying the journey.

'Against The Machine': the countdown

The Abbey of Misrule • 169 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
📚 Literature Travel Writing
  1. A new book called 'Against The Machine' is set to be published on September 23rd, and there are special pre-order discounts available at Waterstones.
  2. There will be a US book tour and new podcast series called 'The Machine Sessions' starting in August, which will explore themes from the book.
  3. Aside from book promotions, readers can look forward to travel stories, essays, and discussions on other interesting topics.

Walking Vientiane (Laos)

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 595 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🏝 Travel Travel Writing
  1. Vientiane has a super hot sun that makes everything feel sticky and slow. People tend to stay in the shade during the hottest parts of the day.
  2. The city is small and spread out, making it less crowded during the day, but it comes alive again in the evening when the temperatures drop.
  3. While Vientiane can feel busy and bustling at times, it often shows signs of poverty and squalor, especially when the sun is shining.

Convalescence

As Ever • 7 implied HN points • 16 Jan 26
📚 Literature Travel Writing
  1. What looks like constant motion can actually be a kind of stillness; standing still lets the world move around you and bring experiences to you.
  2. People crave a single fixed point or certainty to build life on, but that search can feel futile and make you waste what life offers.
  3. Travel and movement teach and satisfy, but real pleasure and understanding often come from learning to hold still and notice the paths that repeat.

Paid content: All cities are the same

Wood From Eden • 240 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🏝 Travel Travel Writing
  1. Cities often feel very similar to one another. It can be hard to tell them apart when visiting new places.
  2. Traveling can give a sense of familiarity, even in different locations. Many experiences repeat, making them feel comfortable.
  3. Understanding this can change how we view travel. Instead of seeking newness, we might focus on the connections we share, wherever we go.

I Took The World's Longest Nonstop Flight

Terra Nullius, by Ned Donovan • 196 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🏝 Travel Travel Writing
  1. Taking a long nonstop flight can feel strange and disorienting, even in luxury. It's easy to lose track of time and reality when you're trapped in a metal tube for hours.
  2. Even with great service and comfort, spending 19 hours in the air can lead to a mental struggle with boredom and existential thoughts. It's not just about flying; it becomes a test of patience and sanity.
  3. Upon arriving at your destination, the contrast between the flight experience and the new environment can be refreshing. It's a reminder of how technology changes travel but also highlights its limits.

The Edge of the Map

Cosmographia • 179 implied HN points • 11 Nov 22
📚 Literature Travel Writing
  1. The post discusses a book called 'The Lost Pianos of Siberia' about a two-year quest for historic pianos in Siberia by writer Sophy Roberts.
  2. The content is restricted to paid subscribers only, indicating exclusive access to certain posts or materials on the platform.
  3. The post is by M. E. Rothwell on the cosmographia.substack.com platform, providing insights into unique stories and quests.

Sustainability, travel writing & duty

Talking Travel Writing • 78 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
🏝 Travel Travel Writing
  1. Sustainable tourism is crucial for the well-being of communities, environments, and other activities in the long run.
  2. Responsible travel involves minimizing negative impacts and maximizing positive outcomes of tourism.
  3. Tourism writers should prioritize sustainable tourism in their work to serve both readers and destination residents.

A Journey from Trans-Baikal to the Amur Through Manchuria - Peter Kropotkin, 1865 (3/4)

The Library of Alexandria Ultima • 2 implied HN points • 01 Feb 26
💾 History Travel Writing
  1. Mergen, now called Nenjiang City, is the main place described and is presented as the largest Chinese settlement the traveler passed through.
  2. The journey had two aims: to find the quickest route between Trans‑Baikal and the Amur and to evaluate commercial opportunities along that route.
  3. The land around Mergen is said to be very fertile black earth, far more suitable for farming than the taiga, and that agricultural richness could have supported a much larger settlement if controlled.

Why are you here?

Soaring Twenties • 239 implied HN points • 20 Mar 23
🏝 Travel Travel Writing
  1. The author sought new experiences amidst challenges in a foreign city.
  2. Initial romanticized expectations clashed with the reality of living in Cairo.
  3. Through art and connecting with a local, the author found a sense of belonging and purpose.

Like shining from shook foil

Shore Leave • 1 HN point • 30 Jun 24
🏝 Travel Travel Writing
  1. Travel today isn’t just about visiting popular spots. It's about finding personal experiences and deeper connections wherever you go.
  2. You should embrace the chaos and surprises in travel. Instead of sticking to a strict plan, let your journey unfold and enjoy unexpected encounters.
  3. Don’t let the fear of global sameness stop you from exploring. The world is still full of unique moments and stories waiting to be discovered.

How We Learn Cities

polymathematics • 19 implied HN points • 16 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Travel Writing
  1. When you visit a new city, everything feels exciting but overwhelming. It's easy to just rush through the sights instead of really experiencing them.
  2. Over time, you start to notice things differently. What once seemed strange can become part of your routine, making the city feel more like home.
  3. Taking notes of everyday details can help you remember your experiences better. It’s important to appreciate and capture the little things around you.