Be Original, Not Like Everyone Else: Travel Blogs and AI

Travel blogs have been one of the most popular online formats for years. They are widely written because they are widely read.

Beyond being a fantastic source of information and education, they have also become an industry where many have found their niche: travel writers sharing their experiences, geography and culture enthusiasts, journalists, marketing experts, and more.

The best part? You don’t even have to leave your room to become a successful travel blogger. Like other text-and-image-driven formats, travel blogging has seen a revolution thanks to AI. While it has made content creation easier for many, it has also brought some downsides.

One of the biggest issues is that the mass adoption of AI tools has made most travel blogs feel nearly identical. Sure, the destinations may vary, but reading one after another often gives the impression of encountering the same text on repeat. It’s as if a limited set of words is endlessly cycling through different posts.

In the rest of this article, we’ll tackle this problem and share tips on how to use AI tools while keeping your writing original and standing out in the vast universe of travel blogs.

Why Certain Words Dominate Travel Blogs

Some words dominate travel blogs because of their widespread appeal and practicality in attracting readers. Writers use them because they once looked eye-catching and unconventional. However, that has changed.

We all can agree that writers too often describe destinations as “captivating” or “iconic.” Terms like “vibrant” or “unique” are part of almost every tourist article. Words like “stunning,” “tapestry,” or “hidden gem” show up everywhere.

Sure, all these words fit well in description of a city or country. It’s cooler to say “hidden gem” than “undiscovered place.” But when everybody is doing the same thing, it’s not that cool anymore.

Another big factor is SEO rules. Writers repeat popular keywords to rank higher in search results. This encourages the use of buzzwords over genuine expression. Destinations lose their individuality, and a true sense of place get pushed aside in favor of assumed efficiency.

AI tools also play a role. They pull from huge amounts of common data and favor familiar phrases rather than original ideas. AI systems are built to identify patterns and stick to what’s recognizable. Instead of creating new descriptions, they churn out generic terms meant to appeal to a wide audience. That’s how AI-generated travel blogs fall into a cycle of recycled wording.

How To Write Authentic Travel Content

There are countless articles that give advice to current and aspiring travel bloggers and writers. Some apply to real travelers, while others are relevant to everyone: both those exploring in person and at-home travel bloggers.

Basically, most advisors agree that to write a good, original article, you should:

• Shake off repetitive patterns and focus on specifics and personal experiences.

• Skip the generic adjectives and describe what makes a place special – like its smells or sounds. Instead of saying something is “breathtaking” or “hidden,” give a detailed snapshot that paints the scene.

• Try switching up your tone or using comparisons. Write in your own voice instead of relying too heavily on AI’s first draft. Edit it.

• Spend time with locals, listen to their stories, or share perspectives that might surprise your readers.

• Don’t stuff articles with overdone keywords like “paradise” or “charming.” Instead, use descriptive terms that fit the story naturally.

• Above all, use alternative terms as much as possible.

Below are three lists of the most frequently used words and phrases in travel articles, typical for AI-generated texts. For each listed word, we gave a brief explanation and suggested several alternative terms.

Descriptive Words/Adjectives

1. Bustling: Describes lively, busy, or crowded places or activities.
   Alternatives: “teeming,” “hectic,” “active.”

2. Captivating: Refers to something deeply engaging or able to hold attention.
   Alternatives: “mesmerizing,” “entrancing,” “compelling,” “fascinating.”

3. Diverse: Highlights variety or a range of differences.
   Alternatives: “varied,” “multifaceted,” “eclectic,” “wide-ranging.”

4. Iconic: Represents a widely recognizable symbol or figure.
   Alternatives: “legendary,” “noteworthy,” “distinguished,” “tradition-defining.”

5. Intricate: Suggests a design, structure, or system with detailed or complex patterns.
   Alternatives: “ornate,” “elaborate,” “delicate,” “refined.”

6. Meticulous: Refers to careful attention to the smallest details.
   Alternatives: “precise,” “thorough,” “scrupulous,” “methodical.”

7. Seamlessly: Refers to a smooth, almost invisible transition or integration.
   Alternatives: “effortlessly,” “fluidly,” “naturally,” “perfectly integrated.”

