Interview With Charles Runnette: ‘Confessions of a Travel Writer’

May I ask one question: Who are these writers? Has anyone read one thing any of them has ever written? Ok, two questions: When do four travel writers travel together in real life?

There’s already a show about travel writers.  Word Travels (wordtravels.tv) follows 2 travel writers to 36 countries around the world.  It’s on OLN in Canada and National Geographic too.  I’ve seen a couple episodes, it’s awesome.

Travel writers travel together all the time in real life - they’re called PRESS TRIPS.

The one travel writer that I’m familiar with is Paul Thoreau whose books I enjoy; I’m looking forward to his new book when it comes out in paperback.

So Charles drops f-bombs in this show?  That might be worth my staying up past 9pm.

I am watching the new said show and I have to say that Charles seems to be pretty negative and narrow minded, which are highly undesirable in any traveler…especially a travel writer.

Um, skp

I agree with Anne. Charles comes off as a completely pretentious snob who is quick to ridicule everyone else in order to generate pleasure for himself. I wouldn’t want to follow his advice when travelling. He seems to take no joy in ANYTHING.

Ah, yes, Karen, you are right. I forgot about press trips! The origin of all the finest travel reportage.

I’m 20 minutes into this show.  I had never heard of Charles Runnette before but I alreadu hate him.  What an arrogant, self absorbed, petty jerk.  His comment “I’ve made plenty of enemies on these trips”.  No kidding…he hasn’t got a good thing to say about anyone or anything and unless his butt is constantly being kissed, he throws a little hissy fit.

Travel Channel, with quality shows like Bourdain and Man V. Food, why would you ever build a show around this jerk?  We don’t need a travel writers version of the real housewifes of New Jersey.

Charles seems like a snobby high school girl who is just too good for everything - he specifically quotes “why do i even bother getting up for this”? Its like watching a TV show of a bitchy blogger.  Great show concept, just… really negative host.

This show’s host tries too hard to be Anthony Bourdain but her isn’t smart enough to put sarcastic poetry in his opinions. He’s just sarcastic to whine and be mean. I guess I sound like a hater but I’m watching this show right now and he’s literally stressing me out.

Too bad, this show’s concept would’ve been very cool. Mr. Runnette’s annoying droll is limiting this show’s potential.

Why is this guy hosting a TV show?

In watching the first part of his show, he has insulted most of his co-travelers behind their backs. Plus, he has had nothing polite nor informative to comment on. Is the ‘Confessions’ part just his personal confessions of what he dislikes about other Americans and other cultures? That’s the impression the show clearly gives.

I feel sad for the guy for only degrading others…but he probably wouldn’t even understand why someone would feel sorry for him.

This guy is an arrogant, negative joy-sucking jerk. Please, please don’t ever let him go on another press trip or ever get in front of a camera again. And never interview him again. I used to like World Hum.

Agree with the comments above…I’ve watched this show for 45 minutes and will NOT watch it again.  I’ve never read any of Mr. Runnette’s articles, and after watching this, I will make sure not to.  His demeanor leaves a lot to be desired…I would expect more from the Travel Channel

Charles Runnette is the most annoying, whiny little girl on the travel channel. His snide comments about his co-travelers reminds one of Big Brother.    Looks like everybody else’s response was similiar to mine.  “Bite me” is ridiculous, but rollicking good fun compared to this guy.  Please just shove a screwdriver in my ear drums rather than let me hear him snivel.

I agree, this guy is really negative. This show is a great concept, and I think it would be excellent if they were interviewing everybody, share the load a bit, but this guy is a major buzz kill…

i’ve been to a few of the places they are visiting in chile.  i actually felt compelled to get on the travel channel website and complain about this show.  this guy is such a pretentious, whiny jerk.  seems like the other people who felt it necessary to comment agree.  however, i can totally relate with him about the annoying girl taking too many pictures and mouthing off—she has got to go.  anyway, let me guess—he is from either coast, some top 50 lib arts school, upper middle class childhood?  what a waste of a great show idea.

Charles Runnette gives new meaning to “ugly American,” disparaging even his travel companions.  He may think he is witty and entertaining, but I refuse to watch this show again, even though the scenery was great.  He needs to learn some basic manners and keep his thoughts to himself.  We were not amused by his constant harping.  Please put your resources into some better programs.

I agree, he is the new “travel housewife!”

As a current college student considering travel writer as a profession, I have trouble understanding why Mr. Runnette keeps travelling. According to him, he’s seen everything - or at least everything the group is seeing. His level of jadedness is amazing, as is his unwillingness to enjoy himself. But my biggest issue with him is: Where is this guy’s sense of wonder? The world is a huge, incredible place, and he should recognize that, no matter how much of it he has seen.

I really hope Travel Channel takes this show off the air. There is nothing redeeming about Charles Runnette. He’s two-faced and immature. I hope Travel Channel isn’t going in this direction of bad uninspiring TV.

what a boob!!!!! cynical, repressed, contrived, pompous, self-entitled - sniveling !  waaaaaa! a bomb as far as the Travel Channel goes - is ANYONE in touch with reality!!!! PLEASE!!!  what is interesting or remotely entertaining about watching a fool” poop” on native cultures and general “good old hospitality”?

this guy reeks of ingrate and the ridiculous folly that travel writers enjoy - could have been more compellingly exposed- was this show some intern’s idea Travel Channel? 

perfect for the mindless TV watchers that are mean spirited - question? do they contribute to the travel industry? hmmm….. one would think - RARELY!!!

Fool boy brings the credibility of the Travel Channel down notches TV EXECS!

LUCK YOU STILL GOT BOURDAIN

Charles is wonderfully annoying and negative in his assessment of everything in Chile. I was actually looking forward to this show but within ten minutes I realized that it was horribly staffed by a totally negative person who was actually upset by one of his fellow travelers because he spoke Spanish. He actually said that in the show when the National Geographic Traveler journalist (Andrew) displayed his knowledge of the language of the land.  Additionally, the other travelers (especially the Asian gentleman whose name escapes me) seemed very self centered and seemed inordinately concerned with convincing us that their jobs were not fun.  If this show succeeds I know how selfish America really is.

I have been an avid traveler all of my life - on top of which my job takes all over the world.  I relish in finding new things in countries I’ve never been to and more so in countries that I know like the back of my hand.  The concept of this show is interesting, but the host, Charles Runnette, is bar none, the worst possible choice for this show—and also entirely wrong for his chosen profession.  Comments by other here sum it up in terms of his personality and demeanor.
On top of all that however ,is his lack of commitment to his chosen profession.  You see—I ‘m Chilean by birth and know Chile very well.  He consistently threw out unsubstantiated information on this particular show, that I just had to turn off the TV.  A travel writer should inform his audience about how travel can be an enriching experience.  Listening to his whines would only encourage a person to burn one’s passport and cash in mileage points, not for airline tickets, but for a new toaster oven.  What kind of a travel writer is that?  One that hopefully re-thinks his career choice quickly—for all our sakes and that of the Travel Channel’s commercial sponsors.

I think Charles did a good job, and came off as smart, funny and observant. He calls it like he sees it, and I appreciate him warning me to avoid poop-smelling Penguin Island in favor of other destinations in Chile. Maybe some readers here are accustomed to the breezy effervescence of Samantha Brown, but different hosts can have different styles. Is Tony Bourdain not a little bit prickly and arrogant at times? And in the end, it’s clear that Charles does love Chile, but he also wants to help travelers by giving them a realistic picture of what they’re in for if they visit. (No, I do not know the guy.)

