I’m in favour of writers travelling abroad to do something other than research books. Perhaps there has been enough mere observation. Gimmickry must also have run its course – what’s the point of travelling around Ireland with a fridge?

In this puritan, work-motivated age, it’s good when travel writers have more strings to their bows. Jason Webster practically killed himself infiltrating a band of drug-using gypsies in order to learn flamenco guitar – but at least now he has a useful skill. Similarly, Brian Winter may be able to earn money teaching the tango when the credit crunch bites.

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