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Blog • Perfecting your Craft

Last updated on Jul 12, 2023

How to Become a Travel Writer in 5 Steps: A Guide for Travel Bugs

For most people, trekking through the mountains or sampling French cuisine is a rare treat. For travel writers, it might just be another day on the job. As their job title suggests, travel writers create content about anything and everything related to exploring the world. 

Whether they’re writing to help readers plan a trip or to transport them — through words — to places they may never visit, no two travel writers share the same journey through their careers. But if you intend to walk down this road and become a travel writer, here are five steps to help you on your professional adventure.

Learn to be a descriptive writer and a thorough researcher

If there’s a single skill-set that almost all great travel writers share, it would be in research and descriptive writing. While people in this profession often have degrees in English or journalism, this is not a strict requirement. People come to travel writing from all walks of life, and publications tend to be concerned with your ability to deliver a great piece over any advanced degree. 

Although there isn’t any specific travel writing degree, if you want to learn all you can in one centralized place, there are many travel writing courses that train everyone from experienced journalists to new writers. 

Immerse readers with your descriptive writing

Readers want you to take them on a journey with you. If you can’t pay for them to join you on a sea voyage to the Azores, you’ll have to settle for evoking the five senses and other descriptive writing techniques. 

Take for example, Paul Theroux. A prolific travel writer with a career spanning five decades, he’s treasured for his ability to pull readers into his adventures with simple yet evocative language, as he does in his essay, “ Taking the Great American Roadtrip ”: 

What made Barstow's billboards a peculiar blight was the contrast with everything that lay around them—the landscape that was so stark and dramatic as a brooding expanse of withered shrubs and fat cactuses, the stony roads that seemed to lead nowhere, the bleak and beautiful backdrop that seemed as though no one had laid a hand on it, with lively colorations at a distance and up close so dry, like a valley of bones looking as though they could not support life. I had seen deserts in Patagonia and Turkmenistan, northern Kenya and Xinjiang in western China; but I had never seen anything like this. The revelation of the Mojave Desert was (peering past the billboards) not just its illusion of emptiness but its assertive power of exclusion, the low bald hills and far-off mountains looking toasted and forbidding under the darkening sky.

Theroux invites the reader on the road with him and describes the desert landscape in crisp detail. The use of simile (“like a valley of bones”) and strong language (“stark, dramatic”) brings the piece to life and gives us a view from Theroux’s window so it feels like we’re traveling along with him. 

How do you remember and keep track of all these details while you’re on the go? Keeping a journal while you’re traveling — even if it’s just to another part of the town you live in — is a great method to have all the information you need to write your story when you finally get to sit down and reflect on your journey. 

Cherry-pick the details that will tell the best story

Though you may have recorded many interesting details, you can’t include everything. Travel writing may feature a lot of exposition to set the scene, but it isn’t the same thing as keeping a journal. To make a stronger piece, you need to focus on the right stories and details, which means knowing what to add and what you can leave out.

At the same time, being concise is important. Unless you’re running your own blog or website, most digital or physical publications will have word limits to adhere to. Identifying what’s most important and most interesting to your audience as you write makes for more compelling writing. 

Preparation is key

For travel writers, research skills go hand-in-hand with writing skills. You might be asked to write about a topic you aren’t familiar with or you might need to learn more about a place’s history or background to give your piece greater context. Research will allow you to create an accurate and well-informed story and help fill in the gaps in your own knowledge. And who knows, you might stumble on something that will inspire your next trip or story. 

Before you begin planning your next trip to the most popular destination of the year, you need to research where everyone has already gone. If you find a lot of articles about solo travel in Brazil, that might mean you need to find a new angle or pick a different place entirely, and down another research rabbit hole you’ll go. 

Learning as much as you can about the culture and history of the place you’re visiting will undoubtedly deepen your understanding and experience of it. A monument or a park might be pretty and fun to hang out in, but knowing that New York City’s Washington Square Park was built over the graves of 20,000 people makes for both an interesting angle and a more emotionally impactful piece.

Even if you want to write from the perspective of someone going into an experience blind, you still need to do research to travel anywhere — or you’ll end up writing a travelog where you barely find your way out of the airport parking lot. 

While these are the main two skills you should focus on, there are a few more that can give you and your writing a boost. 

Interviewing

A subset of research, learning how to interview effectively will broaden the scope of your knowledge and your writing. Sometimes, you need a perspective other than your own, and who better to tell you about all the hidden secrets of Barcelona than a local? It’s an invaluable skill — especially for a travel writer — to be able to go into a place and speak to people, to get their stories and perspectives so you can go beyond just being a tourist. It’s a way to pull back the curtain and really connect yourself and your reader with the wider world. 

Travel writers do this quite often, and a great example can be seen in Anthony Bourdain’s TV show, Parts Unknown . On the surface, this food travel show showcases the cuisines of the world. But Bourdain’s interests, and thus the show’s, were much more focused on the lives of the people he’d meet along the way. 

If you also want to write in a way that exceeds the usual ‘visit-here-and-eat-that’ humdrum of most so-called travel writing and really start to understand the people you’ll encounter, you’ll need to become a passable interviewer.

Finding people to interview, asking the right questions, and making your interviewee comfortable are the main things that go into conducting a successful interview. Before you go out into the wider world, you can practice with friends, but really, the best way to learn is by doing. Record your interviews or take notes to ensure you don’t forget anything and have quotes to use for when you write your story. And, of course, ask permission before you conduct the interview or use the material.

With your notes and quotes in order, you then need to do the hard part: figure out what’s relevant. You may have dozens of poignant quotes and conversations, but it’s inevitable that you’ll have more raw material than you’ll be able to use. There’s no one right way to make this judgment. It takes time, experimentation, and experience to figure which ones are the best and order them together into one coherent whole. 

Stay up to date with the travel industry

While not necessarily a skill, part of being a good travel writer is being in the know about what’s happening in the travel industry. After all, the larger trends of people’s travel habits, popular destinations, and the state of major airlines and hotels influences the kind of information people are looking for. And it can always serve as inspiration for your next story. There are dozens of industry newsletters you can subscribe to that will keep you apprised of any new developments (including job openings and calls for pitches) in the world of travel, such as Lottie Gross’s Talking Travel Writing . Use them wisely. 

Staying up to date is also knowing where the opportunities to monetize your writing lie. The travel industry is full of affiliate programs and content partnerships, where you can get paid for your work without having to sell it to a publisher or outlet. Your chances of landing these types of deals significantly increase if you have your own blog or social media accounts with a good amount of subscribers, but there may be other opportunities out there as well if you’re savvy.

Even travel writers who don’t consider themselves “influencers” can learn a lot from people creating video content relating to travel topics, especially when it comes to how to make a profit off their content.  If you’re interested in running and making money off your own blog, knowing about programs like these and where to find them is incredibly important. 

Whether you’re looking to get a brand partnership, pitch an online publication, or a guest post on a travel blog, learning the basics of search engine optimization (SEO) and applying it to your writing will help you as you search for opportunities. Essentially, SEO is about optimizing a web page — in this case, your article — to be read by a search engine and draw users to it. It’s no surprise, then, that many publications value writers who have SEO skills and can optimize their articles to bring more traffic to their website.

Learn to take good photos

Besides being a competent and compelling writer, there's another skill that you should look to hone: photography. As much as people enjoy reading about places they’ve never been to, descriptive writing and imagination can only go so far. When it comes to travel, a picture can truly speak more than a thousand words. And a video might be even better. Visual media adds extra color and context to your piece while complementing your writing. 

Depending on whether you’re freelancing or working full-time for a publication, you won’t always have a photographer following you on your journey. Learning the basics of photography can be helpful in those instances and make you a more well-rounded travel writer. In some cases, it might even be attractive to publications if you can provide your own photos. Consider posting what you capture on your personal blog, Instagram, or TikTok as well. Any way of building a following is great.

This doesn’t mean you must invest in a quality DSLR camera (though you certainly can). These days, many smartphones have top-of-the-line cameras that can take the kinds of stunning pictures of white sand beaches and ancient castles that readers are looking for. A beginner’s photography course can help you learn all the basics about lighting, color, and composition and have you snapping great shots in no time. 

📸 Taking plenty of photos can also help you ace your descriptive writing, for those moments when you’re struggling to recall specific details about a place you visited. 

Build a portfolio of work

Once you have a solid foundation of skills, you can begin creating your portfolio. While you might dream of being a staff writer at a travel publication, or make a living as a freelance travel writer, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to jump straight into that role. 

Find a niche you love

Unsurprisingly, travel writing is a popular choice for aspiring writers. Who doesn’t want to galavant around the world and make a living writing about your adventures? But, of course, that also means it’s a very competitive field, and standing out can be difficult. Finding a way to differentiate yourself will give you a leg up and provide a focus for your articles. 

The great thing about travel writing is that there is a nearly never-ending number of niches you could devote yourself to. You can write exclusively about a certain country or area of the world or gear your work towards a specific audience, such as budget travelers, people traveling with family, or digital nomads. If you have a unique perspective, it’s likely that people will want to read about it. 

That isn’t to say you can’t write outside your chosen subfield. Plenty of writers find success publishing in their niche and then expanding their reach to become a sort of jack of all trades. Having a focus will simply allow you to stand out from the crowd. 

Collect some quality clips

First, you need to build up a reputation and a solid amount of quality clips — a journalistic term for published articles. They will serve as your resume, showing off your writing and research skills, as well as the topics you’re familiar with and your general style. As you start looking for ways to build your portfolio, internships, freelance opportunities, and blogging can all be great ways to start out. 

💡If you’re curious about the many kinds of work travel writers can do, check out this post about the different types of travel writing . 

📕And if you already have a travel writing blog, you might want to turn your blog into a book that you can pitch to publishers or self-publish.

Look for internships

Internships are a common way writers gain experience and clips. Magazines and online publications may allow aspiring travel writers to flex their skills and learn about what goes into professional travel writing. However, while there are paid internships in this field, many are likely unpaid. Whether you want to pursue an unpaid internship remains up to you, but we recommend valuing your time and pursuing paid internships when you can. 

Consider freelance writing

Another option to consider is freelance writing . Pitching articles to travel publications will not only be a way to gain jobs and clippings but allows you to practice ideation and build up a personal brand, as you are entirely in charge of the topics you’re writing about. It also expands your network of contacts in the industry, which will help you as you continue to pitch magazines and might lead to a job somewhere down the road. 

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And if you want to take complete control of your career, a subset of freelancing is blogging. Dozens of freelance travel writers supplement (or make a career out of) running their own personal blog. Having one will give you a ready-made portfolio of clips showing off your skills. This is where having a niche can be especially helpful, as it’s a way to set you apart from all the other travel blogs on the Internet. 

