On the road in Haiti

Written by Paul Clammer

Ever wondered what life as a guidebook writer actually looks like? We let Paul Clammer, author of our Haiti guidebook, take charge of our Instagram feed to share a day on the road in Haiti.

Hi, this is @paulclammerwriter here, taking over the #bradt Instagram account for the day from #Jacmel #Haiti! I’ll be sharing with you a day in the life of a guidebook writer – and hopefully showing you the other side of this most beautiful but misunderstood Caribbean countries. So, let’s start off with the early morning view from my hotel… #taketheroadlesstravelled #travelgram #travelguide #haititourism

A photo posted by Bradt Guides (@bradtguides) onMar 3, 2016 at 4:38am PST

Breakfast, the most important meal of the day – taking time to go over my plan for the day. I’ve been coming to #Jacmel since 2007 and it’s one of #Haiti’s most popular destinations for visitors, so it’ll be a day of checking old haunts and checking out some new developments I’ve been hearing about. A perfect Haitian blend – just like the local coffee! #bradt #taketheroadlesstravelled #travelgram #travelguide #haititourism @myhaititravels @mtourismehaiti

A photo posted by Bradt Guides (@bradtguides) onMar 3, 2016 at 5:56am PST

Meet Marcel and Markensy of @experience_jacmel, a new tour guiding company based in #Jacmel. I’ll be spending the morning part of the day with them, digging out some hidden corners that I can then share in the new #bradt guide. #taketheroadlesstravelled #travelgram #travelguide #Haiti #haititourism

A photo posted by Bradt Guides (@bradtguides) onMar 3, 2016 at 6:52am PST

At Fort Ogé, in the hills above the bay of #Jacmel. Built in 1805 after the Haitians won their independence from France – the only successful slave revolution in history. Today it’s run by a local community organisation, who keep it looking great and give guided tours to visitors: real grassroots tourism. #bradt #taketheroadlesstravelled #travelgram #travelguide #Haiti #Jacmel #haititourism

A photo posted by Bradt Guides (@bradtguides) onMar 3, 2016 at 8:31am PST

A much needed fuel stop: goat, rice, plantain and a cold Prestige beer. Also time to review this morning's notes for the #Haiti guidebook. Did I also mention the cold beer? #bradt #taketheroadlesstravelled #travelgram #travelguide #Jacmel #haititourism

A photo posted by Bradt Guides (@bradtguides) onMar 3, 2016 at 10:48am PST

Fedno, Metellus and Michou from @acffcjacmel, a non-profit arts education programme for youth in Jacmel, who are slowly but surely covering this town with beautiful mosaic art. They're about to start walking tours - great for visitors! #bradt #taketheroadlesstravelled #travelgram #travelguide #Haiti #Jacmel #haititourism

A photo posted by Bradt Guides (@bradtguides) onMar 3, 2016 at 12:45pm PST

Master craftsmen Jocelyn and Leon Izodore in their workshop, after explaining the techniques of Jacmel papier-mache art. #bradt #taketheroadlesstravelled #travelgram #travelguide #Haiti #Jacmel #haititourism

A photo posted by Bradt Guides (@bradtguides) onMar 3, 2016 at 2:40pm PST

People sometimes ask if, as a guidebook writer, I tell people I meet on the road what I'm doing or if I stay anonymous. It depends a lot on the context, whether or not I want to experience a place as fully as a traveller would or if I want to learn something as a travel professional. But yes, there are even days when you need to wear a disguise... Thanks for following me in Haiti today. I've had a lot of fun, and hope to see you on the road somewhere! - @paulclammerwriter #bradt #taketheroadlesstravelled #travelgram #travelguide #Haiti #Jacmel #haititourism

A photo posted by Bradt Guides (@bradtguides) onMar 3, 2016 at 3:54pm PST