In the past not-so-distant, travelogues hadsome allure. The late 1990s saw veteran journalist Dharmasiri Gamage contribute a series of travel articles for our sister publication, Silumina. These articles, later compiled into a book and launched amid fanfare. Back then, travel writing held a special weight.It wasn’t just about the destination. It was an exploration of the unknown.
For Gamage’s readers, particularly those born before 2000, his descriptions of Rome, Italy, and other exotic locales seemed like a window into a bygone era. In the early 1990s, the path to travel knowledge was far less convenient. Imagine a world where learning about Rome meant a dedicated trip to the regional library or relying on the anecdotes of a well-traveled elder. This vacuum made Gamage’s series popular. His evocative language and personal touch breathed life into these well-known destinations and transported readers geographically and emotionally.
When it comes to visual learning, television was once the primary window to the world. Specific channels dedicated to travel or documentaries were a rare find. We relied on national channels allocating time slots for programs like Discovery series, taking a secret-like glimpse of faraway lands and cultures.
Cultural encounters
For centuries, travelogues documented journeys, shared cultural encounters, and ignited the spark of wanderlust in readers. However, with the rise of digital technology and video-sharing platforms like YouTube, travelogues have undergone a fascinating transformation, evolving into the more immersive and interactive format of modern vlogs. While travelogues laid the groundwork for sharing travel experiences, vlogs offer a richer and more dynamic way to connect with viewers.
Travelogues have historically served a vital role in documenting journeys and fostering cultural exchange. Explorers, adventurers, and even ordinary travelers penned their experiences, detailing everything from the landscapes they encountered to the customs they observed. These accounts not only provided valuable historical records but also inspired others to explore the unknown.
In contrast to the modern context, travelogues were limited by their static format. They were mostly reliant on text and illustrations. They could only offer a one-directional experience. Much was left to the reader’s imagination.
The digital revolution ushered in a new era for travel storytelling. The first step was perhaps the invention of digital cameras and user-friendly video editing software, which empowered individuals to capture their travels in a more dynamic way. The rise of video-sharing platforms like YouTube further democratised content creation. It provided a platform for anyone to share their travel experiences with a global audience. This is where vlogging, the act of documenting one’s life through videos, came into existence as a powerful new medium for travel content. Travel vloggers use their cameras to capture not just landscapes and landmarks, but also the sights, sounds, and emotions that accompany the journey.
Immersive experience
Vlogs offer several advantages over traditional travelogues. The use of visuals, sound, and editing techniques creates a more immersive experience. The viewers feel as if they are traveling alongside the vlogger. A well-edited vlog can take viewers on a crowded street market tour in Bangkok or the serene trek through the Himalayas. It is one strange tale of a richer sensory experience than words alone can provide. Vlogs are inherently interactive. Unlike the passive consumption of a travelogue, viewers can engage with vloggers through comments, likes, and even direct messages. This creates a sense of community and allows viewers to connect with vloggers on a personal level. Travel vlogging has significantly impacted the tourism industry. Popular vloggers can influence travel trends, highlighting hidden gems and promoting responsible tourism practices.
So the bottom line is clear. The evolution of technology has led to the rise of vlogs, offering a more immersive and interactive way to experience the world. With the ability to combine visuals, sound, and a personal touch, vlogs allow viewers to feel like they are on the journey themselves.
But that bottom line is not the issue. It leads us to some inevitable questions.The true question lies not in their quantity, but in their quality. Do they offer a genuinely insightful perspective on the destinations they showcase? Do the vlogs actually offer an enlightening perspective?
There’s a concern that with so many vloggers out there, the act of vlogging itself becomes commonplace. Such a phenomenon apparently diminishes the artistic merit of exceptional travel content. We’re witnessing a global explosion of travel vlogs, and here in Sri Lanka, it’s almost easier to learn about life in Australia than explore the hidden gems of our own beautiful country. This phenomenon can be partly attributed to the large Sri Lankan diaspora in Australia, many of whom have turned to vlogging, often focusing on practicalities like the cost of living.
Static nature
When we read a travelogue, the very static nature of the format stimulates our senses. The static nature of the format, which might initially seem like a limitation, can actually be a strength. It forces the writer to rely on rich descriptions and evocative language, stimulating the reader’s imagination and intellect.
Take Robert Knox’s account of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) for example. His detailed observations remain relevant even today as the power of well-crafted prose. It’s easy to imagine that with readily available video technology, Knox’s experience might have been captured differently, perhaps sacrificing some of the depth and nuance found in his writing.
That said, let travel writing continue (which is likely) to cater to those who prefer the introspective nature of text.Vlogs are undoubtedly the future of travel storytelling. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more interactive and immersive formats to emerge. That will blur the lines between viewer and traveller.
Travel writing, however, is not totally lost however much the vloggers are present. Travelers still rely on trusted resources like Lonely Planet guidebooks and TripAdvisor reviews for detailed descriptions and real-world experiences from fellow adventurers. In fact, travel literature continues to enjoy a loyal following, offering a depth and nuance that can sometimes be missing from fast-paced vlogs.
For travellers who prefer a more traditional approach, travel blogs offer a clear advantage over vlogs. For instance, I find the need for headphones, even with Bluetooth, to be a bit of a hassle. Travel blogs provide a convenient and hands-free way to explore destinations at our own pace.Unlike vlogs, which require a device and an internet connection, travel blogs are accessible anytime, anywhere. Read it on the phone during the commute, on a printed copy at the breakfast table, or curled up with a tablet on the couch.