Search for jobs and writing opportunities

With a solid portfolio of clips, it’s time to go out into the world and fully devote yourself to a career in travel writing. There are two main tracks you could take: finding a staff writer position at a magazine or becoming a freelance travel writer. 

Finding full-time travel writer jobs

For many writers, the dream is to work full-time as a travel writer for a publication. It offers stability while letting you travel to different destinations to write and explore. 

Although there are many travel-focused magazines like Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure that might have staff writer positions, don’t discount other publications. Some magazines and newspapers with completely different focuses have travel sections that need staff writers to keep them running. 

For positions like this, a portfolio is especially important. Magazines want to see that writers have a background in journalism and are reliable writers who can deliver good-quality pieces on time. Previously being published is often proof of that. But part of building a portfolio is also building connections with people in the industry. Knowing someone at a magazine who is familiar with your work and can vouch for you can help you get your foot in the door and be hired as a staff writer. 

Freelancing

Another option is to continue down the freelance path, pitching and writing your own stories. This route gives you a lot more freedom. You can decide which places to visit and which activities you want to do, and you’re always in charge of your own itinerary. Overall, you’re much less likely to work on a story you’re not interested in because an editor told you you must. 

This is where picking a niche and having a blog can be especially helpful. Establishing yourself as an authority on a subject will draw people to your articles and give you credibility as you pitch publications. A website dedicated to your niche, with all your expertise located in one place, elevates your credibility and provides a useful resource for your readers — especially if you get a handle on SEO. Eventually, you can even turn your blog into a book and create another revenue stream. 

The Full-Time Freelancer's Checklist

Get our guide to financial and logistical planning. Then, claim your independence.

Travel writing allows you to indulge in and subsidize your wanderlust and make a living off of it. More than that though, travel writing is a way to connect people across cultures and great distances, and build an appreciation for the uniqueness and diversity around us.

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What does a travel writer do?

Would you make a good travel writer? Take our career test and find your match with over 800 careers.

What is a Travel Writer?

A travel writer is a writer who specializes in documenting their travel experiences, providing insights into the places they visit, and sharing recommendations for other travelers. Their job is to create compelling narratives and stories about their travels, including descriptions of the people, culture, and geography of the places they visit. Travel writers often work for newspapers, magazines, and travel websites, and they may also write books or blogs about their experiences. They may travel to destinations across the world, from major cities to remote locations, and may have expertise in specific areas or types of travel, such as adventure travel or luxury travel.

To be a successful travel writer, one needs to have excellent writing skills, the ability to capture the essence of a place, and a passion for travel. They must be able to convey their experiences and observations in a way that engages and inspires readers, and they should have a keen eye for detail, as well as the ability to research and fact-check information. Travel writers may also need to have photography or videography skills to capture the visual aspects of their travels.

What does a Travel Writer do?

Travel writers play a vital role in shaping our understanding of the world and its diverse cultures. Through their writings, they offer a window into the unique experiences and perspectives of different people and places, helping us to broaden our horizons and expand our knowledge. They not only provide practical information about destinations but also capture the essence of a place, its people, history, and culture, making us feel as if we have been there ourselves.

Duties and Responsibilities The duties and responsibilities of travel writers can vary depending on the specific role and employer. However, some common duties and responsibilities of travel writers include:

• Researching and exploring destinations: Travel writers need to conduct extensive research before visiting a destination. They need to know the history, culture, and attractions of the place they're writing about, as well as practical information like transportation options, accommodation, and safety considerations. Once they arrive, travel writers may visit museums, galleries, historical sites, and other tourist attractions. They may also attend local events, try local foods, and interact with locals to get a better sense of the destination.
• Writing engaging and informative content: Travel writers need to write engaging and informative content that captures the attention of their audience. They need to be able to convey the sights, sounds, and feelings of a destination, and make readers feel like they're actually there. Travel writers need to be skilled in storytelling, using vivid descriptions, and painting a picture with words.
• Developing story ideas: Travel writers need to come up with fresh and interesting story ideas that will appeal to their audience. They may draw inspiration from their own experiences, or from trends in the travel industry. They need to be able to identify unique angles and highlight lesser-known attractions or hidden gems.
• Taking photographs and videos: Travel writers may be required to take photographs and videos to accompany their written content. They need to have a good eye for composition, lighting, and framing. They may also need to edit their photos and videos using software like Adobe Photoshop or Final Cut Pro.
• Editing and proofreading: Travel writers need to be skilled in editing and proofreading their own work. They need to check for accuracy, clarity, and consistency, as well as correct any spelling or grammatical errors.
• Meeting deadlines: Travel writers need to be able to work to tight deadlines, as they may be working on multiple projects at once. They need to be organized and able to manage their time effectively to ensure they deliver high-quality content on time.
• Networking and building relationships: Travel writers need to network and build relationships with other writers, editors, and industry professionals. This can help them stay up to date with trends and opportunities, as well as get their work published in reputable publications.
• Adhering to ethical standards: Travel writers need to adhere to ethical standards when writing about destinations. This includes being honest and truthful in their writing, respecting local customs and traditions, and avoiding any conflicts of interest or biased reporting.

Types of Travel Writers There are various types of travel writers, each with their own specific focus and area of expertise. Here are some common types of travel writers:

• Destination-Focused Writers: These writers specialize in writing about specific destinations, such as countries, cities, or regions. They may provide practical information like transportation options and accommodation, as well as highlight attractions, events, and local culture.
• Adventure and Outdoor Writers: These writers focus on outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and skiing. They may write about their own experiences or provide advice and tips for readers interested in outdoor adventure.
• Food and Drink Travel Writers: These writers specialize in writing about food and drink in various parts of the world, highlighting local cuisine and beverages. They may recommend restaurants, cafes, and bars, as well as provide recipes and cooking tips.
• Luxury Travel Writers: These writers focus on high-end travel experiences like five-star hotels, luxury cruises, and private tours. They may provide recommendations for luxury travel destinations and experiences, as well as tips for travelers looking to splurge on their next vacation.
• Budget Travel Writers: These writers focus on budget-friendly travel options, providing advice on how to travel on a budget and still have an enjoyable experience. They may recommend budget-friendly destinations and accommodations, as well as provide tips on how to save money on transportation, food, and attractions.
• Family Travel Writers: These writers focus on family-friendly travel experiences, providing advice and recommendations for families traveling with children. They may highlight family-friendly destinations, accommodations, and attractions, as well as provide tips on traveling with children.
• Cultural and Historical Writers: These writers focus on cultural and historical attractions, highlighting museums, historical sites, and cultural events. They may provide insights into local customs and traditions, as well as provide recommendations for cultural and historical destinations.

What is the workplace of a Travel Writer like?

The workplace of a travel writer can vary greatly depending on the specific writer's job requirements. Travel writers may work remotely, traveling to various destinations to conduct research and write about their experiences. This can involve working from coffee shops, airports, hotels, and other public spaces as they gather information and write their stories.

Many travel writers also work for media outlets, such as magazines, newspapers, or websites, and may have a more traditional office setting. They may work in a newsroom or at home, researching and writing stories that meet the requirements of their employer's editorial style.

Some travel writers are self-employed and work as freelancers. They may have a home office or co-working space, where they can work on multiple projects for different clients. Freelance travel writers need to be able to manage their time effectively, as they may have multiple deadlines to meet.

Regardless of their work setting, travel writers need to have access to a computer, reliable internet connection, and other tools necessary to conduct research and write their stories. They may also need equipment like cameras or video cameras to capture images and footage of their travel experiences.

Travel writers may also attend industry events and conferences, such as travel trade shows and tourism boards' events, to network with other professionals and learn about new travel trends and opportunities. These events can take place all over the world, and travel writers may need to travel to attend them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Writing and journalism related careers and degrees.

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20 tips on how to be a travel writer and sell your stories

If you've got an experience you're itching to share with the world and you know how to write a compelling story, you've probably considered becoming a travel writer. Here's the step-by-step process on how you can become a travel writer and get paid to tell your story.

Rachael Let's Grow There

May 19, 2023

Fancy yourself a storyteller who's got a way with words? Any smart traveler will confirm that they do a lot of research before a trip, and one of the most valuable online resources happens to be the experiences and opinions of seasoned travelers like you! 

One quick Google search of a specific adventure, country, or piece of travel advice can really help someone out who will be traveling there soon. These days, experiences are valued more than mere things, and travel writing is becoming more in demand and popular as a profession .

Aspiring digital nomads often find success after years of  freelance writing , collecting stamps in their passport, collaborating with other writers, and  building their resume  and brand. Even after all that hard work, few find the success they hoped for because it is such a competitive line of work.

With so many talented travelers in search of free trips, hotel stays, flights, their name recognized in travel media, brand deals, and so much more, it can be hard to stand out in the crowd. 

Those perfectly curated travel photos you see on Instagram weren't always so expertly crafted. The hoard of travel "influencers" on social media weren't always able to travel so freely. It's no holiday! You may be traveling in your spare time, but you're still on the job as a travel writer attempting to balance work and play .

But once you make it as a travel writer, you'll never want to go back . 

In exchange for your dedication and proficiency as a writer, you might just be able to snag those free perks! Unless you're writing for a specific agency, you'll get to be your own boss. 

Travel writers live by their own schedule, which is based on a system that works for them. They are constantly on the go, brimming with ideas, and creating beautiful content that fills their wandering souls with purpose. Finding creative and financial independence is not only fulfilling but life-changing .

So how do you become a travel writer? How do you record your stories in an authentic and relatable way that people can connect with? But most importantly, how do you get paid to do it? 

Read more: What is location independence and how can you get it? 

Here are some actionable steps we've compiled so you can embark on your journey towards becoming a paid travel writer.

1. develop the right mindset, 2. write constantly, 3. read constantly, 4. be able to travel, 5. decide what kind of writing you want to do, 6. create a website and start a blog, 7. build your brand, 8. get on social media, 9. network, network, network, 10. pick a niche, or don't, 11. take better photos and videos, 12. be aware of what's happening in the travel space, 13. learn the rules of travel writing, and then break them, 14. let your friends, teachers, and family critique your writing, 15. go for substance instead of cliche, 16. pitch your writing when you're ready, 17. email your favorite brands, bloggers, and travel writers about collaborating, 18. prepare for those rejection emails, 19. persevere and be consistent, 20. continue to build your writing resume, 20 expert tips for getting started in travel writing.

This is going to be hard. You're going against the grain and trying to achieve something that, a couple decades ago, was not a substantial way to make a living. 