To Jason - press trips are a necessary evil for those of us who can’t afford to drop our own non-existent bucks on an expensive overseas jaunt. And as a professional journalist with many years’ experience, I am quite capable of writing an independent review of a place despite the fact that it was paid for by some tourism bureau, thank you very much. So get off your high horse, OK? Jeez, you’re just as cranky and holier-than-thou as Runnette.

Charles,

    Regarding your comments on TV during the trip to Patagonia (Chile) and your unfortunate parallelism between the ice taste being better than our Chilean wine I must just say that you should rather don’t give your opinion if you are not “in the mood”. Your sarcasm is not appreciated and rather is insulting. You seem to hate many things about traveling that I may suggest you a different career!.
    Traveling is all about our human nature/passion to discover, to appreciate and to adapt to changes and new cultures.

Huge misfire from the normally dependable Travel Channel.  Charles Runnette is like the watery diarrhea you get from eating the wrong food in a foreign country—thank God the Bourdain IV was waiting to jam in my vein and quickly restore my health.  TC: please flush this salmonella immediately.

I agree with the vast majority of the posters on Charles Runnette. He was an overly critical, humorless and a bore.  In spite of Charles, I enjoyed seeing the film on Chile. I hope to visit Chile in the near future.

Wow, folks, don’t you think you are being a little bit hard on the guy? I thought he had some good comments and observations. I’ve never heard of him, but I’m willing to give him some slack. The show had some new ideas, and was more interesting—in my opinion—than a lot of stuff on the Travel Channel. I thought the show has potential, and is not so formulaic as usual. Give it a chance.

well i can’t believe this guy “Charles Runnette” is a travel writer.. i travel a lot and i can’t believe this guy complain so much about everything. suck it up Charles.. stop bitching. one thing for sure i’m not reading your stuff..

I agree with most of the people on here.  Charles was really annoying.  He basically convinced me that that I shouldn’t visit Chile.  He seemed to have something negative to say about everything.  I liked seeing Andrew on there though.  I’ve actually read some of his stuff in Business Traveler magazine.  His walking tour that he was putting together looked quite interesting.  I’m anxious to find a copy of his article to see what he included in it.  I also found his blog, which I think is quite interesting http://www.walkedandwalked.com

How about the part where he wines all the way back to his seat on the airplane. Then they cut to an interview with him where he says “If you’re a travel writer who complains, like ‘I hate travelling’, well then try something else.”

ex.act.ly.

Most people would be lucky to ever go on a trip like they did.  The other writers seemed to appreciate how lucky they were.  Not Charles, who seemed at best annoyed at having to travel. She needs to “try something else.”

annoying.

fired.

one million strong for Andrew Evans, who actually spoke the language.

Cancel the show these are LOSERS didn’t they do a focus group? Not only that if I see these “writers” I will cancel my subscribtion. Waste of an hour.

The Confessions of a Travel writer is a travel snob. The moment he said in Chili that if the Hotel he was staying Google his name, they would know who he is. Who cares? You Travel to tell people to go some where not to be a class A jerk. This man show is one of the worst travel shows ever. He so about his two mags he writes for, witch is one on a crappy airline and the other one is what? Who cares! He’s not about traveling for the real man. The rich are not the only people that traveling these days. Write for real people not your 1% jack asses! We all travel now. Stop being a high class ass! It’s a big turn off. And so fare what he has shown me has turned me off! he can go to Haven and make me not want to go to it!

I just finished watching the Confessions of a Travel Writer, and read the comments.  I must agree with everyone. charles Runette arrogant, self absorbed, inappropriate who hates his job.  I would not watch him again, nor do I enjoy his negative comments.  What else can I add to get him fired!  Just tell me, and I will write it!

FAIL.

Glad everyone else feels the same. I knew it couldn’t just be me. Could he be anymore negative?? Great show idea, idiot host trying too hard to be Bourdain. Total wanker.

So let me be the 40th person to add that Charles Runnette’s personality is poison for the success of the show. It’s too bad because I think the idea could be a good one. So Travel Channel does this mean there won’t be a second episode? How about buying the idea from Runnette and getting another host?

Charles Runette ruined the show on Chile and actually made me angry.  The Travel Channel needs to get rid of the arrogant, self absorbed jerk as soon as possible.

Relax people…good show, good host.  Charles did great, was a little edgy and added a little something to the show besides travel.  Think travel show with a little reality show (5 people traveling together) added in.

All you so negative just don’t watch anymore and stop whining!

interesting concept but Charles is awlful.  A real negative person ...needs to be replaced.

Stuart you are either Chuck’s mom or a moron we all want the show GONE.

Agree with every last one of comments about Charles Runette. Heshould’t be hosting the travel channel.

people relax. charles did a great job of pulling the cover back on travel writing and displayed the unique ability of a modern TV host who displays his flaws in an effort to quickly develop the cheering and booing sections of the viewing audience. take it easy…I just want to see less booze more drug use. it’s south america for christs sakes where are the $20 grams of cocaine….charles and shira know what I’m talkin bout

Charles is so damn negative. He came off as a pretentious, narrow minded ass. Its good I never read his work because I would probably burn the magazine.  I am from Chile but listening to this guy, he made me not want to visit. They should recast the host and it would make this show watchable.

Do any of you have a passport, or are you part of the 80% of US citizens who don’t?  Charles was great (do you all sing zippy do da 100% of the time on your travels??).  You read any Theroux?  He’s a realist and tells it like it is as well.  Get out of your condo in Florida and explore!

OK Chuck’s two friends are here we who LOVE the thravel channel need to make sure that this crap and the people who brought it to us ARE GONE. Come on Tony, Sam and Andrew. Speak up.

Charles Runnette was very annoying and rude most of the time, and on top of it they gave some wrong information about Chile ,for example they called the Chilean countryman and skilled horseman “Gauchos” ,that is how they are called in Argentina and Uruguay in Chile they are called ”Huasos”.
Waste of time watching the show!!!!!!!!!

OK   Stuart! I Travel at least once a year out of our nation, and Chile is one nations at the top of my list places to go. When was the last time you been out of our nation? Just because most feel this guy was a Jerk does not mean people don’t travel. You must be this snobs mom!

Yes, Stuart, I have a passport and have been fortunate to visit many countries, including Chile.  The people I met were warm and friendly.  Yes, their lifestyle was different and not everything was to my taste, but that is why I travel, to explore other cultures.  Good manners are universal, and are sadly lacking in Charles’ s commentary.  He was abrasive and insulting and sadly, his cutting-edge sarcasm reflects poorly on those of us who do have passports and do travel.  If he can’t find anything he likes about the country, shut up and move on.

Travel Channel, you blew it this time.

I have to turn it off….what a jerk! Serious superiority complex….can you say humility?

The sad/amusing thing is that the ‘too-green-behind-ears’ producer of this show over at the Travel Channel may try to position all the postings on here as a demonstration of the attention the show can generate.

Just in case that producer is suffering that delusion—I didn’t like the show and do not intend to ever watch it again.  Once was quite enough, thank you.

