How to write a conclusion for travel?

Landing the Plane: Crafting a Compelling Conclusion for Your Travel Narrative

The journey is over. The bags are unpacked, the laundry is piling up, and the familiar routines are beckoning. But the echoes of your adventure still resonate, coloring your memories and subtly shifting your perspective. Now comes the final challenge: how to capture the essence of your travels in a conclusion that leaves a lasting impression on your reader, a feeling of both satisfaction and longing.

A well-crafted conclusion isn’t just a summary; it’s a landing strip for your travel story, a final opportunity to solidify your message and leave your audience pondering the power of travel. Here’s how to write a compelling conclusion that truly lands the plane:

1. Circle Back to the Purpose:

Remember why you embarked on this journey in the first place. Was it to escape the everyday, to immerse yourself in a different culture, to challenge yourself physically, or simply to relax and recharge? Your conclusion should subtly remind the reader of this initial intention and then demonstrate how the trip either fulfilled or perhaps redefined it.

For example, if the purpose was relaxation, you might write: “Returning to the daily grind, the lingering scent of jasmine from the Balinese gardens serves as a constant reminder of the tranquility I sought, and ultimately found, amidst the vibrant chaos of Ubud.”

2. Briefly Relive Defining Moments:

Don’t rehash the entire itinerary. Instead, cherry-pick one or two truly impactful moments that encapsulate the essence of your trip. A breathtaking vista witnessed from a mountain peak, a genuine connection forged with a local artisan, a surprising encounter with wildlife – these are the moments that resonate and deserve a final mention.

Instead of: “We visited the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre Dame Cathedral…”

Try: “Standing beneath the towering wrought iron of the Eiffel Tower, as the city lights twinkled like a spilled box of diamonds, I felt the undeniable pull of Parisian romance, a feeling that has lingered long after my departure.”

3. Acknowledge Personal Growth and Transformation:

Travel, at its best, is transformative. It pushes us outside our comfort zones, exposes us to new ideas and perspectives, and ultimately helps us grow. Your conclusion should acknowledge any personal evolution that occurred during your journey. Did you discover a hidden talent? Did you overcome a fear? Did you gain a new appreciation for a different way of life?

Consider these examples:

• “Beyond the stunning landscapes, Patagonia gifted me a newfound appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit and the profound beauty of simplicity.”
• “Facing my fear of heights while trekking through the Himalayas proved that courage, like the mountains themselves, is often found where you least expect it.”
• “Spending time with the Maasai people in Kenya shattered my preconceived notions about poverty and privilege, leaving me with a deep sense of gratitude and a commitment to global citizenship.”

4. End with a Lasting Impression:

The final sentence or two should leave the reader with something to ponder. It could be a reflection on the enduring power of travel, a call to action, or a simple expression of gratitude for the experience.

Some options:

• “The world awaits, brimming with untold stories and unforgettable encounters. It’s time to pack your bags and write your own adventure.”
• “Travel is more than just ticking off destinations on a list; it’s about opening your heart and mind to the boundless beauty and diversity of our planet.”
• “While the photographs will fade and the souvenirs will gather dust, the memories of this journey will forever remain etched in my soul, a testament to the transformative power of exploration.”

In conclusion, crafting a compelling conclusion for your travel narrative is about more than just tying up loose ends. It’s about capturing the heart and soul of your adventure, leaving a lasting impression on your reader, and inspiring them to embark on their own journey of discovery. It’s about landing the plane smoothly and ensuring that the echoes of your travels continue to resonate long after the final page is turned.