Not only will it be an uphill climb, it will be so worth it if you take the necessary steps! Have faith in your skills as a writer and storyteller, and do everything you can to improve and perfect your skills. Never stop learning and becoming better .

You have unique talents that the world should see. Now more than ever, it is much easier to get your name and work out there in order to be considered for a travel writing position. 

Gather all the tools you need, make a game plan with these steps in mind, and plan to turn many of your experiences into stories.

This one's a no-brainer. If you're going to become a travel writer, you need to practice writing! 

Whether you're going to the beach for summer vacation, exploring the new town you've just moved to, or going on an exotic trip overseas, write about it. Think about a cool experience you had when you met someone on the street. Refresh your memory as you think back to a fun trip you took with your parents when you were young. Be descriptive! What did you see, smell, feel, and hear on your adventure?

It doesn't have to be a novel, but more like a journal entry . Find a good flow as you pour your thoughts and emotions onto the page, follow your mind's tangents, and see where it takes you.

There's no better way to hone your writing skills than to study the works of other travel writers . 

Subscribe to magazines like National Geographic , Travel & Leisure , or Lonely Planet and let your wanderlust take over as you dive in. 

Browse top travel blogs that have made the first page of Google or have received recognition awards. 

Pick up books by authors like Bill Bryson, Paul Theroux, and Jack Kerouac and read them cover to cover.

Read things that aren't about travel, including books written by the "greats" and more contemporary authors . 

What's all the reading for, you ask? This will help you get acquainted with what genres are out there, choose what writing styles you like best, and determine what it is that makes their writing so captivating. Voila! You can now fuse some of their techniques with your own creative abilities to write even better stories.

Many people have one idea in their heads about travel writers. We tend to envision the trips they take as glamorous, round-the-world adventures that we simply can't manage at this stage in our busy lives. 

What's holding you back from becoming a travel writer? You may have a full-time job, a family with kids to care for, and a measly seven dollars in your savings account stopping you from traveling. But the fact is, you need to travel to write about it! Thankfully, it doesn't have to be as glamorous as you think, especially not at first.

Take all the excuses you've made about not being able to travel and come up with solutions to each of them . Work them out. If you want it bad enough — to be a travel writer and sell your stories — you'll do what it takes to make it happen. 

Your specific obstacles require specific problem-solving. Keep in mind that you don't have to go to another country for it to count as "real" travel. Head to the next city or state over for a mini road trip or weekend getaway. You'd be surprised what adventures you can find near you!

Do you want to write guidebooks, hotel reviews, ebooks, magazines, or full-blown novels? How about writing solo, collaborating with other travel writers, or for a travel agency? 

Travel writing isn't all about service pieces! If your idea is unique to your experience, has a strong voice, and isn't just a generic listicle, you will stand out that much more from the sea of travel content out there. 

Blaze a new trail in creating the content you are proud of.

Each year, starting a blog becomes easier and easier. These days, with just an idea and a few clicks you can lock down a website domain and start a blog all on your own! No need to pay for anyone to set it up for you! Websites like Bluehost can host your website, or you can build a gorgeous blog with Wordpress or Squarespace .

Load up your personalized site with information about you, your story, photo and video content, and your articles and you've got yourself a professional online portfolio. Your website will act as a hub for those who are searching the web for your content and give potential employers a great place to see more of your awesome work.

Don't miss out: Get paid to travel: 9 ways to make money on the road .

In order to become a travel writer, it's important to establish yourself as an authority on the topics you're writing about, even though you might be just starting out. 

The more confident you are about your own writing, the more believable and trustworthy you'll become as a travel writer . 

Building your brand is all about showing the world who you are. Choose a memorable name for your blog (make sure it hasn't been used before!) that represents you well and roll with it!

Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest are the most popular social media sites that travel writers should be on. If someone finds your content online and enjoys it, they'll likely want to follow you on social media to get updates. 

It can sometimes be tedious to push out consistent content on your social media accounts, especially if you're not used to it. Thankfully there are lots of social scheduling programs that can save you time! 

Do your best to post quality content with good captions as opposed to ten mediocre posts in one day just to get something onto your account .

Each social media site has their own specific algorithm that you can read up on to get even better at making sure your posts are getting seen by your audience. Being on social media is really important for a travel writer because you are building a community that values your work and is hungry for more. 

Cherish the people that join your little corner of the internet, and don't focus on how many followers you have. Engage with them authentically and they will stay loyal to you.

While it is important to build relationships online, it isn't everything. Go to a travel writing workshop or writing course and exchange contact info with your peers. 

If you want to do even more networking, head to a travel writers meet-up! There are several different annual seminars held throughout the year in different locations, whether they are stateside or abroad. Sign up for one, and if you're especially ambitious, make your own business cards to hand out to fellow travel writers. 

The more connections you have, the better!

Niches are basically what type of travel writing you'd like to do. Are you all about eco-tourism and environmentally-friendly adventures? Do you want to focus on traveling with a family or budget travel ? Are you an expert on solo travel or do you prefer to travel as a couple? 

In recent years, picking a niche has become less of a necessity for travel writers to stand out and more of an option. If your writing and strategy are excellent, you'll be heard one way or another.

Let's face it, with the rise of Instagram, sometimes it takes a gorgeous photo to attract someone's attention. Some travel writing gigs will choose the visual content that accompanies your work, but if you're starting your own blog you should learn your way around a DSLR or phone camera. 

There are lots of online courses to help you become a better travel photographer or videographer, like Skillshare . You'll also learn how to edit photos and videos in new ways, avoid over-editing, and polish your content effectively.

If you want to be in the loop about everything going on in the travel industry, find a newsletter online that will give you the scoop on everything from fluctuating hotel prices to insider travel tips.

To write like a pro, you need to learn from a pro. 

Learn from travel writers you're currently following by paying attention to how they structure their paragraphs, how formal or informal their tone is, and how digestible their content is . 

You can even pick up books on travel writing on Amazon to help you practice. Now take what you've learned and figure out what rules you don’t need to adhere to. It's your writing, after all!

Finding a support system is crucial to becoming a travel writer. 

If you aren't particularly skilled at grammar, spelling, or punctuation, having someone review it for you can do wonders. You never know what little mistakes a pair of fresh eyes can catch, and it can help you learn from those mistakes and get better.

There are tons of words in travel writing that are overused. Try to come up with more original ways of describing a place rather than repeating phrases you've read over and over. Using genuinely descriptive dialog will be more refreshing to the reader and seem less like fluff.

After months and possibly years of honing your craft, it's time to pitch. 

Study the publications you wish to be a part of, and put yourself in the editor's seat . What are they looking for? What are their guidelines? Are they looking for proposals or completed articles? 

Find the editors and use their names in your professional email pitch. Keep it somewhat short and sweet, but packed with intention and helpful information about your content.

If you're looking for a more informal travel writing job, check out the contact page of your favorite travel gear brands to score a potential product review. 

Want to collaborate with one of your favorite travel writers? Reach out to them via their business email and see if you can do an article for/with them in exchange for exposure on their website. 

If you have a company in mind whose brand and goals align with yours, contact them too!

Not every company, blogger, or opportunity will accept you. This is mainly because they aren't looking for travel writers at this time or you don't meet all their preferred requirements. 

They will usually send a polite email back to you to let you know. If you want to become a travel writer, you should learn how to handle rejection and avoid taking it personally. 

There are countless opportunities out there for you to seize, so learn to move on and find success elsewhere when this occurs.

No matter how many rejection emails you get, keep your chin up and keep sending your work to people! Send different pitches to the same people, if you must. If they don't respond within a week, send them a professional follow-up message. But don't give up .

If rejection comes your way, it will give you more time to not only excel at writing, but you'll be able to write more! 

Keep your content flowing and consistent, and soon you'll have a portfolio or website chock-full of great content for future employers to feast their eyes on. You've got this!

As you can see, a travel writer wears many hats! Social media guru, photographer, editor, videographer, proofreader, negotiator — these are just a few of the skills a travel writer needs to improve upon to make their dreams a reality. 

This job requires self-discipline, motivation, and a willingness to put yourself out there by stepping out of your comfort zone .

Think you have what it takes to be a travel writer and sell your stories? Take the leap. 

Invest in yourself by learning all you can about the travel industry, become well-versed on responsible travel , attend meet-ups, workshops, online courses, and never lose sight of your goals. 

Keep that creative and curious spark alive, my friend, and you'll be well on your way to being a digital nomad doing what you love!

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Rachael Grow

Let's Grow There

Over the past five years I have worn many hats as a creative freelancer and have been able to pursue adventures across the globe. To me, travel is more than checking a box or sitting on the perfect beach all day. Travel is about self-discovery, keeping an open mind, and learning through culture immersion. In 2017 I was chosen by one of my favorite travel bloggers, The Blonde Abroad, to attend her first ever blogging retreat in Bali with a handful of other inspiring bloggers. It was truly a dream that taught me so much more than I could imagine. Fast-forward to 2019 when I was given the role of one of the lead English writer for Worldpackers. My in-depth articles touched on subjects like volunteer work, overcoming post-travel blues, outdoorsy tips, and boldly adventuring. Inner growth is my jam.

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Write here your questions and greetings to the author

Apr 11, 2020

I needed a post like that. I am about to write my first text as a travel writer and I thing I need some tips like how to turn my teste interesting.

Jan 07, 2021

I enjoyed tour article immensely. Thank you for the great tips and candid honesty. I have a niche in mind and am about to embark on a new adventure with travel writing. Thank you again.

Mar 13, 2021

Apr 20, 2021

Pleas I have been traveling for over fifteen years and need to write my travel blog but. How do I get paid

Oct 29, 2022

“” 6. 9”Zac. T r r c. C

Rajvir Singh

Jul 31, 2021

Helpful information all thanks

Nov 19, 2022

May 11, 2023

Assalomu alaykum hamga

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How to become a travel writer: we ask one of the best

Ask anyone what their dream job is and (right after Full-time Lottery Winner and Smooth-talking Billionaire Superhero) you’ll get Travel Writer. It’s probably because the profession conjures up images of tortured geniuses flying business class around the world, smoking aesthetically while sitting in cafes and scribbling things in a Moleskine.

We decided to go straight to the source and find out if this was true or not. Enter Louise Southerden .

Meet Louise. Her job is pretty cool.

Louise is one of Australia’s best travel writers, and she’s picked up the industry’s top award four times to prove it. She’s written for all the major publications and can be fairly said to have Made It in this much coveted industry. We sat down and basically asked her how we could Make It too (#shameless).