PS: I’m betting Stuart is neither Charles’s lover nor his mother—but rather, he’s that ‘too-green-behind-ears’ producer of this show…

Stuart/MF (cause I am assuming you are the same person or maybe Charles himself), get a clue and get your head out of your butt.  I’ve been to 23 countries and still consider myself an amateur traveler.  I was trapped in Thailand last year during the airport closures, a ridiculously unpleasant experience, but still was able to enjoy all that Bangkok has to offer.  Charles was great?  Seriously, what are you smoking?  All he did was belittle his fellow travelers, whine incessantly about his hotel room and criticize every minor inconvenience.  When he followed Shira into her room uninvited and told her he was checking to see the size of her room compared to his, HE WASN’T KIDDING.  This is being a great host?  New flash to Chuck, these tourism boards are providing you with a fabulous trip, showing you the best of what their countries have to offer, all FOR FREE, with no guarantee you will even write something good about it.  To paraphrase the old saying, if you don’t like the room, how do you feel about the price?  He’s not edgy, he’s not a realist, he’s just an a-hole.  He’s clearly unhappy with his life and jealous of anyone who is better looking or make more money or has better social skills than he does.

Here’s how he compares with Bourdain.  If they were both in Saigon having the best street food, Bourdain would talk about the layers of flavor of the soup, the time honored traditions and the pride of the people serving it.  The Chuckster would just whine that the plastic chair isn’t comfortable enough or the spoon was awkward to handle or he had to wait too long in a line with people he couldn’t understand.  Bourdain respects the local culture and the pride of the people in what they do and how they live.  Charles just pisses on it as not up to his standards.

When there are 57 comments, and 53 of them hate this guy, maybe the 4 of you (1 of you?) who don’t should step back and ask yourself what everyone else is seeing that you don’t.  Or continue to live in your own little world, shake your fist at the moon and convince yourself that you are the sane one and everyone else is nuts.  Let me know how that works out for ya!

Jeanne, you are right.  I was trying to make the point that for people who travel (maybe roam is a better word), not vacation, but travel, where the journey is the enjoyment, that it’s not 100% fun.  There are a lot of times where you just wish you were back in your own environment.  If you travel solo, you also get lonely, wonder what you are doing, etc… And if you watched the show, they were moving all the time, doing 4-5 things a day.
To answer your question, a travel a bit, but not as much as in the past.  I was in Peru for a couple weeks in June.  just got in tonight from driving around Colorado solo with no destination for a few days. 
I don’t know this host and actually have never watched a travel show before (but I will now), but I really did think he was fine.  Sure, to whine about a room and say ‘google my name’, that was kinda silly, but I thought he just told it like it was.  Some of the other people did not add much.  They could probably get rid off all of them but the host and the National Geographic guy.

ARRRRRRGH! It just started again! I’m switching to “Pawn Star”

update: his travel writing is actually pretty compelling…i took his advice and googled him.  stick to your day job?

i’m watching it again to see if i can understand the hatred towards the guy.  PS, I just watched some show with a guy named Boudrais or something and his show was interesting for the culture, but he was rather boring, give me Charles!

You guys are no fun at all. So what if he was bitchy? I thought the show was hilarious and pretty real.
Grow a sense of humor you Pollyannas.

anthony bourdain has class. this guy should watch his show and learn something.

I like both. Why does it have to be either/or?
Chill out folks! It was different & amusing.

I might mention this is the first time I have EVER commented on any show. Ever. I actually had to change the channel because I couldn’t stand his whiny voice any longer.
The village idiot? How rude was that comment?

It’s the travel channel, not the disney channel. I travel quite a bit—I love it—but it doesn’t mean I rave about every aspect of every trip. People who actually travel will tell you that it is exhilarating and fun, as well as exhausting and inconvenient. It’s ok to tell the truth, even if it shatters some long-held fantasies of some commenters on this blog.

Also, it would have been much worse if he had raved about the trip just b/c it was gratis. The *whole* point is to serve the traveler, not the tourism boards and properties.

Charles Runnette gives new meaning to “ugly American….” what a true statement. I have watched the show for about 35 minutes now… Charles is too whinny! The show will probably only work if you change the host. When you host a travel show… you want to hear the positives about the place… if it stinks just say so but don’t whine all the time about it..

Anne, I don’t think they will get it.  They can’t seem to get past the host and his straightforwardness (is that a word?).

Goodnight, all.

L

What?? Are you serious?  So when you watch ‘Meet the Press’ or like shows or political debates, you just want one sentence answers and no back up??  Seriously??  Wow!  I think Bush and Cheney liked people like you when they did their magic show in ‘03.

Anne, I agree that travel has its ups and downs, but there is a difference between educating viewers on highs and lows ( as does Rick Steves,) and whining about every inconvenience, such as a back seat on a full flight,  a small hotel room (hey, lots of foreign rooms are small, even in 4 and 5 star hotels), etc.  Unfortunately, Charles came off as a whiny, complaining child.  Bad editing? Maybe.  But what could have been an informative travelogue was not produced to put Charles in a good light.  Make the best of a situation, take the high road, and next time, pay for the trip yourself,  book first class air travel or a chauffered limo,  get a suite in an American-run resort, and have a nice sterile out-of-touch trip, or deal with the inconveniences with graciousness and class.

How did this guy get his own travel show?  With a great, big, exciting world out there just waiting to be discovered, The Travel Channel picks some pretentious, unappreciative spoiled little girl.  I love the concept of this show, but watching this guy for 5 mins ensured I will never watch this show again.  BTW… hey Charles!  It wasn’t an accident that you got the worst room out of the whole group :)

And to Anne and Stuart -

There is nothing wrong with a realistic and straightforward perspective about cities and other destinations. That’s the stuff I enjoy watching/reading the most - hearing stories of the good as well as the bad, getting the straight dope on what’s going on. The last thing I want to watch is a tv version of an airline’s biased travel magazine. Anyway, I think the point you’re missing is not only did this guy go about being “straightforward” in the most fraudulant, abrasive way possible, but he whined to the point of belligerence about things that.. aren’t even “bad” by any stretch of the imagination.

I also think it’s hilarious that several people have either uncharacteristically, or for the first time, come out of the woodwork (myself included) to express their disappointment in this show online

Why did they do this show with these no-name, boring travel writers? This show should have Chuck Thompson (Smile When You’re Lying) and Thomas Kohnstamm (Do Travel Writers Go to Hell?). Now that would be something worth watching… with a couple of hardened travel writers with some real insight on things. I’ve been to Torres del Paine before and took a much more challenging, hardcore trip there when I was broke and 26. I couldn’t finish the show today… don’t expect it to last long.

amen, lawrence.  this is absolutely the first time i have gone out of my way to comment about a show (actually i think this is my 3rd post—this site keeps blowing up my blackberry with updates to this damn thread). yours was a thoroughly satisfying rant btw. i think you managed to write exactly what i am feeling. 

the vice magazine guide to travel does hipster sarcasm way better than this tool.

