Travel guides & web pages Notes

Writing For Information And Accessibility

1. These text types test whether you can organize information for easy access and practical use.
2. They prioritize clarity, scannability, and user needs over literary style.
3. Examiners will check if your content is structured logically and serves its informational purpose.

Travel Guides

1. Purpose, Audience & Register
   1. Purpose: Inform travelers, recommend experiences, provide practical details, prepare visitors culturally.
   2. Audience: Tourists, travelers planning trips, people unfamiliar with the destination.
   3. Register: Semi-formal, friendly and informative, helpful without being condescending.
2. Layout & Conventions
   1. Clear destination identification in title.
   2. Organized sections by category (Where to Stay, What to Eat, Getting Around, Must-See Attractions).
   3. Mixture of overview paragraphs and specific recommendations.
   4. Practical information highlighted (prices, addresses, opening hours, transport options).
   5. Tips or warnings where relevant.
   6. Cultural advice or etiquette notes.

Key Features

1. Tone: Enthusiastic but practical, knowledgeable but accessible, helpful.
2. Vocabulary: Descriptive language for experiences, imperative for recommendations ("Don't miss," "Be sure to visit"), practical vocabulary (walking distance, budget-friendly, advance booking required).

How to Write a Travel Guide

1. Open with context: Give readers a sense of the destination before diving into specifics.
   1. Example: "Porto, Portugal's second city, combines medieval charm with modern energy. Built along the Douro River, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers port wine cellars, azulejo-tiled buildings, and some of Europe's best food markets."
2. Organize by traveler needs: Think about what visitors actually want to know and structure accordingly.
   1. Common sections: Getting There, Getting Around, Where to Stay, Where to Eat, What to See, What to Do, Practical Tips.
3. Be specific with recommendations: Generic praise wastes space. Give concrete details.
   1. Bad: "There are many good restaurants in the old town."
   2. Good: "Cantinho do Avillez (Rua Mouzinho da Silveira 166) serves modern Portuguese cuisine. Book ahead for dinner. Mains €15-25. Closed Mondays."
4. Include practical details consistently: Price ranges, locations, timing, booking requirements. Travelers rely on this information.
5. Balance popular and lesser-known: Cover the major attractions but include local favorites or hidden gems.
   1. Example: "While most tourists flock to Livraria Lello bookshop (€5 entry, redeemable with purchase), locals prefer the quieter Ler Devagar in the LX Factory, equally beautiful without the crowds."
6. Add cultural context: Help visitors understand and respect local customs.
   1. Example: "Portuguese meal times run late. Lunch is typically 1-3pm, dinner after 8pm. Arriving at 6pm will find most restaurants closed or empty."