1. How did you become a travel writer?

I’d love to say I studied journalism and have a PhD in Travel Literature, but the truth is I fell into travel writing through a side-window: photography. After travelling across Africa as a backpacker, I wanted to get some of my photos published – only to learn that the best way to do that was to write words to go with them. Which was not the advice I wanted to hear at the time because I was terrified of writing. (I still am, to be honest, but have found a few techniques to tame the dragon – sometimes.)

2. It seems like a dream job. Is it as fabulous as people think?

It is fabulous – sometimes. I try to never take for granted that I’m, say, hiking in Mongolia or expedition cruising in Kamchatka, for work. But there are three big misconceptions many people have about travel writing.

One is that you’re paid to travel; you’re not. You’re paid to write about travel. The difference is subtle but vital: if we were paid to travel, travel writers would lose our independence and integrity (subsidised trips, by the way, come with the understanding that you’ll write what the readers needs to know, not what the publicist wants them to know). Another misconception is that you’re always on holiday. Sure, professional travel writers do get to do fun things in far-flung places – but we’re also taking notes and pictures and doing interviews and thinking of story angles and trying to fit as much into each day as possible to maximise our time in a destination. There’s nothing like having to produce five stories from a three-day trip to focus the mind.   

The final misunderstanding is that being a good travel writer is about loving travel. You really have to love the writing part too. That’s something that no one really tells you when you’re starting out.

It’s tough work, but someone’s gotta do it.

3. What advice would you give young writers looking to break into the industry?

I think the trick is to find an aspect of travel you’re passionate about and start writing about that. Start a blog, find the kind of travel writing you love reading, write as much as you can, develop your writing skills. Social media skills are important now, too; editors and publishers are increasingly looking for writers who already have a squillion readers/followers. In terms of pitching story ideas to editors: know their publication inside out before pitching ideas and keep pitches to just a few lines. Editors are busy but they need content (and people to write it) as much as we need them.

4. What qualities do you need to be a successful travel writer?

Curiosity is the big one, I think. It makes you pay attention and really see, hear and feel a place so you come back with details, which are all-important to vivid writing. It helps to be able to feel at home in foreign lands, to some extent, to be able to get along with different types of people and to meet travel’s ups and downs with good humour, humility and flexibility. A lot of travel writers are also word-nerds: we love words, care about them and want to write well. Great travel writing is just great writing, after all.  

Louise hiking in California’s Yosemite National Park

5. Big question. What’s the pay like?

Hmm, how to be honest about this and not to bite the hand that feeds me… The most challenging part of being a travel writer is without a doubt making a living out of it, mainly because word rates (set by publishers and their accountants, and usually non-negotiable) are pretty low. Having said that, quality content is always in demand and if you can find new and interesting angles and deliver great copy on time and to the commissioned word length, you’ll always find work.  

It helps to apply some of your creativity to this aspect of the job: to hustle and look for outlets in new places. I’d also recommend joining a professional association such as the Australian Society of Travel Writers or the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance to network with other writers and travel PRs (public relations professionals, who host media trips), stay current and learn new ways to make this crazy life work.

6. What’s an average day on the job?

At home, I have a writing routine, like most writers, and divide my time between writing and the job of being self-employed: pitching story ideas, sorting photos, chasing invoices, planning trips. On the road, no two days are the same. If I’m on a press trip, I can be on the go from breakfast to bedtime doing a sped-up version of what most people on holiday would do there, while taking notes, asking questions and snapping pics – basically information-gathering, because you never know which details will make it into your stories, or spark a story idea when you get home. My favourite trips are the ones where you can settle into a place and forget about everything except what you’re experiencing for a week or two.

7. What do you never leave home without?

It’s old-fashioned, but: a notebook and a pen. You never know when you’re going to hear or see something interesting you might be able to use in a story or blog post (and I don’t trust my memory). I’ll also travel with my Canon DSLR camera, a waterproof compact camera and an iPhone. If I’m flying long-haul, I’ll take my Macbook Air too so I can do some writing in transit.

A travel writer’s work is never done. Walking in New Zealand.

8. Any favourite destinations to write about?

I love writing about wild places that are a bit of an adventure to get to, like Madagascar or Greenland, because everything seems new and you can feel as if you’re exploring. I love Japan, for its people. I love writing about animal encounters for the sense of wonder they bring, whether you’re on safari in South Africa or swimming with minke whales on the Great Barrier Reef. And I really love writing about Australia, because it’s good to know at least a little about your own backyard. 

9. What’s the best thing about being a travel writer?

Oh, there are so many “best” things! I love the freedom of freelancing, and travelling with a purpose (I often love the act of writing about a trip as much as the trip itself). I love the fact that my world view gets a shake up on a regular basis, and I’m constantly learning – about the world, people, life. And it’s completely engaging, on every level. It’s the most demanding and most rewarding work I’ve ever done.

Louise kayaking in the Arctic.

10. What’s the one thing a travel writer should always remember?

Travel with an open mind and heart. The world is an amazing place; I see it as my job to remind people of that. It’s important to never get complacent or think you’ve seen and done it all. The more you travel, in fact, the bigger the world gets. And remember that you’re a visitor wherever you go; respect the people, places and animals you encounter on your travels and you just might help make the world a better place.

You can follow more of Louise’ adventure on her website , or pick up a copy of her latest ebook, Adventure on Earth. 

Feeling inspired?

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid has been leading small group adventures for over 30 years. We’re a certified B Corp, which means we want to be the best travel company not just in the world, but for the world. To create positive change through the joy of travel. You can read our latest adventures right here.

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• How to Become a Travel Writer: Complete guide for travelogue writing
• Self Publishing Guide

The world is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be explored and shared, and becoming a travel writer is your passport to capturing and narrating these adventures. If you’ve ever felt the wanderlust in your veins and a passion for storytelling in your heart, then embarking on the path of a travel writer might just be your calling. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the intricate art of travelogue writing, offering insights, tips, and a roadmap to help you embark on this exciting journey of words.

Understanding the Role of a Travel Writer

Travel writers embark on journeys that transcend physical landscapes; they immerse themselves in cultures, traditions, and stories that shape the world. Their role is to bring these experiences to life through words, painting vivid pictures for readers who long to discover new horizons. Beyond merely documenting destinations, travel writers craft narratives that transport readers, evoking emotions and sparking a sense of wanderlust. They uncover the hidden stories that breathe life into places, connecting readers to the heart and soul of a locale. Travel writers are not just chroniclers of journeys; they are ambassadors of exploration, inviting others to embark on their own adventures armed with insights and inspiration.

Developing Your Writing Style

In the realm of travel writing, a writer’s style becomes their distinct fingerprint, an expression of their literary personality. This style is the lens through which readers perceive the world you describe. It’s crucial to cultivate a voice that resonates authentically with your experiences and perceptions. Experimentation is key; try on different stylistic garments, from lush, poetic prose to succinct, informative language. Reading a diverse range of travel literature can broaden your horizons and help you pinpoint your comfort zone. Whether you’re crafting a blog post, an article, a book, or a social media update, your style should reflect your genuine self. The more you explore and experiment, the more refined and unique your writing style will become, captivating readers and making your travel tales truly unforgettable.

Mastering the Art of Observation

Observation is the writer’s lens to the world, a tool that transforms mundane moments into poetic prose. A skilled travel writer hones the art of observation by immersing themselves in their surroundings. Engaging all the senses amplifies the experience—the aroma of street food, the symphony of bustling markets, the tactile texture of ancient walls. These sensory snapshots become the palette from which you paint your narrative. Each detail is a brushstroke that adds depth and authenticity to your travelogue. By mastering observation, you invite readers to step into your shoes, to feel the cobblestones underfoot, to taste the exotic spices, and to hear the laughter of the streets. It’s in these intricate details that the magic of travel writing comes alive.

Choosing Your Niche

In the vast realm of travel writing, finding your niche is like discovering your compass in a labyrinth of possibilities. Your niche isn’t just a subject; it’s your lens for exploring the world. It’s a culinary journey that takes you from street food stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants, or an adventure seeker’s quest for adrenaline in the great outdoors. Your niche sets you apart and lends your writing a distinct perspective. It allows you to delve deep, becoming an expert in your chosen field. Whether it’s sustainable travel, solo backpacking, cultural immersion, or any other passion, your niche shapes your identity as a travel writer and connects you with an audience that shares your interests.

Research: The Backbone of Travel Writing

Behind the enchanting stories of travel writing lies the backbone of thorough research. This groundwork is essential to creating narratives that are not only immersive but also accurate and informative. As you plan your journey, delve into the history and cultural nuances of your destination. Understand the significance of local landmarks, festivals, and traditions. Connect with locals to gather insights that may elude tourists’ eyes. A well-researched travel piece goes beyond surface-level description; it weaves historical context and cultural richness into the narrative tapestry. Research transforms your writing from subjective musings to well-rounded, engaging tales that educate and inspire readers. Just as an architect relies on blueprints, a travel writer relies on research to construct narratives that stand strong, with credibility and authenticity as their pillars.

Crafting Compelling Stories

The heart of impactful travel writing lies in your ability to weave words into stories that resonate deeply. Begin with an irresistible hook, a gateway that beckons readers to step into your narrative world. Structure your piece with a well-defined beginning, middle, and end—a journey within your journey. Intertwine personal anecdotes that reveal your vulnerability and growth, forming a relatable bond with your readers. The magic happens when you seamlessly blend these personal moments with interactions with locals, painting vibrant pictures of cultures and communities. Vivid descriptions, enriched by your observant eye, create an immersive experience. By orchestrating these elements, you forge an emotional connection between readers and the destination, transporting them to distant lands and igniting their wanderlust.

Honing Your Photography Skills

In the digital age, visuals serve as windows into the worlds you describe. Basic photography skills can be a powerful asset for a travel writer. A well-captured image encapsulates a place’s essence, and a picture truly can speak a thousand words. Learning to frame captivating shots enhances your storytelling. High-quality photos complement your prose, offering readers a visual portal to your adventures. Skillful photography brings authenticity and relatability to your narratives, reinforcing the authenticity of your experiences. Whether it’s a sweeping landscape, a bustling market, or a candid portrait, your photos harmonise with your words to craft a multidimensional story that lingers in readers’ minds.

Building an Online Presence

In the digital landscape, an online presence is the bridge between your words and a global audience. Launching a travel blog or website serves as a portfolio where your stories reside. Here, you showcase your adventures, insights, and expertise. Leverage social media platforms as portals into your journeys—a place to share real-time snippets, behind-the-scenes moments, and reflections. Engage with your readers through conversations, fostering a community that rallies around your explorations. By cultivating this virtual tribe, you forge connections that amplify your impact. An online presence not only helps you reach a wider audience but also becomes a platform for sharing your passion and inspiring others to embark on their own journeys.

