The Way of Wanderlust: The Best Travel Writing of Don George
Don George's The Way of Wanderlust takes readers on a captivating journey across the globe, sharing four decades of travel experiences that shaped his life and outlook. This collection is more than just a series of travel articles; it's a personal memoir that invites readers to explore the world through George's eyes.
From scaling Mount Kilimanjaro as a young man to conquering Yosemite's Half Dome with his family years later, George's adventures span continents and generations. He vividly describes standing in awe before the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu and feeling the spiritual energy of Australia's Uluru. George also tackles complex travel situations head-on. He recounts his journey to Jordan shortly after September 11, 2001, offering a unique perspective on travel during uncertain times. His writing brings to life the diverse landscapes and cultures he encounters, from the unique wildlife of the Galapagos to the bustling streets of Paris.
Throughout the book, George's enthusiasm for travel shines through. He shares moments of wonder, like watching sea turtles nest on a moonlit beach in Mexico, and quiet revelations, such as finding unexpected beauty in a remote Pakistani village. These stories don't just describe places; they capture the transformative power of travel.
The collection reminds us that travel isn't just about ticking off destinations; it's about opening our hearts and minds to new experiences. George's writing encourages readers to embrace the unknown and find joy in discovery. Travel writing icon Pico Iyer provides the foreword to this inspiring collection.
“As I have learned over and over, travel teaches us about the vast and varied differences that enrich the global mosaic, in landscape, creation, custom, and belief, and the importance of each and every piece in that mosaic. Travel teaches us to embrace our vulnerability and to have faith that whatever energy we put into the world will come back to us one hundredfold. Travel teaches us to approach unfamiliar cultures and peoples with curiosity and respect, and to realize that the great majority of people around the world, whatever their differences in background and belief, care for their fellow human beings. And in all these ways, travel paves the pathway to global understanding, evolution, and peace.”
Interesting Facts & Links:
Followers of modern travel writing will likely know Don George, one of the most prominent editors of travel writing collections, a talented writer himself, and a frequent speaker on television and radio on travel and travel writing. His career started as a travel writer for the San Francisco Examiner, then expanding to be the travel editor for the Examiner and the San Francisco Chronicle. His long and distinguished resume includes stints as the Global Travel Editor for Lonely Planet Publications, Editor at Large for National Geographic Traveler magazine, Special Features Editor and Blogger for Gadling.com, and Editor of the Geographic Expedition’s online magazine. He has edited a number of travel anthologies, including many that are on our list of recommended travel books. He has written a book on travel writing for other aspiring authors, and he co-founded a prominent annual travel writers’ conference.
Don George's first international trip was to Paris at age 22. He arrived with no hotel reservation and just $300 in his pocket, sparking a lifelong love for spontaneous travel.
In the book, George recounts a near-death experience while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. He suffered severe altitude sickness but pushed through, a decision he later reflected on as both reckless and transformative.
Before becoming a travel writer, George taught English in Athens, Greece. This experience, briefly mentioned in the book, laid the foundation for his future career in travel writing.
Recommendations for Those Who Like Don George
Recommendations for Those Who Like Don George
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