As someone who devours travel literature like candy, I approached *The Best American Travel Writing 2021* with equal parts excitement and trepidation. Edited by Padma Lakshmi, this anthology promised a unique take on travel during a time when the world stood still. Here’s my honest take after reading it cover to cover.

The Good: The standout essays are *phenomenal*. 'Mississippi: A Poem, in Days' is a raw, poetic gut-punch about Black travel in America—uncomfortable but necessary reading. 'Out There, Nobody Can Hear You Scream' similarly tackles racism in outdoor spaces with unflinching clarity. The pandemic-themed pieces, like the harrowing cruise ship quarantine story, made me clutch my blanket—they’re that visceral.

The Bad: If you’re craving escapist wanderlust, brace yourself. Many essays dwell on COVID’s bleakness ('I Decided to Leave' chronicles NYC lockdown fatigue). Some political undertones (like critiques of Trump) might polarize readers seeking pure travel vibes.

Unexpected Gems: 'Good Bread' (a love letter to French bakeries) and 'Five Oceans, Five Deeps' (a Bond-worthy deep-sea adventure) are dazzling palate cleansers. The Alaskan wilderness essay 'Wanderlust'? Pure magic—until the jarring bird-hunting passage (fair warning for animal lovers).

Final Verdict: This isn’t your typical '10 Must-See Beaches' fluff. It’s a gritty, emotional time capsule of 2020–2021. Perfect for readers who want travel writing with societal depth—but if you’re COVID-weary or prefer apolitical escapes, skip it.