Pitching and Networking

Pitching your travel stories is akin to casting a net into the vast sea of publications, aiming to capture the attention of editors and readers. Thorough research is paramount; identify magazines, newspapers, and websites that resonate with your writing style and niche. Tailor your pitches to align with their editorial focus. Craft a succinct yet enticing pitch that highlights the uniqueness of your story and why it’s a perfect fit for their audience. Networking serves as a bridge to these opportunities. Engage with editors, connect with fellow writers, and attend industry events. Building relationships within the travel writing community not only opens doors but also fosters a supportive network where insights, advice, and collaborations flourish, propelling your journey as a travel writer.

Continual Growth and Learning

In the realm of travel writing, growth is a perpetual journey. The landscape shifts, and staying relevant requires embracing change and continual learning. Attend workshops, writing seminars, and conferences; these platforms immerse you in discussions about craft and industry trends. Surrounding yourself with fellow writers and mentors exposes you to diverse perspectives and techniques. Reading extensively within the genre broadens your horizons, showing you different ways to approach storytelling. This continual growth not only sharpens your skills but also infuses fresh perspectives into your work. As the world evolves and travel narratives transform, your commitment to learning ensures your writing remains dynamic and captivating, resonating with readers who seek new insights and adventures.

To embark on writing a travelogue, start by selecting a destination that has left a significant impact on you. Reflect on your experiences, emotions, and observations during the journey. Organise your thoughts and create an outline to structure your narrative. Begin with a captivating introduction that hooks readers and sets the tone for your story. Incorporate vivid descriptions, sensory details, and personal anecdotes to transport readers to the destination. Share cultural insights, interactions with locals, and unique experiences to make your travelogue engaging. Blend your personal perspective with informative content, and wrap up with a reflective conclusion. Remember, authenticity and passion are key to crafting a compelling travelogue that resonates with readers.

Becoming a full-time travel writer requires dedication, skill-building, and strategic steps. Start by honing your writing skills through practise and feedback. Create a professional online portfolio showcasing your travel writing. Pitch your work to travel magazines, blogs, and websites to gain exposure and build a portfolio. Establish a strong online presence through social media platforms and a personal blog. Network with fellow writers, editors, and industry professionals. As your reputation grows, consider reaching out to tourism boards, travel companies, and publishers for collaborations. Diversify your income by offering workshops, speaking engagements, or freelance writing. Consistency, perseverance, and a passion for exploration will pave the way to becoming a successful full-time travel writer.

To excel as a travel writer, you need a combination of skills and qualities. Strong writing skills, including descriptive language, storytelling, and attention to detail, are essential. Curiosity and a love for travel are paramount, as you’ll be exploring new destinations and cultures. Flexibility and adaptability are key to thriving in different environments. Research skills enable you to provide accurate information and historical context. Photography skills can enhance your content and make it more visually appealing. Networking abilities help you connect with editors, fellow writers, and potential collaborators. Finally, resilience and the ability to handle rejection are crucial in the competitive travel writing industry.

Travel writing, also known as a travelogue, is a genre of literature that captures the essence of travel experiences. It involves narrating personal journeys, adventures, and observations from various destinations. Travel writers aim to transport readers to new places, cultures, and landscapes through vivid descriptions, anecdotes, and insights. A well-crafted travelogue not only informs but also inspires readers to explore the world themselves. It can take various forms, including articles, essays, books, and online content, and often combines elements of storytelling, journalism, and creative writing.

Yes, travel writers can make money through various avenues. Freelance travel writers often get paid for articles, blog posts, and content commissioned by magazines, websites, and travel companies. Some travel writers secure book deals, earning royalties from published works. Collaborations with tourism boards, hotels, and brands can also be financially rewarding. Additionally, offering workshops, speaking engagements, and consulting services can generate income. However, income can vary widely based on experience, niche, and the demand for your work. Successful travel writers often have multiple income streams and diversify their offerings to sustain their careers.

You can write a travelogue for various platforms and outlets. Start by creating a blog or personal website where you can share your travel experiences. Submit articles and essays to travel magazines, both print and online. Many websites accept guest posts from travel writers. Consider pitching to travel-focused blogs and online publications. You can also contribute to the travel sections of newspapers and literary journals. Social media platforms, especially Instagram and YouTube, offer opportunities to share micro-travelogues through captions, stories, and videos. Additionally, consider self-publishing travel books or e-books through platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing.

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Matador Original Series

How to Become a Travel Writer (Seriously)

Start reading and don’t stop.

Read all the “greats,” but don’t skip the more obscure writers. Read magazines. Get yourself a library card if you don’t have one, and if you can’t do that, check Google Books and Google Magazines.

The idea isn’t to imitate, but to simply know what — what genres, what styles, what writers — came before you, as well as who your contemporaries are.

2. Redefine the genre of travel writing.

“Travel writing” includes hotel reviews and destination guides, published in guidebooks and in glossy travel magazines. But travel writing’s more than service pieces.

Check out this genre-busting, long-format narrative by Porter Fox . Or this blog post by multi-genre writer Elizabeth Eslami, which I’d categorize as “place-based writing.”

In a way, all movement and all settling is travel, and so the stories we tell about these experiences are “travel writing” in the broadest sense of the word. Even if some editors don’t see it that way.

3. Start a blog.

In the not-so-distant past, a writer had to have a decent portfolio of publication credits to be considered a “travel writer,” and certainly to be published in a glossy mag.

Not so anymore.

Thousands of writers have published their writing primarily or exclusively on their blogs. Some have gotten book deals. Some have gotten print gigs. Some get offers of free travel . And some get nothing more than the recognition that their writing means something to a random reader who stumbled across their blog doing a Google search.

Not sure how to get started? Check out Matador’s stockpile of blogging tips.

4. Develop your online presence.

Use Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms to connect with other writers, editors, and readers.

5. Build a network, online and off.

Start your blog, set up a Facebook and Twitter account, but make sure you get offline, too. Stories and relationships don’t develop best through a screen. That only happens at ground level.

MatadorU hosts frequent workshops and events around the world.

6. Travel. But not just to “exotic” places.

You’ve got a 9-5’er. You’ve got kids. You’ve got debt. You’ve got no money. You’ve got an expired passport.

What you’ve got are excuses. A walk beyond your front door is travel. The only thing you need for a trip is curiosity.

7. Look for stories everywhere.

Often, the most interesting stories aren’t waiting in some far-flung place for you to come along and unearth them. Instead, they’re right beside you, at ground level .

8. Avoid cliches.

If you’re not sure what cliches we’re talking about, you need to go back to step 1 (READ). You can also consult our articles, 10 words and phrases we never want to see in travel writing again and 5 more words we never want to see in travel writing again .

How many hidden gems and best kept secrets can there be in the world, anyway?

9. Learn when to break the writing rules you’ve been taught.

One of the challenges new travel writers often confront is unlearning rules of narrative they were taught in school: “Always write in the third person.” “Every paragraph must have three to five sentences.” “Every story must have an introductory paragraph, three body paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph.”

It’s not narrative that’s inflexible; it’s the writer. Don’t be afraid to play with forms or break rules.

10. Commit to the craft.

Tip #9 notwithstanding, there are some rules that shouldn’t be broken. Spelling and punctuation should be solid if you intend to submit your writing for publication, whether online or in print. Your syntax and word usage should be on point. Commit to the craft of writing. Simply telling a good story isn’t enough.

11. Get a writing partner.

Writing has some pretty solitary moments, and reviewing your work with a writing partner (especially if you have problems with spelling, grammar, etc.) can be invaluable. Participating in a writers’ group can be even more useful; you’ll have a support network of writers who can offer constructive feedback.

12. Prepare yourself for rejection.

Every writer experiences rejection. The sooner you learn how to handle it and move on, the happier and more successful you’ll be as a travel writer.

13. Be professional.

Learn how to pitch and query. Don’t make your problems an editor’s problems.

14. Invest in yourself.

If you want to pursue travel writing as a profession, consider making some investments in your professional development. The travel writing, travel photography, and travel filmmaking programs of MatadorU teach you the craft and business of this line of work.

15. Develop other relevant skills.

Assignments often go to writers who also have other relevant skills, especially in photography. If you can offer an editor a complete package of writing and photos, you’ll save him/her lots of time.

16. Use prompts if you have writers’ block.

MatadorU’s Dean of Education, Joshua Johnson, rounded up three websites that are full of prompts to get your pen moving again.

17. Don’t tell the reader how to feel or what to think.

Way too much travel writing is characterized by the author/narrator telling the reader how to feel or what to think. The ways in which we experience “the exotic” and treat it as precious and the ways, in particular, we see people , dramatically shape the ways we talk about them and the impressions our interpretations leave on the reader.

18. But don’t think you’re objective, either.

There’s no such thing as objectivity .

19. Practice “10 Possibilities.”

In order to test your own ways of seeing and your default interpretations, start practicing a game a friend of mine calls “10 Possibilities.” For every experience you’re inclined to classify as “strange,” “exotic,” “amazing,” or otherwise otherworldly, challenge yourself to come up with 10 possibilities that could explain why you’re seeing what you’re seeing.

It’s obvious enough, I suppose, but what distinguishes an “aspiring writer” from a “writer” is that the latter actually…writes. At Matador, we’ve taken to calling this “ass-to-chair” time.

21. Learn how to use an anecdote.

So much beginning travel writing is what I call “This is what I did on my summer vacation” essays: chronologically linear stories that detail every single activity, meal, and person the writer has encountered in his or her travels. 98% of that material isn’t relevant.

Learn how to use anecdotes and scenes in your storytelling.

22. Accept the fact that luck, timing, circumstance, and knowing people often play a big role in a writer’s life.

Don’t underestimate the ‘right place, right time’ scenario. While you might not have much control over that, you do have control over being ready, willing, and able to take advantage of any opportunities that come your way. – Matador Managing Editor Carlo Alcos

In my own work, and among many of my freelance travel writing colleagues, luck, timing, circumstance, and knowing people have played as important a role as being a good writer. * This post was originally published on January 12, 2011.

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10 Qualities of a Professional Travel Writer

A fter seeing countless Instagram, Facebook, and general news stories about travel bloggers glamming it up in exotic locations all around the world, you no doubt have wondered if you too could get in on the action. The job of a travel writer sounds perfect after all. Getting to travel the world and not having to commute to an office every day sounds blissful. You then add in the possibility of getting invited on paid press trips and staying in 5-star hotels free of charge and the career almost seems a no-brainier.

