American travel writing is very healthy. I'm always flicking through the reviews and I see plenty of travel writing - and an impressive line up and continual demand.

In both places [Paraguay and Newfoundland] people rise despite everything - both are pretty tough environments.

Benedict Allen gives you the impression that he hasn't done any research at all, and I am sure he has. And when he is off doing his ice dogs and that sort of thing - and therefore its not only an exploration of the place but also his imagination in a sense. It's very successful as technique.

Lawrence Millman is a favorite writer of mine. He did a travels on the trail of the Vikings.

I am always surprised when people do get upset. Perhaps its just the nutty people who write to newspapers who get upset.

I tend to prefer traveling in the Third World countries. Like Ethiopia. Or Eritrea.

I don't therefore know how to write for the big papers. It must be kids - students - and retired people. And the reality is they are overwhelmed with people sending in their holiday stories and bits and pieces and so on.