Stuart, Anne:

It would appear that the two of you are the ones who don’t get it.  Do you not yet understand that the criticism of Charles is NOT for his expressing a balanced view of Chile with pros and cons, but rather for his unending criticism of his fellow travelers and local hosts starting from the moment he landed in Santiago before he had even met them, belittling them and holding them up to ridicule behind their backs on nationwide TV with no chance for them to respond, defend themselves or say what it was like for them to travel with him.  Do you condone this behavior, do you simply not see it or what?  That’s what people are up in arms about.  It is completely unprofessional, inappropriate and unpleasantt to watch.  It should never have made the airwaves.  This could have been an interesting show with Charles and the others sharing how to frame an article, how to make it interesting for the reader etc.  Instead, it’s just about petty inconveniences that poor Charles has to endure.  I have been to India 5 times and unlike Charles has on these travel junkets, I didn’t have a local “fixer” making every arrangement and ensuring everything was taken care of, shuttling me around in a spacious minivan.  I would love to see Charles dropped in the middle of Mumbai with no arrangements, a bad map and a pocket full of rupees and told he wil be picked up in 5 days.  Now that would be an interesting show.

And Stuart, for someone who admits (although I have a hard time believing it). that this is the very first travel show you have ever watched, you are awfully sure of yourself as to how good Charles was and how his critics must never travel and live a sheltered life in their Florida Condos.  If you have never watched any other travel show, exactly what is your frame of reference to know with such certainty Charles did such a great job.  It’s like never having had a hamburger before, having a 99 cent burger at a bad fast food place as your first and proclaiming it the finest in the world and telling anyone else who says there are better that they don’t know what they are talking about.  In short, you have zero credentials to even express an opinion and should really quit while you’re behind.

I like almost every travel show on the TLC but I watched the show “Confessions of a Travel Writer” tonight for the first time and already hate it. I can’t stand the show’s host, Charles. I am sure he has done his share of traveling but comes across as someone who is not truly to new experiences, and/or challenges that do come your way when you are traveling; from awful food to small hotel rooms, traveling can be quite an experience. The man seems very pretentious, judgmental and critical of everything… what’s the fun on that? Most likely will not watch again.

I am a talent agent in Los Angeles and I thank God I don’t represent this guy.  You have got to be kidding me Travel Channel???????  I understand the Simon Cowell effect, but come on..  If you know what I mean.  Strange to me…  All the best to you Charles.  I am sure you will do well.

Best.

You guys are complaining too much. The show was enjoyable

The Travel Channel needs more of these type of shows (and No Reservations, 5 Takes ___) vs all the boring Samantha Brown’s ______, Best Places to Pig Out, Hot Dog Paradise,Ice Cream Paradise, Extreme Waterparks.

Ralph:

You must be a sado-masochist!  Enjoyable?  Plus you enjoy 5 Takes?  I bet you have a subscription to USA Today for all of your pithy insight!

Oh, please let me know where you buy your crack, because I’d luv to be as high as you!

Cheers

Sorry, but I can’t watch the rest of this show. Charles is the guy we would leave at the truck stop. “Just get out of the car and no one gets hurt.”  It is very hard to listen to someone who can diminish every other person and their experiences.

Ralpho, like Chucky Runnette and 5 Takes but not Sammy Brown?????  Them are fighting words.  Sam may not be all about depth and insight, but she is sincere (met her during filming in Philly) and is not condescending and trite like Runnette.

Sorry everyone, but i love this article and I caught the show tonight-I loved it. Couldn’t pull myself away. As much as Charles Runnette comes off as a total pompous ass, I found myself chuckling at things he said that I know my heart aren’t right, but at the same time couldn’t deny. There’s a dry wit and honesty I get from Runnette that Im missing from some other prime time travel channel hosts. He’s not trying to be fake. Not a friend to all and Im not buying the simon cowell accusations. He’s a “tells it like it is” type and if you’re angry with my opinions of him then so be it.

i think you’re all the pot calling the kettle black.  so don’t watch.  i feel sorry for him, seems he’s a bit bitter and sad, having to put everyone else down.  but he’s cute. :)

Ok, I don’t get it, Did Charles go on the trip willingly or was he kidnapped? Should I visit this place or not? I think I need another opinion, an open minded one.

Wow. These comments are incredible.

Having not watched the show yet, I can’t comment on it, although I love the idea. But at the risk of being blinkered and uninformed, I’m presuming from the last 100 comments that Charles Runnette comes across as negative and a little arrogant.

Surely a successful travel-writer is someone unobtrusive who spends 90% of his/her time observing and thinking and trying to not foist opinions until it’s all written up - otherwise the opportunity to get the full breadth of the story is lost.

Yes, Paul Theroux is often gloomy and opinionated, but judging from his writing, this happens after he has done his job, which is to collect as much information as he can. And when you’re dealing with people, the best way for them to clam up is to be stroppy and unpleasant.

Charles cited Jan Morris as a major influence. Jan is superb at her job because she’s self-effacing, witty and good-natured but with a 100-megawatt awareness and a non-confrontational self-confidence. That’s the way to do it. That’s the way to get people to open up - and without people opening up, you have no story.

I had the opinion that Charles was sort of an ass at first, but after watching the show, I quite like the guy. I respect his honesty, and I don’ think he was ever insulting or rude for no reason. I’m sure if anyone here had his schedule, you’d be a little on edge sometimes, too. I thought he gave pretty intelligent and humorous commentary, and I definitely think he’s a real pro. I would follow his travel advice in a heartbeat. I thought the show was great and I’ll definitely watch again.

All I will say is that the show is no Bridgett’s Sexiest Beaches.

I thought the show and Runnette were both entertaining. He did complain a bit, but at least he had the guts to speak his mind.

I got the impression that the intent of the show was to provide a true glimpse into travel writing and press trips. From the show, we can gather that press trips aren’t as glamorous as perceived.

Lauren:

Good for you for speaking up.  Of course you have the right to your opinion and no one can, or should, deny that. 

However, it just doesn’t seem to be economically viable for The Travel Channel to produce a series for just two lonely viewers (you and Stuart AKA Charles Runnette), does it?

I imagine they need a few more than that not to lose money…. by the looks of the many comments on here, it’s going to be tough to build that audience for this show with that host…. if they want to experiment, I won’t be watching.  And that’s my opinion.

I really liked the show. The way I see it, Charles is at work. And some people bitch at work. I understand he has a dream job, and for those of us sitting in a cubicle, it seems sacrilege to whine about getting paid to travel. But being carted around in tour buses, staying on a tourism board’s schedule, and hanging out 24/7 with people you may or may not like that much doesn’t sound all that fantastic to me either. Besides, he does like things. The entire last third of the trip in Patagonia, for example. I hope the Travel Channel keeps this show and brings back Charles AND Andrew. They’re both characters, which is fun to watch.

Charles, if you’re reading this, please realize that the vitriol you’ve brought out of the vast majority of anonymous commenters here means you are succeeding. You’ve been called diarrhea, a high school girl, and a candidate for abortion by people who think you were “rude.” Isn’t that special? I, for one, appreciated the way you gave voice to your thoughts. The National Geographic Traveler guy *was* a bit of a dork (in a good way). Shira *was* a shameless self-promoter (and a fine blogger). And mosquitoes *are* annoying, so now I’ll know to bring along some insect repellent on my trip. These are just three examples of completely true statements that you were crucified for. I think many of these readers would prefer the kind of uncritical PR flackery that the Travel Channel devotes most of its airtime to (Sexiest Beaches, Cruises We Love!, anyone?). Yay, everything is wonderful, and to say otherwise would be culturally insensitive and make you sound entitled. Keep up the good work, Charles, and don’t let the criticism get you down. The bleating masses will always have their Pablum. The rest of us can deal with incisive - and occasionally coarse - commentary.