While the life of a travel writer sounds incredible, it’s definitely a journey that proves challenging for many just starting out. Some travel writers will set off to create their own travel blogs while others may begin with freelance writing for travel-related websites or work towards becoming a travel journalist for a big-name magazine. While there have never been more opportunities to get your writings published and to make money from travel writing, the competition has also never been tougher.

But not to discourage you, you should know that many successful travel writers started out as essay writers . Some simply wrote outstanding papers for themselves to get good grades, while others have worked for professional academic writing services. You only need to do a quick search online for services like write my college admissions essay to see just how in demand such services are and this could become a good side hustle way to make an income in addition to travel writing. Again, if you are a good essay writer yourself, you are more than likely to be a good travel writer as well, or vise versa.

By far the easiest way to start sharing your travel stories is by creating your own travel blog, as this guarantees you will get to publish your work. The difficult task is then working hard to gain a large and loyal audience which will entice advertisers and travel companies to reach out to you.

Recent studies have shown that the average age of a travel blogger ranges between 18 and 30. This seems to imply that having loads of young energy and youthful looks will give you an advantage when it comes to breaking into the travel blogging industry. However, young people in this age group are often plagued with debt and it can prove difficult trying to start a travel blog while also trying to hold down a much needed main job outside of travel writing until your blog takes off.

You then of course have a lot of students in this age group who are still working through the difficult demands and time constraints of college. This has led students to look to online professional writing services such as those provided by CustomWritings, which handles student online requests like “ I need someone to write my essay ”. This has allowed students to free-up some of their precious time to focus on other goals they may have such as becoming a travel writer or starting a blog.

Other than finding the time and money to start your journey as a travel writer, here are some of the other top 10 qualities and skills that every successful travel writer should possess. 

The Willingness to Read

Becoming a great travel writer begins with reading the other works of great travel writers. Reading the articles and books of notable travel writers will allow you to gain insight into what will be expected of you. Read books, magazines, online articles from travel websites, and blog articles to find out which type of travel writing might be best suited to your own personal skills.

Take note of the different writing styles and decide on a style of your own. The goal isn’t to imitate a specific writer but instead to combine the creative skills from a variety of different writers and become unique. Only through reading will you learn what good writing is.

Great Writing Skills

Of course reading is just the first step. You need to learn great writing skills of your own to succeed with travel writing. Writing for your own travel blog allows you some room for error when it comes to things like grammar, punctuation, and spelling. You don’t need to worry about your articles being rejected or marked up by an editor before it can be published when publishing on your own blog, but be warned that you will not succeed in gaining or keeping readers if your writing is consistently poor.

When working for magazines or freelance writing for travel companies, strict writing guidelines are almost always in place. You’re competition will be fierce and your articles must be proofread several times to make sure they are perfect. You must also make sure all the information in your article is factually correct and that information is as up-to-date as possible. Companies often have their own personal style guides you must follow, so you may have to learn how to write in several different styles in order to cater to their demands.

In order to stand out from all the other travel writers and travel bloggers out there, you need to have a creative edge. The goal is finding your own specific niche, one that has the potential to gain a lot of readers but also lacks a lot of competition.

Simply copying other travel bloggers’ writing styles and strategies may work in the short term, but in order to hold the interest of your readers you will need to have your own unique angle that sets your writing apart. You can showcase your creativity not only with your travel writing style but also by choosing unusual destinations to write about and taking unusual and creative images to accompany your articles.

Flexibility

Being flexible is especially important when you are just starting out in the travel writing industry, and we don’t mean striking impressive yoga poses in a Balinese retreat for your Instagram feed. You need to be flexible in terms of what work you are willing to take on. You may have to write about aspects of travel you aren’t passionate about in the beginning such as travel insurance in order to make money. While you may be excited about your recent trip to Paris and want to share your stories, the demand for articles about Paris may not be there and it could be difficult finding a market for selling such articles.

You need to follow what the travel writing market is currently after, and that often means travelling to places you normally wouldn’t travel to or taking on writing jobs that are far from what you are ultimately wishing for. Like any career, you often have to start at the bottom doing jobs you may dislike and then work your way up to become the kind of travel writer you dreamed about.

Showcasing Your Personality

While some travel magazines and websites are after writers that write in the third person, most travel bloggers will be writing in first person. Readers who follow travel bloggers are often doing so because they are attracted to a travel blogger’s personality. You have to learn how to effectively showcase your own personality and know what your target audience is.

You don’t want to come off as smug or give the impression you think you are above your readers. You want your readers to believe that they too can travel in your footsteps. Readers want to see your flaws and humility. You want your readers to both cry and laugh with you as you take them through your journeys. The goal is to get them invested in who you are and interested in what you’re doing and where you’re going.  

Possessing Good Time Management Skills 

Effective time management is important for success in all fields including travel writing. Travel writing isn’t filled with 24/7 travel. You have to find time to write and pitch articles in-between your travels around the world. You need to make sure to not create itineraries which won’t allow you to stay on top of your writing and responding to emails. Travel writers don’t get paid to travel; they get paid to write about their travels and this requires a lot of work if you wish to make a sustainable income. Finding out how quickly you can write articles will allow you to know how much travel you can effectively carry out.

Persistence and Commitment  

You need to really prepare yourself for rejection, especially when just starting out. Do you recall the saying “Rome wasn’t built in a day”? Becoming a travel writer for a large company or starting your own successful blog both take a great deal of time and effort. It’s not going to happen overnight . 

If your writing seems to be gaining no traction, don’t be afraid to try a different angle. Pitch as many companies as you can and if writing for your own blog then you should be writing as many stories as possible, making sure to study keyword research to get your articles to rank on search engines. The more stories you write, the more chances that some of those writings will get noticed. That will in turn draw readers to your other works.

Possessing Networking Skills

Becoming a successful travel blogger also requires networking with other travel bloggers, travel companies, and tourism centers. You may have created an amazing blog filled with quality stories and great images, but you need to know how to promote your work. Without promoting your articles, no one will be able to find them, read them, and engage with them.

Networking with other bloggers allows you to share each other’s audiences and exponentially grow your following. You may need to start by guest posting on other established travel blogs in order to can gain traction on your own blog. Networking with tourism centers and other travel-related networks, as well as attending travel events where industry professional will be present, will allow you to get your name out there and have it spread throughout the industry. The more contacts you can make, the more chances you’ll be able to score travel writing work or paid press trips.

Possessing Good Business Skills

Making decent money through travel writing will never happen if you don’t also have a good business strategy and financial skills. In addition to writing good travel articles, you need to be able to send effective emails whether that means pitching stories, looking for partnerships, or chasing payments.

As a travel blogger working for your own blog, you need to develop accounting skills, business management skills, and possibly even managing other employees. You may not have to adhere to a strict 9 to 5 schedule, but you still need to know how to set and stick to a set schedule to stay on top of your work load. You need to budget your finances and learn the various ways to monetize your blog or writing skills most effectively.

You need to conduct yourself in a professional manner when dealing with other bloggers and potential clients in order to gain their trust and continue your working relationship. You will struggle to find business if you don’t know how to effectively communicate with clients or companies.   

Readers can often see through deception and dishonest travel articles. While it’s fine to sometimes write about topics you may not fully be passionate about, you need to be sure to not stray too far away from what attracts readers or clients to your blog or writings.

Feel free to embellish details to make your stories more interesting, but don’t resort to coming up with complete lies in order to tell a story you think your readers want to hear. Creating false stories can not only lose you a lot of credibility and readers over time, but it could potentially also land you in legal troubles.

Stay true to the brand you want to create for yourself and your blog. If you truly don’t believe in a sponsored product or know a brand isn’t reputable, you have to ask yourself whether the money is worth deceiving your readers.

Conclusion 

Becoming a professional travel writer can be a fun and adventurous career, but it definitely isn’t easy. If, however, you are committed and willing to work hard, you have the potential to land a rewarding and profitable line of work. We hope these 10 tips will assist you on your road to travel writing success.

Author: Michael Jerrard

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How to Become a Travel Writer and Photographer

Written by ej ray, travel tips.

Want to be a travel writer? Your readers also want good photos. This article will explain how to become a travel writer and photographer.

There are dozens of publications, including  Wander With Wonder , dedicated to traveling. It’s one of the most popular activities, and most people adore going to other places. Not all can choose a good point of destination themselves and frequently require the help of the ones who know the ins and outs of travel. Commonly, these are travel writers who kindly post stories about their travel experiences online. Many active travelers frequently decide to become travel writers.

You can learn to become a travel writer or photographer. Image by John Paul Edge from Pixabay

They create websites or at least write for online journals. This profession helps to earn some money. However, it’s not enough to be an advanced writer in traveling. Your readers want to have visual evidence, and you’ll need to take good photos. This article will explain how to become a travel writer and photographer.

What's in This Article:

Get Educated

First, you should become an expert in writing. It’s not easy to combine the art of photography and writing. Therefore, you should get an appropriate education. The best major to choose is journalism, or you can brush up on your photo-taking skills through many reputable online photography programs .

Many naturally talented people prefer to train themselves. This approach isn’t always as effective. However, it’s a great place to start. You may take free online courses, join writer communities, and participate in workshops and other online events.

You can take online classes to learn how to write and take photos. Photo by fizkes via iStock by Getty Images

Be Patient and Rewrite

Many beginners don’t understand that there’s no chance of enjoying writing success without rewriting. You won’t be lucky to write a perfect piece at once. Even the most talented and successful bloggers must rewrite their articles at least once. The most demanding writers do that several times to ensure everything is perfect. You should pay special attention to:

• Readability
• Transitions, etc.

Everything is important, and you will never see all the mistakes you make while you write. We don’t recommend rereading your papers immediately after you finish them. Wait for at least a day to clear up your mind. It helps to have a fresh mind to identify all weak parts and mistakes. Apply grammar-checking applications to identify any drawbacks. Besides, it’s wise to have an editor who can tell you what places you might want to improve.

If you want to be a writer and photographer, be willing to write and rewrite to get it right. Image by congerdesign from Pixabay

Explore the World

The second measure is to obtain traveling experience. Of course, you may be an active reader who has read various travel blogs about any location. Nevertheless, you won’t be able to provide an authentic experience without visiting those locations. Therefore, learn how to travel the world , save money, and compile your experience. On your travels, take multiple photos to add them to your stories.

If you can be creative, you can afford a travel lifestyle.

Build Your Network

If you want to become a writer and photographer in demand, make yourself noticeable on the Web. It can be done in several ways. You should create a strong portfolio and upload your photos to:

• Demotix, etc.

These websites will boost your popularity. Online users will see your photos and may get interested in your services. You may be lucky to be noticed by famous journals or travel agencies. However, don’t be dependent on good fortune. Start knocking on the doors of those journals and agencies.