8. Stunning: Meant to communicate beauty or an awe-inspiring quality.
   Alternatives: “exquisite,” “remarkable,” “amazing.”

9. Unique: Indicates something one-of-a-kind or special.
   Alternatives: “distinctive,” “uncommon,” “exceptional,” “rare.”

10. Vibrant: Used to describe a place, atmosphere, or color that is full of life and energy.
    Alternatives: “dynamic,” “spirited,” “radiant,” “energetic.”

Action Verbs

1. Blend: to combine multiple elements into one.
   Alternatives: “merge,” “mix,” “integrate,” “harmonize.”

2. Boast: to take pride in or emphasize something offered.
   Alternatives: “display,” “claim,” “advertise,” “highlight.”

3. Delve: to dig deeply into an idea or topic.
   Alternatives: “investigate,” “examine,” “plunge into,” “analyze.”

4. Dive: Describes intense or focused engagement.
   Alternatives: “immerse,” “venture,” “descend,” “go into.”

5. Embrace: to accept or adopt something wholeheartedly.
   Alternatives: “adopt,” “welcome,” “accept,” “integrate.”

6. Embark: to start a journey, project, or activity.
   Alternatives: “set off,” “undertake,” “start,” “commence.”

7. Evolve: to grow, develop, or transform over time.
   Alternatives: “progress,” “transform,” “mature,” “improve.”

8. Explore: to search for or learn about new concepts.
   Alternatives: “survey,” “investigate,” “discover,” “probe.”

9. Offer: to make something available or present it for someone.
   Alternatives: “show,” “present,” “propose,” “extend”

10. Showcase: to display or highlight a feature prominently.
    Alternatives: “highlight,” “exhibit,” “feature,” “present.”

Nouns and Phrases

1. Allure: Implies attraction or fascination, compelling appeal.
   Alternatives: “draw,” “grace,” “magnetism,” “fascination,” “pull,” “attraction.”

2. Charm: A general term for appeal or attraction.
   Alternatives: “character,” “charisma,” “quaintness,” “magnetism,” “whimsy,” “endearing quality.”

3. Hidden Gem: Refers to an underrated or little-known place worth exploring.
   Alternatives: “undiscovered treasure,” “overlooked spot,” “concealed jewel,” “off-the-radar highlight,” “underrated treasure.”

4. Landscape: Typically describes a region’s physical environment or scenery.
   Alternatives: “terrain,” “vista,” “panorama,” “countryside.”

5. Marvel: Something awe-inspiring and impressive that sparks wonder.
   Alternatives: “wonder,” “awe,” “spectacle,” “vision,” “awe-inspiring site,” “standout.”

6. Pristine Beaches: Untouched, clean and unspoiled coasts associated with relaxation or seclusion.
   Alternatives: “immaculate shores,” “unspoiled coastline,” “pure sands,” “flawless sands,” “untouched shores.”

7. Rich Cultural Heritage: Points to a region’s history and traditions defining a community.
   Alternatives: “deep traditions,” “time-honored legacy,” “profound heritage,” “cultural legacy,” “historic significance,” “valuable tradition.”

8. Social Fabric: The connections and bonds that make up a group or society.
   Alternatives: “community bond,” “societal ties,” “societal foundation,” “shared identity,” “community links.”

9. Tapestry: Refers to the diverse and interconnected elements of culture, tradition or geography.
   Alternatives: “mosaic,” “network,” “web,” “patchwork,” “weave,” “complex mix.”

10. Testament: A proof of history or accomplishment.
    Alternatives: “proof,” “evidence,” “symbol,” “monument,” “tribute,” “reminder.”

Summary

The repeated use of the same words and phrases in travel blogs gives the impression that we’re reading the same text over and over, with only the place names changing. Writers shoud be mindful of this and try not to fall back on overdone expressions. 

Focusing on specific details and using sensory descriptions can bring writing to life. Choosing less common words and being precise in descriptions makes for more memorable stories. Letting go of language just optimized for search engines leads to more authentic content.

To really stand out, writers and editors need to aim for a voice that sounds real and truly their own.

Although AI, with its logic of creating content from common patterns, can make the whole thing even worse, with careful application, today’s tools can be very helpful in achieving originality.