Charles Runnette should take a page from Anthony Bourdain: “Never insult your host.”.  Mr. Runnette came off as rude, crass, pompous and arrogant.  They say that crafty editing can make a person seem however the producers want them to come across to the audience but, they can only use what you give them and Runnette obviously gave them nothing but the worst. 
This show had the potential to be great but I’m afraid I just can’t give it any more space on my DVR.

Wow, over 100 comments in less than 24 hours. That has to be a World Hum record. They should interview more people that nobody likes. :-)

Lauren:

Good for you for speaking up.  Of course you have the right to your opinion and no one can, or should, deny that. 

However, it just doesn’t seem to be economically viable for The Travel Channel to produce a series for just two lonely viewers (you and Stuart AKA Charles Runnette), does it?

I imagine they need a few more than that not to lose money…. by the looks of the many comments on here, it’s going to be tough to build that audience for this show with that host.  He is just too grating and not a good travel guide besides.  If the Travel Channel wants to continue experimenting with him, I just won’t be watching.  And that’s my opinion.

At the beginning of the show, I was fairly annoyed with Charles.  And I was feeling bad for the other writers on this trip, having to see this after his comments were added for airing.
But the longer I watched, the more I realized that he’s just throwing out there what he thinks, whether it’s abrasive or lovely, at least it’s honest. When he thought a place was great, he said so.  When he thought it was lame, he said so.  No pretending, no hyping because someone promoting the place was paying for the trip.

I turned on the TV last night, waiting for the new Bourdain, and happened to catch this show. I was hooked within the first 10 minutes. No one says that you have to live in a sunshine-filled Prozac world to host a travel tv show. He’s honest, and I appreciate that. I’m looking forward to future episodes.

Find something else to watch on tv if you aren’t pleased with him, or better yet, go read a book.

What a difference to the other travel writing show, Word Travels!  The hosts, Robin Esrock and Julia Dimon, are enthusiastic, excited, full of energy, constantly talking about how lucky they are to have the best job in the world.  And the destinations and photography are amazing! 
Check out this clip:  http://www.travelistic.com/video/show/8866/Word-Travels-Highlights
I’ve been following Robin for years on his website Modern Gonzo, and he’s hilarious.  I wonder why Travel Show went for this show, and didn’t pick up Word Travels.

You guys don’t get Word Travels in the US.  It’s around the world on Nat Get Adventure.  It’s a much better show about travel writing, tons of music, cool activities.  They’re filming their third season now, hopefully it will get down to the US one day…

The irony here: lots of people moaning about Charles Runnette making snap, impressionistic and highly partial and personal judgments whilst these very same people are, by doing so, imitating the very same behaviour that they say they loathe. It’s television, for god’s sake. Sounds like a lot of you need to air your paranoid b.s. at a health care town hall meeting. At least you’d be getting out of the freaking house. Also, what’s up with all the thinly-veiled homophobia in these comments?

The show? Not perfect, but I enjoyed the offhandedness of it all. Most travelers, especially seasoned travelers, tend to be jaded, with high expectations. The show communicating that reality in a way that I thought was actually knowing and implicitly self-deprecating. I will watch again.

I really enjoyed the show. There’s a “charles” on every press trip. I love being a travel writer and love exhausting myself on press trips. Keep the show going!

Great concept…bad host.

This show already exist, it’s called Word Travels ( 2 jornalists travelling around the world to find stories) and the hosts are much better.

So Charles,  if you think something is bad, like a penguin. Don’t say so. Just keep your mouth shut. You don’t come out sarcastic or witty, you just sound cranky and past your sell-by date. The only thing I would go to Patagonia for is the penguins, oh and fyi Andrew, I’d like to cuddle a penguin too! I work in a zoo and everyone wants to cuddle the panda - that is such a generic, well understood common-usage phrase. Charles just seems out of touch when he accuses Andrew of wanting to touch the wildlife… Nice article on penguins by the way Andrew!  http://blogs.nationalgeographic.com/blogs/intelligenttravel/2009/03/penguin-places.html I’d definitely watch a travel show with you as the host…

Yeah, Chuck is whiny, petty and hyper judgmental. Who wants to watch that crap? My husband left the couch after 15 minutes, I watched until the end, but won’t tune in again. I love Ant Bourdain for that edgy but honest and respectful line he walks. I hate Sam Brown. But this Runnete guy is the wrong order altogether. He IS the American tourist cliche/nightmare—the worst of SB and AB combined into one person. More importantly, he smells like a bit of a fraud—bad news for a NY Times reporter/TV host. He was never strip searched on the way to Israel. Impossible. Editors, producers…do your fact checking with this litigious weasel. Also, aren’t NYtimes and National Geographic writers forbidden from taking press trips/junkets? Isn’t that what makes those publications so prestigious? Guess not.

Great show, great concept. Host is a bratty snob. I have traveled extensively and he is the perfect example of a rude American. Please, use another host, revolving hosts, anyone but Charles. It made a wonderful show very hard to watch. We are sick of seeing “Deep Fried Paradise”, “Sandwich Paradise”, etc. Some real travel shows like this, with a decent host, would be great. I love Bourdain, so it’s not that I’m opposed to people being cynical, I in fact, love that. Charles wasn’t cynical. He was just plain nasty to people.

As someone who works in the industry I think this show was really well done…. everyone knows most travel writers aren’t “please and thank you” and in awe of everything.  It would be absolutely boring to have a show about “ohhhh so pretty, thanks.”  This is a reality show with drama and sometimes hard-to-take personalities.  Travel writers aren’t generally in awe of anything—they’ve traveled the world and they are trying to be able to alert readers of any potential flaws and what to truly expect.  Well done show—I hope it stays for the season!

Yes, I agree it was realistic.  Here’s my take…just wrote it http://gosw.about.com/b/2009/08/11/confessions-of-a-travel-writer-travel-channel-show.htm

I thought some of the comments about Charles Runnette were not accurate. Yes he comes off as a jerk and no I am not planning on calling him to come along on our next vacation.

But, it is not accurate to say that he did not take joy in anything. He clearly took joy in the beauty of Patagonia and also loved a couple of the hotels.

But… I agree that Travel Channel does not have a winner with this show and this host.

Attention Chuck Runnette and other contributing family members.  We all can understand you running to defend Chuck’s boorish attitude and complete lack of charm and humility.  But too little and too late.

Great concept for a show, just awful selection of Runnette.  He is not witty, not insightful, conceited (why, I’m not too sure), and just seems an awful all-around person.

Please get rid of this show and NEVER let Runnette host a show or write an article again.  Just awful…

I am from Chile, and I felt totally insulted by Runnette.

I wished Runnette could be, at least, more sensitive with the emancipated dogs he saw around.  (quite sad reality in Chile)

Runnette is really aiming high.  In the interview up top, he says: “I love the idea that I could be a part of that choice for some family to skip Disney World one year and go somewhere interesting.”

Gee, what an impressive job he has—protecting families from the horror of Disney World.  I’m sure Patagonians will be most thankful for a deluge by the would-be mouse-eared.  I, however, am not.

The comments above tell me all the reasons I don’t need to watch a show by Mr. Runnette the mouth.