Advertise your services, and share your photos and blog posts. For example, a travel agency sells tours to exotic countries. If you have visited them, go to that agency and sell your photos. Mention that you’re a writer who can write captivating stories about those places. It will surely provide you with additional benefits and the possibility of more work.

Be willing to share your photographs. Image by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay

Some people sell their prints whenever it’s possible. You may likewise register on travel websites. They sufficiently increase the chances to get noticed by the right people and begin a successful writing career. Make sure your stories are creative, and your photos are original and taken in high resolution.

Choose the Niche

It’s vital to stick to a niche. You should focus on one direction and develop your popularity in it. The niches are different, and you may easily choose the most appealing direction. It may focus on urban life, a concrete country or types of countries (exotic, etc.), continents, culinary traveling, budget travel, and so on. The list is long, and you can choose the most suitable niche. In time, you may master another niche, but don’t try to handle several directions simultaneously.

Widen Your Horizons

You’re supposed to be multi-sided and diverse. The beginning is tough, and any expert will recommend covering only one direction or niche at once. For example, you may begin to write about the nearest locations or big cities in the USA. However, the interest may drop because your readers want to know something new. Thus, you may begin traveling to other countries. If you want others to trust you, ensure all your stories contain approved and correct facts.

Establish Your Own Website

If you have enough resources, experience, and enthusiasm, it’s essential to create your own website. With your own site, you’ll be an independent writer who isn’t obliged to adjust to the demands of employers. Nonetheless, we recommend getting fame by working for famous journals before you establish a website.

Build your own website to showcase your writing and photography. If you have your own website, you can showcase your writing and photography. Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay

More Tips for Beginners

We want to add a few more recommendations for you. Deciding whether being a travel photographer and writer suits you is important. A successful travel blogger is expected to be:

If you possess all these, you have an excellent chance to enjoy success in this captivating profession. Don’t forget about the tips and tricks highlighted in our informative article. They will surely help you to become a professional travel writer and photographer, even if you’re a beginner. After you sharpen your skills and boost your experience, thousands of followers will be eager to read your blog posts.

If you want to become a travel writer and photographer, you can begin by reading about the fantastic places Wander writers have traveled during their adventures.

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How to Become a Travel Writer

Home / Journalism / How to Become a Travel Writer

Trending Careers

Travel Writers are professionals who are experienced in writing a variety of human interest stories focusing on travel.

Travel Writers will use their personal experience after visiting a tourist destination and write a critique of the destination as well as any recommended sites.

Travel Writers will document their experiences in using a variety of formats including blogs, travel magazines, blurbs, travel guides or documentaries.

Individuals who want to become a Travel Writer will need a combination of skills, education and experience in order to succeed in this profession.

Some useful personal skills may include the following: strong writing skills, social perceptiveness to help them determine the tone and style to use when writing to readers, creativity and determination in order to meet tight deadlines and seek freelance jobs.

Table of Contents

Education Requirements to Become a Travel Writer

Travel writer job description, national average salary, average salary by state.

These are the top 5 earning states in the field:

What does a travel writer do?

How much do travel writers make, how much does it cost to become a travel writer, what is the demand for travel writers, how long does it take to become a travel writer.

Individuals who want to become a Travel Writer will need to fulfill several requirements including education, experience writing and a portfolio with examples of their writings.

Exact educational requirements will depend on the type of employer an individual wants to work for.

For a full time position at an agency, individuals will need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in order to become a Travel Writer.

Individuals pursuing freelance opportunities do not necessarily need a postsecondary degree, but will need to focus on gaining writing experience.

Some recommended degrees to become a Travel Writer include English, communications and journalism.

These programs will help students gain the necessary writing skills to succeed in this profession.

Although some bachelor programs have adapted their curriculum to reflect the improvements in technology, individuals are encouraged to master basic computer skills to help them succeed in this profession.

In addition, having multimedia and web design experience will help individuals have better job prospects.

Individuals are also encouraged to gain experience in the field in order to become a Travel Writer.

Many jobs available to those without professional experience are typically non paid internships.

Internships can be completed at high school or college newspapers, magazines, newspapers or travel blogs.

Individuals are encouraged to gain experience at a publication that focuses on travel.

Travel Writers are professionals that are experienced in writing about travel and tourist destinations for an online or print publication.

These individuals may be hired by an agency, travel publication or work on freelance projects.

Individuals will work on a specific destination or topic assigned by their employer or client, experience the site for themselves and then write a full feature article about their experiences during their trip.

The following are some common tasks for Travel Writers:

• Conduct research about the travel destination that has been assigned
• Plan an itinerary for the trip to stay on schedule
• Experience the travel destination firsthand
• Write notes during the trip and visits to museums, restaurants and other tourist destinations
• Explore the destination to find something unique or special
• Write a draft to present to the editor
• Make changes to the article based on an editor’s feedback

Travel Writers will need to have an understanding of the group they are writing for and make adjustments to the tone and language they use to complete articles.

Having an understanding of the group they are writing to is one of the strongest skills a writer can have.

Travel Writer Salary and Career Path

In 2012, the median salary for all writers and authors was approximately $55,940 per year.

Exact wages will depend on writing topic, professional reputation, writing projects completed and whether an individual works on a freelance basis or hired full time through an agency.

Salaries for all writers can range from $27,770 to $117,860 per year.

The job outlook for all writers is expected to grow at a slower than average rate when compared to other professions.

Job opportunities for this profession are projected to increase by 3 percent through the year 2022 which is comparatively slower than other fields and professions.

This growth is impacted by the decline in print media; however, individuals with multimedia and web experience can expect better job opportunities for companies providing services via electronic and digital forms.

Travel Writers are professionals who are experienced writing about the hospitality field and travel.

They spend time traveling to exotic destinations and writing about recommended sites, restaurants and attractions.

This can be an exciting career for individuals who are natural travelers and can write extensively and detailed articles about tourism.

The top earning state in the field is California, where the average salary is $111,110.

The top earning state in the field is California, where the average salary is $9,250.

The top earning state in the field is California, where the average salary is $53.42.

Frequently Asked Questions

A travel writer is someone who creates informational articles on various destinations.

A professional can be creating print and online publications and work for a certain company/organization or be self-employed.

Travel writers can be using their personal experience and knowledge to describe the destinations.

The professionals may be asked to create travel guides, articles, blurbs, and so on.

Sometimes a travel writer might be required to accompany the text with photographs.

In case you find this career path appealing, you should be ready to complete extensive fact checks and meet deadlines.

On average, a travel writer can make a little more than $62.000 per year in the United States.

In case you decide to choose this career path, you can expect to earn anywhere between $32.000 and 122.000 annually.

The salary would certainly depend on a variety of factors – your education and experience level, the employer, the location and so on.

An entry-level travel writer can earn around $10.00 per hour, while a top-level professional with plenty of experience can make $57.00 and more per hour.

There certainly are travel writers that can succeed thanks to their talent alone; however, in most cases, a certificate or an undergraduate degree will make you more competitive in the job market.

A short-term writing certificate program can cost you a few hundred (or thousands) of dollars. You might want to go for an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree in writing, English, communication, journalism or a related field.

A year in a university can cost you anywhere between $8.000 and $45.000 (and more); the cost depends on a variety of factors (the books, supplies, and accommodation expenses are not included).

You don’t necessarily have to travel to become a travel writer; some readers might find your home country (town) to be extremely interesting.

Between 2012 and 2022, the travel writer job market is expected to grow by 3%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

That is a little slower than the average for all occupations in the United States.

Even though the Internet can create a lot of new working places, the competition in the industry is extremely high.

Those who have a degree and plenty of experience will have the best job prospects.

There is plenty of writing certificate programs; the short-term ones can last only for a few weeks or months, while others might require a year or two of your time.

It will take you 2 years to acquire an associate’s degree and 4 years to obtain a bachelor’s degree.

Any kind of industry experience is extremely beneficial, so make sure to seek internship or training opportunities.

Related Careers

Writer produce well-researched content for publication online and in print.

Freelance writers build a list of clients and perform a variety of writing services for them.

Speech writer prepares speeches for others and works for large companies, public figures or governmental offices.

Technical writers use written words to explain complex topics in a simple way.

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What no one ever tells you about being a travel writer

What do you think of when someone says they are a travel writer?

Jet-setting business class around the world to stay in luxurious hotels and eating feasts prepared by Michelin-stared chefs?

I won’t lie; this is not unheard of (and I have definitely had more than my fair share of travel at the pointy end of a plane).

But more often than not, the life of a travel writer is much more complex than it appears.

I know lots of you are travel writers or aspiring travel journalists, so let’s go behind the scenes.

Here’s an insight into what it’s really like to be a travel writer and what you need to know to land jobs as a travel writer.

Freelance travel journalism – what you don’t get told

I’d often come back from trips to questions and comments from friends and family such as:

“How was your holiday?” or “You have the best job in the world” or “Travel writing is such a sweet gig.”

And yes, at times it does feel like a sweet gig and the best job in the world, but there’s a lot more to it than that.

It’s definitely no holiday.

As a fairly new travel writer, I was struck by how little time I spent travelling and how much time I dedicated to building relationships , pitching , and planning.

So what is the life of a travel writer really like?

Pre-pandemic, I asked travel journalists from all over the globe to tell me what goes on behind the scenes of being a travel writer.

I wanted them to share their insights into a side of travel writing that isn’t always spoken about.

And as the world begins to open up again, I think it’s a perfect time to revisit what it’s really like to be a travel writer.

There is a black list (this is how to stay off it)

For Bonnie van Dorp , it’s important to recognise that travel writers get afforded privileges others do not.

“My biggest advice to those lucky to be invited on famils and international press trips is to stay humble, be grateful and never assume that you have the right to be there,” she says.

“Although PRs will never admit it willingly, black lists do exist, so treat others the way you want to be treated and count your blessings everyday.”

Travel writer Jac Taylor says she has seen plenty of “jaded, too-cool-to-be-impressed travel writers”.

But in Jac’s experience, enthusiastic, appreciative and engaged travel writers generally fill the places of the best journo trips because they’re the writers that return invitations.

“I was recently invited back to a destination not because my coverage is the best, but because they could see how excited I was to be in their country, videoing and photographing like a crazy person last time I was there,” she says.

Writing on the road doesn’t always work

Freelance travel writer Briar Jensen says it can be easy to underestimate the time you actually need to sit at your computer and write.

“It may be different for nomadic travellers who are on the road all the time, but for me I don’t write stories on the road,” she says.

“I want to maximise my time absorbing the destination, so I need to allow time at home to craft the stories, which can be difficult if you have multiple trips coming up.”

