Geoff Crowther: A Tribute to a Travel Pioneer

These words, which encompass so much of the ethos of travel writing, were penned by travel writer Geoff Crowther, who passed away recently in New South Wales, Australia. Crowther’s pioneering works significantly shaped the early days of travel literature and helped establish the spirit and independent style known worldwide.

Geoff’s son Ashley described his father’s extensive travel life in an email: ‘From hitch-hiking through post-war Europe while still in high school to his travel writing later in life, he touched countless lives. His journeys ranged from the Hindu Kush in Afghanistan to Patagonia in Latin America over nearly four decades.’ Geoff’s journey with the travel guides began after he ran BIT, a travel guide linked to an ‘underground information centre’ in London. He authored the first editions of influential titles such as Africa on the Cheap and South America on a Shoestring and wrote extensively about India in a landmark 1981 publication.

These impactful titles inspired countless adventures across three continents. Geoff worked either from the road or from the banana plantation he called home in Burringbar. With boundless energy, he contributed many other first editions to iBestTravel’s expanding collection, including guides to Korea & Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei, and Morocco, Algeria & Tunisia. Often, these works featured one of the hallmarks of his contributions: beautifully hand-drawn maps that remain memorable for their artistry and practicality.

From all of us who benefited either directly from working with him or indirectly through his profound influence on travel writing, we extend our heartfelt thanks and condolences to Geoff’s friends and family.