What a horrible attempt at duplicating Word Travels…. with personalities that need to stick to being in print rather than in front of the camera.

I’d much watch Robin Esrock and Julia Dimon from the Word Travels crew.  Too bad Travel channel turned down airing Word Travels in favor of this crap.

Too bad we get screwed here in the U.S. when it comes to travel content on the television.  Canadian and the UK have some great shows that never make it over here.  Meanwhile instead of bringing some of those shows to this side of the Atlantic we get crap like this. Nice.

having lived overseas for two years and travelled extensively beyond that i enjoyed this show.  despite the other reviews out there, i enjoyed the realistic viewpoint charles had towards all it takes to get to destination.  his commentary was clever and sure it was a little negative at times but still honest, clever, and realistic.  it made me chuckle and showed a side of travel and travel writers i hadn’t seen before…hmm..i think that was the point…i’d watch it again.

Um, did I watch a different show? Yes, he was a bit much, but he admitted he was kind of an ass. I appreciate that. And it was clear when he really liked something and that he respected and appreciated what Chile had to offer. Would’ve liked to hear more from the other writers. Still one of the more interesting things on Travel Channel.

There is absolutely no excuse for bad-mouthing one’s travel companions behind their backs. It has nothing whatever to do with the destination, and serves merely as filler. A good travel show does not concentrate on the foibles of the host or his opinions of others.

We watched the show and tried our hardest to enjoy what the writers had to say about their experience.  What we got was an MTV Real World spin off.  It wasn’t about the destination after a point.  It was about Runnette and his negativity.  He had nothing good to say about anything unless he was getting his ass kissed.  As hundreds have said before… Great concept.  Poor execution.

Runnette needs to go.

I think that the overwhelmingly negative, searing comments come from people who do indeed understand and appreciate world travel and have encountered far more challenging hardships and in far more challenging countries than the tourist circuit in Chile - one of the most prosperous countries in South America. Bitching about being stuck in the back of a plane (for a freakin’ 2 hour flight with LAN air - one of the better international carriers!!), the putrid smell of the local fauna and whether the lamb will be done to his liking speaks volumes of how myopic, insipid and jaded this guy is. Being exposed to the mind (or lack thereof) of a travel writer aside, the guy is truly the arrogant and obscene “Ugly American”.  Participating in world travel is truly a gift and is cherished by most who have the means and the time. Many people in the world will never see the inside of an airplane, a wild penguin or set foot into a hotel (let alone the Explora). Though not all, I have visited many countries over the last 20 years (Bhutan, Korea, Laos, Mexico, Chile/Patagonia this year) so the last thing I want to see in my home is yet another dolt who reminds me of the scores of vapid, Paiin-like simpletons who grandstand, whine, insult and denigrate.

And I agree with the hand full of CR’s supporters - I will choose to not watch this program in the future.

I don’t usually comment on the internet, but I really liked the show and want it to continue to see it!

Although I think the show was a case of probably shining a light on something that would have been better left in the shadows, I can’t disagree enough with the people who say that a travel writer should be “open minded.” A *traveler* should be open minded - definitely. No point in traveling if you want the whole world to be like home.

But travel writers, whose job it is to recommend things that other people will enjoy doing, should be the opposite of open minded. They need to be the hardest people to please, because if you can please someone like that, chances are you can please anyone. Unfortunately, it’s their job to be a bit jaded.

Take the “worst hotel room” thing. Runnette was absolutely right about that. Think of it if you were a food critic, and the restaurant you were reviewing knew you were a food critic - would they serve you their worst food, or even average food? I’ve been a restaurant critic and I can tell you if they know you are coming they will special-order food just for you, because they want (need) to please you. So if a hotel puts a journalist in a bad room, it clearly doesn’t want (need) to please him - so why would he need to be open minded about that? If he doesn’t like the smell of penguin poop, why would he need to be like, “I don’t particularly care for the smell of feces, but if you do this is the place for you!!!”

Presumably, there is already some other critic who is writing that. The last thing we need as bloggers and Twitterers and user reviews proliferate, is one more person saying the same thing as all the others.

The show had its flaws, and Runnette really needs to think twice about some of his most petty complaints - or at least beg his editor to be a friend. But if you think good critics aren’t crotchety and hard to please, I think you probably aren’t getting a lot of good advice.

The fact that so many of you are getting steamed up about Charles proves it’s a success - he came of as a lovable smart-ass, pretty dry, pretty funny, pretty damn good. I’d watch more.

This whole ‘he’s so cantankerous, that’s he’s lovable” spin that Charles’s producers, or Charles himself, are trying to put forth is getting as annoying—if not more so—than Charles’s presence on the show.

The gig is up.  He was rude to all those around him, was entirely humorless, and didn’t put in the time or energy to provide a service to prospective travelers.  That’s the bottom line.

One of you guys that speaks with him, please do Charles a favor and tell him he’s in the wrong profession.

Watched the show last night and have read the comments…
When was the last time ANY show on the Travel Channel received so much attention?
I just think it is great that there’s an episode of ANYTHING on the TC that is getting any buzz.
At least it was one hour not devoted to poker!
Yes, Charles was rude and arrogant. 
He made me laugh, but I understand how he would annoy a lot of people.
Yes, the other journalists needed more attention and time.
One hour is too ambitious for five people, six days, and a big country.
Yes, the CITIES..the acutal SITES in Chile deserved more attention, but remember this was shot as a one-hour pilot…an experiment…and clearly there’s work to be done.
I have to give the Travel Channel credit for trying something new.
I hope they keep it, in some form, and improve upon some obvious flaws.
But, again, at least the powers-that-be are trying to air an actual TRAVEL themed show.

The haters need meds, clearly. I can understand not liking it, but the level of vitriol is just plain weird. It was a one-hour show about travel writers. I thought it was entertaining for the most part. Actually a tad boring at times, but fine as these shows go. But really, he didn’t kill kittens or rip up a holy text. What’s up with the apoplectic rage?

And no, I’m not Charles.

I wouldn’t mind seeing the producers change from one travel writer to another. Just to see what problems they run into. It doesn’t have to be one writer’s perspective. Why not several?

I really enjoyed the show! Comparing this show to the Travel Channel’s other new show, Man vs. Food, i pick “Confession’s of a Travel Writer” in a second. Man vs Food is corny, contrived, and disgusting. For being the Travel Channel this show is a good fit, especialy with “No Reservations” on the same night. I think Charles’s arrogance is entertaining. I would think that you need a little arrogance on a trip like that. Don’t most critics carry around some?

“Why would anyone want travel advice from him “

Why wouldn’t you? He said what was on his mind. He recommended the hotel he stayed in Valparaiso but not the specific room because it had one tiny window. Some people might appreciate his advice about the Penguin island and the fishmarket. You people must surely want all your shows hosted by Samantha Brown

Was working overseas last week and got home last night to watch DVR of show. I travel a lot and appreciated the shrewd take on travel, but host Charles lost me with his profound disrespect of people and places, the two main ingredients of travel. I agree with you Sierra, love Bourdain, loathe Sam Brown. This is a lame attempt to capture edgy programing. Also agree that Mossad agents at JFK doing a strip search… entirely unlikely, if not illegal. Runnette just strikes me as a liar. Sometimes you just know when you’re being fed BS. How could the New York Times let this idiot write for them? Haven’t they had enough plaigarism scandals? Maybe try your hand at fiction Chuckie. Andrew was okay, but his golden boy routine was annoying. And why on earth would a National Geographic writer jeapordize his career by taking press junkets? This whole thing is fishy. Bad Travel Channel, bad!

