Why TravelSpeak©?

"Picturesque"... "Quaint"... "Old World charm"... "Rustic elegance"... "Colorful flavor"

The business of writing about places to go and things to do requires that they sound exciting, interesting, unique and comfortable. In some cases this could present a challenge to the travel writer, hence some descriptive puffery may be deemed appropriate, perhaps even an over-promise now and again.

TravelSpeak© presents 140 actual descriptions of places to stay, places to eat and things to do and see taken directly from a number of travel magazines, books, mail pieces, sales promotions and newspaper articles. I did not alter any for purposes of this book, but I have jokingly created a retort for each statement. These are, if you will, my own tongue-in-cheek versions of what actuality may well be when you show up and find some unpleasant surprises.

Fortunately, my wife and I have had many exceptionally good experiences that far, far out weigh the bad. In most cases we have found the travel writers' claims to be justified, often even under-stated. But that doesn't make for satirical commentary.

TravelSpeak©, then, is my way of having fun by collecting this material over several years, writing the retorts and offering them for others' amusement. I'll continue to collect them, for travel writers are a prolific and poetic group.

Remember, travel is, indeed, 'a trip', so enjoy!