A quiet revolution has taken place in travel writing over the past twenty years. The field has become so democratised that almost anyone feels entitled to don the mantle once worn by Bruce Chatwin, Paul Bowles or Eric Newby - to name a few of the greats.

Travellers who spend a day in a well-worn tourist spot feel the urge to write down their impressions - often in the form of blogs.

According to travel de Vries, "blogging is an excellent way to try to find our own style and experiment with tone and description". The problem though, is that "blogs often read either like letters home, or travel brochures."

But, like almost all specialised writing, the craft of travel writing can be taught. This is why, under the umbrella of the Allaboutwriting school of writing, De Vries runs a face-to-face course that teaches wannabe Bruce Chatwins the basic skills of the craft.

"It's a truly practical course," he says, "and students emerge with a piece of writing of publishable standard."

The course is held over three evenings - 24 and 31 May and 7 June - to give participants time to write and polish their writing.

De Vries has travelled extensively as a foreign correspondent and has held the position of foreign editor. He has published a number of books, including the travelogue, Club Risiko. His travel writing has appeared in the Sunday Times and the now defunct Weekender.

Travel writing is now among the most popular of all forms of writing on the internet. Sites dedicated to the craft host thousands of bloggers, and attract hundreds of thousands of readers. Travel supplements adorn most daily newspapers. A range of magazines are dedicated to the subject.