Denver-

The reason one wouldn’t want his advice is that he just doesn’t do his homework.  Before he utters a word to be heard by his clients (us, the potential travelers), he should have depth of knowledge about what he’s talking about.  One example from the show follows.

Their first hotel is the Hyatt Hotel in the Las Condes part of Santiago.  I’ve stayed there a dozen times over the years in all the types of rooms they have.  The travel writers group were given rooms on the Club Floor—I know that b/c that’s where they checked in for their rooms (as opposed to the ground floor).  All the rooms in the hotel are the same with the exception of a few over the top suites.  With the exception of those select suites, every room in the hotel is exactly the same—and quite comfortable I might add.  It’s a large bed with a sunken small living room.  The building is a cone shape - so all these rooms have large curved window frames.  His first rant is to compare his room to the one that another travel writer got and to complain that the configuration of his room is how hotels ‘trick’ guest into thinking they’ve been offered something more.  Well the fact of the matter is that the overwhelming majority of the rooms in that hotel are exactly the same.  In fact a room on the club floor is the same as a room on a non-club floor—the only difference is that on the club floor they serve a free continental breakfast and evening hors d’oeuvres and wine in a large room, two stories high, with large window panels overlooking the Andes; this is in fact where Charles is sitting when he is interviewed during this initial segment of the show.

I’ve gone on long enough - but the point is that there is a lot of information that a travel writer should know about a place he is reporting from—before he/she open his/her mouth.  Charles had no idea in this segment when he critiqued the riooms—which makes the rest of his so-called travel reporting suspect.

I want/need opinions based on review of factual information I can use in my travels—not diatribes by a lazy travel writer.  I wonder if the New York Times fact checks his submissions….?

Agree that the TC should have picked up Word Travels instead.

I totally agree with lots of people here. Charles was very negative, complaining all the time, arrogant!!! How can he get to travel but apparently never truly enjoy anything???? ugh! I couldn’t watch any more of the show because of him, I really got tired of the way he was “hosting” this show.
I will never watch the show again if he keeps hosting it!

What hotel did Charles actually stay in in Valparaiso?  It looked okay to me.

Working through the posts, I was glad to see others pointing out that the host and show actually were positive on things throughout—I actually appreciated those positive points all the more because of the healthy mix with the downsides.  That’s a lot more interesting and credible than fuzzy eyed blather throughout.  I also agree with those who are suprised at the over-the-top, frothing criticism that is far more arrogant and self absorbed than the silly caricature of the host they are ranting about.

A very entertaining show with, frankly, just the right host and other personalities.  No Reservations is the only other Travel Channel show I can stand, as far as my own taste goes, and I try to catch every episode.  Confessions would be a fantastic addition that would probably draw in a lot more viewers to the channel, and I’m sure all the horrified commenters here and on other message boards I’ve visited in learning more about this show can survive on the other hours of cheery bikinis, monster burgers, and biting creepy crawlees.  Let the rest of us enjoy a brief respite in the jaded, snarky, ironic, but also self-deprecating and still appreciative and intelligent under everything that shows like this offer.

William—but what if the host just gave out wrong information like other guys say on here.  that means he’s not a good host for the show.  maybe one of the other guys—like the blogging woman or the national geographic guy could be better hosts - they both seemed into it—getting down and dirty—finding out stuff for their readers—enjoying what they do for a living.
this charles guy just seemd liked he had a headache the whole time.  if i want a headache i can just get on the freeway for a couple of hours.  i think they should chuck charles

To a mindful person, the world appears richer and more unfathomably huge as time goes on. 

  For the small-minded, the opposite is true.

131 comments, and almost universally negative. Wow! A journalist’s (and publisher’s) dream: controversy.

I admit I watch TV infrequently, so I am not as knowledgeable as you all; I do know that I tire of the Travel Channel’s many shows’ singular focus on food; Zimmerman eats insects, the guy on Man v Food who grows increasingly fat as we watch, etc. Only Anthony Bourdain brings a balance between his quest for food and his love of travel.

I caught Confessions of a Travel Writer purely by accident, and loved every moment of it. I smiled, I laughed, I even said to my wife, “I LOVE this guy’s (Charles Runnette) acerbic sensibility.” Which many of you despised.

Not every travel show can or should offer the same pretty pictures of pretty places. This show dares to be something different: a behind the scenes peek at the often catty behavior that occurs in what most of us view as a dream job. Not everything, everywhere, all the time is peaches and cream. In a humorous way, Charles Runnette) shows us the back-scratching, the backbiting, and the mosquitoes biting.

Please do not allow my comments to offend you: different strokes for different folks, after all, is what makes the world go round.

I loved the concept of the show (travel writers touring together) and would like to see more. And hey, Charles didn’t hate everything. He loved Patagonia (except for the mosquitoes.)

I actually enjoyed the show and at first blush thought this seemed like a great vehicle for the Network! Although I would probably enjoy less of Charles negative barbs, I rather enjoyed his overall commentary. I felt like we as viewers got an insight into what the travel writers world is like. I enjoyed the Chilian tour and the rather colorful mix of this group! I personally would like to see more of this program and perhaps with different mixes of travel writers with Charles continuing the commentary and hosting each week. Travel Channel: Please continue with this programming and just tweak and refine abit as you go! I believe you actually have a great raw product!

I just saw the show and though it was FANTASTIC.  Come on people—you didn’t find this hilariously entertaining??? Lighten up! 

It was a great and accurate portrayal of a press trip and a life of a travel writer.  Would have liked to see some of the night life moments… didn’t they go out?  But, overall, great premise for a show—six travel writers together on a trip to a foriegn country. I bet there are many more fun places and quirky personalities for future shows.  And Charles was a great host.  I’m glad he joked around and made snarky comments—it made the pace of the show great and super fun to watch.  Best reality show I’ve seen in a long time.

Back from a trip and just caught the show last night.  Didn’t like this Charles Runnette character..

Travel Channel can continue to run this program with this guy—but I am just not going to watch it.

I don’t know how DMG above says that this is somebody’s dream.  Don’t you need people to watch a TV show in order for it to be successful?  From the looks of most of these comments - doesn’t seem like a lot of other people want to sit through an hour with this guy either.

Travel Channel - It would be really cool to be able to read the articles and blog written after the trip.

Great concept, but poor excecution because of the host. Charles Runnette’s performance on this first episode of Confessions of a Travel Writer has been enough to keep me from watching any others. His arrogance is surpassed only by his inability to relate to his fellow writers, hosts, and the places he visits. He whines like a pre-adolescent. Unless it’s about him, it’s not worth mentioning. His comments about his fellow writers are unprofessional as is his “I was the only one who didn’t get a nice room” rant. Gees, give us a break. Traveling is not about comfort, it’s not about your own narrow views, or your own likes/dislikes. It is about immersing yourself in a new and different environment.

Traveling should be about learning about the world so that you learn about yourself. Mr. Runnette will never be a world class traveler because he is so content with his own tastes, his own personality, his own viewpoint. Sad to see a man of his age with such a narrow, self-centered worldview. He might as well stay at home because he seemingly gets little out of his travel except when he is catered to, given fine wines and the best rooms.

