In contrast, travel articles with well-crafted endings provide a more satisfying read. Reiterating an idea or image in the last paragraph that was mentioned in the first paragraph also concludes articles in a balanced manner. Rather than telling readers the city is full of contrasts, authors can punch up their writing by showing readers dissimilar aspects of a place and letting readers draw their own conclusions. Allowing readers to form their own judgments invites them to engage in the article, become involved, participate. Possessing talent to engage readers separates competent writers from exceptional writers.
Many publications reject journal-style travel articles.
We heard the hostess cooking our country breakfast in the kitchen. Soon we were ready to hit the trail now that our stomachs were full . . . Blah, blah, blah. Readers want to know what to expect if they visit the Poconos, not intimate details about the writer's experience. In one instance, I was going to tack on a sentence recommending an art gallery housed in a man's private residence.