Harry,
When I saw the heading of your post, but before I read the post itself, I immediately thought of Bill Bryson. It's hard to think of a better modern travel writer. I know you're a fan of his, and so am I.
Paul Theroux is similar to Bryson in that he is an American living in Britain, and he has made some similar trips (his Kingdom by the Sea cf. Bryson's Notes from a Small Island). He speciaises in long trips by rail (The Great Railway Bazaar, The Old Patagonian Express, Riding the Iron Rooster). He has a light, casual style, although he is nowhere near as funny as Bryon.
Another favourite of mine is Mark Twain. I've recently (re-)read and enjoyed Roughing It and Innocents Abroad.
Mike
|