His style seems to be a relentless sneer at things he is uncomfortable with, things he knows nothing about, and people he deems unworthy of his attention. Too bad, he might have the potential to be an insightful commentator if he ever “decides” to grow up (“decides” as in his “decision” to try the rock climbing). There was one point where I felt he was trying to sound like Bourdain, but he lacks the intellectual depth and sincerity and personal charisma to pull it off. Cynics are palatable only if they gain your respect first. Runnette can never do that.

I wish the show would have had a rotating focus. It would have been more interesting and certainly more positive if each writer had his or her own voice, if the viewpoint had shifted.

If Charles Runnette is the permanent host, I will not be watching this show. His “I love travel” comments at the end of the show seem to ring untrue given how he behaved and spoke throughout most of the show.

I h ope The Travel Channel will retool this show and remove this host. Viewers deserve better.

I tried to watch this show about 4 times, travel is a huge interest of mine. I cannot get past the fact that Charles Runnette is EXTREMELY negative and always has something sad and pathetic to say. He seems bitter and extremely jealous or envious of other writers. He seems to cover his own inadequate skills as a writer by putting down others and the tours he was on. The only time he was happy was when he was alone or criticising the other writers. I agree with a few others, if he is a regular or the host on this show I will not be watching it. And after 4 attempts I still have not watched this show through til the end.

Hi, Kevin G,

Any wise publisher or producer seeks controversy, no matter how polarized the perspective it generates. And Charles Runnette definitely has polarized the show’s opening audience. Consider all the readers of this website, interview, and our follow-on comments who missed the episode: they will make a point to catch the episode to decide for themselves whether Charles Runnette really is a jerk. (btw, these ~140 comments are akin to an unedited “letters to the editor” of your favorite newspaper or magazine. Why do you think the publisher makes available valuable space for those comments?)

I suspect, and would bet I am correct, that when the production team edited the 80 hours of video for 43 minutes of TV, decisions were made; they decided to play up the “snarky” comments at the possible cost of polarizing the show’s audience. Moreover, it is acknowledged fact that negative postings on the Internet overwhelm the positive, which means that as the negative posts accumulate, the producers and the Travel Channel calculate—well, infer—the numbers of viewers who enjoyed the episode.

And do not forget that like any work of art, a few mid-course corrections could yet occur. But the vote is in: the show’s viewers are a vocal and passionate group, which probably means more episodes to come. I sure hope so! With Charles as host, of course. :-)

Thank you for your comments.

Dear DMG

You talk like an insider—you must be tied to the show hoping against all odds that if you manage to get just one more positive post in—that the Travel channel will listen.  So I’m not an executive at the travel channel—just an unimportant viewer.

Oh well, I guess the producers of the show are numerous to make an audience.  Enjoy your get-togethers and writing entries in such places as this website.  Since I won’t be watching—I also won’t be commenting.  One viewing was enough for me.

Best of luck in your future endeavors, (Charles).

No, Kevin,

I am neither insider nor tied to the show. Just someone with some business knowledge who happened upon the show last night, and then found this website.

Thank you for the conversation.
David

I like the concept of the show, my comments are of structure and composition:

It was caught between being a traditional travel show , an insiders “how to” guide, and a reality show. It has the potential to do any of the three, but a clear narrative did not emerge from the pilot.

The show underlined an interesting question: can a group of professionals in a highly-structured schedule, have an ‘authentic’ travel experience and have real human stories? Charles previous trip to Chile was alluded to as back-story, but could have been used to compare and contrast the glimpse that the audience now sees. This would provide an opportunity for insight and a personal connection to the hosts of the show.

If the show hoped to capture reality TV moments,it had a fundamental design flaw: conflict generally requires a degree of dependence or interdependence.  We saw a glimpse of this in the segment with Andrew and Jimmy walking the streets, but there was little narrative the the relationship to build upon.

I would like to see more time devoted to developing the other members of the trip. The team seemed to be presented as foils for Christopher whom otherwise resonates flatly in the show. I would suggest increasing the dialogue of other members of the group, or losing them entirely.

In all fairness, I don’t the show was bad at all. I think what we’re seeing is people settling some scores. Any other writer would have sailed through this, but I don’t think Mr. Runnette had enough good will among his fellow travelers to get a free pass. He has made his own fair share of rude comments about his colleagues in the past, and I think the knives were really out for him on this one.

Getting back to the show, it wasn’t Tony Bourdain, but not bad as the TC goes.

Stumbled on the show with a group of firends - so smart, funny, and real - loved insider view that I’ve never seen before (so not Gwyneth riding around smiling in a convertible - boring!) . Felt naughty like eavesdropping and like I got a bit of travel without jetlag. Can’t find when on again to show friends.  These responses sound kind of hurt and personal - maybe like they’re from friends of people who got jabbed on the show - that’s sweet but maybe missing the big picture.

Have these people never traveled with a group of people- all the personalities, egos, various rediculousness-  and gossiped with their friend late night in the room? But here it’s with an insightful, sarcastic but still positive roommate - not afraid to call it as he sees it. Everyone I know has travel writer fantasy - so it’s cool to see what it’s really like. There are enough travel ads and PR shows out there, this is what we want!  I’d travel with that host in person or virtually. It was just fun!

For cripes sake….someone let the air out of that gas-bag.  I chanced upon the show, gave it a solid 20 minutes (18 of which seemed to be nothing but him whining) and decided that it has nothing to offer, other than negativity and petty sniping, by a man who clearly HATES to travel.  Charles seems to exude bored, petulance!  I would neither travel with him, nor heed his advice on the subject of travel.

And, no, I don’t think “negative” comments will cause a groundswell of viewers to tune in to watch this sad, pathetic man yammer on.  Like me, many will just never watch the show again.

I think that Charles is a hoot! He is hilarious. I go to conferences all the time and they are horrid. I can’t imagine how boring press junkets would be and he is able to make the most of them.
I think he makes the show.
Go Charles!

Yeh, some of the negative criticisms are true…but the show is damn entertaining thanks to Charles. I rarely watch the Travel Channel, but would TIVO this in a second if it stays on. I sure hope so!

Charles give up your friends and parents are not gonna save this crap show and you are the crap in a crap sandwich. You stink.

After reading these nasty comments, I decided to watch the show for the third time with my roommate, and I’m sorry I still love Confessions of a Travel Writer. The things people said on here are far worse than anything Charles said on the show. As enticing as travel can be, I’ve experienced my fair share of irritability with fellow travel companions, so why can’t he? As a writer aren’t you supposed to be observant of your surroundings, which include first impressions? I appreciated his lack of filtering and I’m sure the Travel Channel played it up. I enjoyed his sarcastic personality.  If anyone was offended on the show wouldn’t they have spoken up since it aired? This show wasn’t supposed to be about Chile. I thought the show was about the relationship between travel, the writer, and the writing process. My favorite part was when Charles found inspiration for his piece. I hope they keep the show, yet I would like to hear more from other travel writers’ point of views as their preferred writing topics were diverse, and I found them all interesting.

Deanna
You watched it for a third time?  You’ve got to be kidding.  Who’s paying you?

All I have to say is it that it is way better than Man versus Food. I’d rather watch Charles Runnette whine for an hour than watch that guy eat.