The travel industry is constantly evolving, with new destinations, experiences, and guidebooks being introduced. One particular aspect of travel guides that has gained immense popularity is the crossword puzzle. These crossword puzzles are typically an added feature in guidebooks, providing readers with an entertaining and challenging activity while exploring new locations. However, have you ever wondered who created these puzzles, and what goes into making them?
The creation of crossword puzzles is not limited to just travel guides, but they have become a prominent feature in these publications. The mystery behind their creation begins with the big names in the travel guide industry, such as Lonely Planet, Rick Steves, and Fodor’s. These companies work with crossword creators, who are responsible for crafting engaging and challenging puzzles that complement the content of the guidebook.
One such crossword creator is Howard Barkin, who has been creating puzzles for Rick Steves’ travel guides for over a decade. Barkin says that the key to creating a good crossword puzzle is to make it challenging, yet solvable. The clues should be tailored to the destination, incorporating local customs, cuisine, and history to provide an educational and immersive experience for the reader.
Another aspect to consider while creating these puzzles is the difficulty level. A puzzle that is too easy might not provide the intended enjoyment, while a puzzle that is too difficult may be frustrating for the reader. Hence, striking the right balance between entertainment and challenge is crucial.
To provide an example of an engaging crossword puzzle from a travel guide, let’s take a look at the Travel section of The New York Times. Their crossword puzzles are widely popular, with millions of readers solving them every day. A recent crossword puzzle titled “Island Hopping” was themed around tropical island destinations and included clues such as “Jamaican floral necklace” (answer: leis), “Ibiza beach dance party” (answer: raves), and “Pretty tourist hideaway” (answer: Bora Bora). The clues were tailored to the theme and provided a fun and educational experience for the reader.
In conclusion, the creation of crossword puzzles for travel guides is a fascinating and intricate process, one that involves careful consideration of the destination, its culture and history, and the level of challenge that the reader might enjoy. These puzzles have become a staple in many travel guides, providing an enjoyable and entertaining way to explore new destinations. So, the next time you come across a travel guide with a crossword puzzle, take a moment to appreciate the amount of work that has gone into creating it.
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