“You often don’t get to write the stories from one trip before you are off again, so it can be months after a trip that you actually write about it.”

“And in the meantime you may have been to several other destinations, so, making detailed notes when I travel is important. This means I can invoke the feeling of a destination again by reading my notes and looking at my photographs.”

The money isn’t the most important thing (and thank goodness, because often there’s not much of it)

I’ve noticed that since I started focusing more on travel writing, my income from feature writing has taken a serious dip.

Many publications pay once your article is published, not when you submit it or the editor accepts it.

“It can be a very long time between going on a trip and when the story is published, and consequently, when you are paid,” says Briar. “Many travel writers will have examples of up to two years (or more!).”

Travel writing can “seem like a time-sucking burden”

Press trips (often called fam trips or famils) are one way travel writers get to visit destinations.

While these are common, freelance travel and health journalist Yasmin Noone says you don’t just have to do organised famils.

“You can organise your own to fit in with your life and responsibilities – but it takes work and determination to do it that way,” she says.  

Pulling together your own trip can be incredibly time consuming though.

“Researching the destination, working out what angles you want and who best to meet and talk to achieve that, then negotiating with the destination PRs and perhaps airlines takes time,” says Briar.

“It can be fun if you have plenty of time, but when you need to be writing stories it can seem like a time-sucking burden.”

Think you just need to be able to travel and write to be a travel writer? Think again.

“You need to be able to balance lots of balls,” says Briar.

“This includes researching destinations and markets, travelling, writing, photography, social media for both the destination and your work, blogging, self-promotion, keeping abreast of travel trends and what’s been published, networking and upskilling and be ready to travel if a last minute trip comes up.”  

You’ll be hearing from me (or not)

“As with any freelancing, lack of response or timely response form editors when you are trying to pitch a trip idea can be extremely frustrating, as these days PRs need a confirmed commission before they will send you,” says Briar.

According to Briar, this has changed in recent years.

Years ago, Briar says, PRs would send writers on a trip and trust that they would pitch stories on their return.

“In fact they probably got more stories from a trip then, as we had multiple angles to pitch once we’d done the trip, as you often come up with different angles while you are in the destination,” she says.

Jac Taylor adds that the stakes are high with travel writing. “To be a travel writer, you need to be tough enough to only be as good as your last article every single time ,” she says, “even with editors you’ve worked with for years.”

Get rich. In experiences.

“Travel writers don’t get anywhere near as well paid as people might expect,” says Briar.

“But the opportunities we get are extraordinary, and we are so privileged to travel so widely.”

Anne Lowrey from Part-Time Traveler says she gets a lot of questions about how she makes travel writing work financially, especially as she lives in San Francisco – one of the most expensive cities in the United States.

“I tell my family that I’m “rich in experiences,” which is true — but at the end of the day, most of the perks of travel writing are just that — trips and experiences,” she says.

“It is much more difficult to get paid actual money (you know, the kind you need for bills) particularly with so many other writers willing to accept free or low paid assignments in exchange for these perks.”

The unglamorous side of travel writing helps make ends meet

“To help with cash flow, be prepared to take on less-glamorous assignments, like updating guidebooks or similar,” says Briar.

 Anne agrees saying, “The reality is that I end up doing a lot of unglamorous travel writing, whether that’s content marketing or copywriting for travel companies, to make ends meet — and I’m okay with that. I’m home behind my computer writing for clients a lot, as opposed to the perception that I’m gallivanting the globe and purely sharing the personal stories I yearn to write.”

The bulk of Elen Turner’s work at the moment is copywriting and content marketing.  “This isn’t necessarily what a lot of beginner travel writers think of when they think of travel writing,” she says, “they more think of the glamorous world of flying around and always being on the go.”

 But Elen specialises in content about Nepal and produces lots of articles and blog posts about the country in general.

“This is ideal because it requires a very broad and detailed knowledge of the country, but doesn’t necessarily require my intimate knowledge of the newly opened restaurants,” she says.

 In terms of her copywriting work, Elen has clients who require general knowledge about travel destinations, and “a lot of travel common sense” where she draws on her past travels.

Elen’s advice for new travel writers is that “you actually don’t need to be constantly travelling to make a successful career out of travel writing. But you do need to have done plenty in the past, or live somewhere worth writing about (which is most places, I’m sure).”

[Diversification is so important as a freelance writer – read about how 5 freelancers make money by diversifying their business]  

Travel writing is not a 9 – 5pm job

“If I had a French Pacific Franc for every time I’ve heard ‘you’re a travel writer – that’s gotta be the best job in the world!” I’d be hunkered down on a luxury yacht in Tahiti with a chilled mojito and a hot man winding my winches,” says Fiona Harper .

“Instead, I’m at my desk seven days a week tapping out stories, editing photos, chasing invoices, marketing my ‘brand’ and pitching, pitching, pitching to ensure there’s another assignment/commission/paid gig on the horizon.”

“That’s when I’m not on the road which usually involves multiple flights, often over multiple days, pre-dawn wake up calls (to capture the best photos) followed by a full day of touring, meeting, interviewing and taking notes that usually ends sometime around 8pm on a good day.”

Fiona acknowledges that yes, cocktails and wonderful food are usually involved, but that’s not the reason why she loves what she does.

“I love being a travel writer because I enjoy the challenge, the freedom, the independence, the creativity and the truly amazing opportunities that land at my feet simply because I have the ability to line up some words that will hopefully inspire others to follow in my footsteps,” she says.

The things non-travel writers don’t see

Jennifer Johnston has channelled her energy into becoming a travel writer later in her working life.

“My friends think I’m setting myself up for my twilight years in a role that is all about luxury and decadence,” she says. “They see the stories and the Instagram images.”

But Jennifer says her friends don’t see:

The nervous pitches sent out to editors – will they like it, will I hear from them, will they commission me?

The self-doubt and constant questioning around your ability to deliver to the editor’s standards

The long hours in her home office

Becoming a night owl as emails and interviews are done with people on a different time zone, half way around the world.

“Much like a politician and the never-ending meet and greet of constituents, a travel writer has to talk, interview, converse and engage with as many people as possible on a trip to gather the quotes and information that colour a story,” Jennifer says.

“Even when you’d prefer to blend silently in the background, you can’t, you need to be present, alert, taking everything in, and making notes.”

Showing up – all the time

Many of the writers I spoke to commented that while press trips are wonderful, they are often exhausting.

Jennifer says: “When you want to switch off and relax at night time because you have been on the go since 5am, you still must attend that dinner on a press trip.

There is a moment where you can run into your decadent hotel room for a quick shower and change.

But before dinner, you know to keep your hosts (and PRs) happy you should post that Insta story, which means gathering facts and editing photos to present the highlights of your destination.”

Veteran travel writer Kerry Heaney says that most people wouldn’t realise travel writers fit three times the activities they would do into every day.

“It means we get great stories and see a tremendous amount but it’s sometimes exhausting,” she says.

“We can do this because there’s usually someone in the background doing a great job organising everything to showcase their region.

It also means we rarely have time to just soak it in and often the experiences are shortened. For example, who would go on a half-day boat trip when they are catching a plane that afternoon? Most people would just relax by the pool and pack at leisure.”

Digital influencer Kerri McConnel from www.beerandcroissants.com agrees.

Kerri treats every trip as though it’s her first, and works incredibly hard to ensure a high return on investment from brands, destinations and experiences that host her.

When you read what Kerri does on a trip, it’s hard not to feel exhausted.

“I am currently on a famil with a solid itinerary, where we are covering many brands at once,” she says.

“Our days are very full and most evenings have finished around 11pm. This isn’t because we’ve been kicking back having a few drinks either.

Many dinners have been hosted by senior management of the respective brands.

They are pure business. All day we are listening, taking notes and thinking about the angle for our stories and what questions we need to have answered in order to do so. Then there’s the photos and videos.”

“As someone who writes for my own website, there’s so much more to do than just my articles,” says Kerri.

“I spend all day taking hundreds of photos and capturing so many moments on video. I have to take all of this in many different formats depending on what I might need them for (website, Instagram, Facebook etc).

A video for Instagram stories must be shot vertically and only for 15 seconds whilst clips for a YouTube,FB and website video must be shot horizontally.”

“This normally means I take two videos for every scene.

It’s a constant switching process and I only have one set of hands.

I use normal DSLRs, iPhones, a drone, GoPro and have gimbals and selfie sticks to assist with it all. At night when the official duties are finished I then need to download and categorise the images and video to ensure that if I have an equipment failure I don’t lose my content.

Then there’s the curating and post-processing.

A two minute video can take me two days to edit and produce.

If we get a moment during the day (e.g. travelling between venues) then you’ll find me on the phone posting Instagram stories or Facebook posts or just generally trying to get some traction with social media.

This doesn’t entail putting just any photo up. I need to think carefully about what image might draw the most engagement, caption it, tag it and so on.”

It can get lonely

Freelance writer Danielle Norton says travel writing can mean experiencing amazing things by yourself.

“Recently I spent the weekend at a five star boutique hotel,” she says.

“The room was so incredibly luxurious and the restaurant had a brilliant new chef who showered me with extra dishes of exquisite quality.

Each course of the meal was matched with award winning wine.

I sat alone in a restaurant filled with romantic couples and families celebrating special events and wished that I had one of my special people to share the experience with.”

Danielle has seen the sun set over the Indian Ocean in Sri Lanka, hiked the track around Uluru, snorkeled the crystal clear reefs in the Solomon Islands, visited war museums in Cambodia, discovered Gaudi’s artworks in Barcelona, seen shows on Broadway and trekked in the jungles of Thailand.

“All alone,” she says. “Mostly, I feel grateful to have the opportunity to travel the world and share my stories. It is liberating and exciting. But, every so often, I wish I could bring a friend or partner along to share the special moments.”

Travel writing can cost you money

Before I became a travel writer, one thing I hadn’t given much thought to was having to pay for incidentals.

I knew that while I was away on a trip I wouldn’t be able to get that much work done, but I didn’t necessarily anticipate that travel writing might cost me money.

When I travelled to India for work (hosted by the tour company), I had to pay for tips for drivers, tour guides, serving staff and so on (which totalled around $80), a visa (again, around $80), car parking at the airport, immunisations, travel insurance, malaria medication and so on.

I don’t mind paying, but I do think that these are some of the hidden costs of travel writing, and something that isn’t widely spoken about.

Making connections is important

Nancy from Luxe Travel Family says she has discovered that there’s much more to travel writing than just travel and writing.

“One of these is attending travel industry conferences like World Travel Market where I meet with destination marketing organisations, network with travel media, and participate in professional development sessions,” she says.

“While conference travel can be expensive, I’ve found it to be an excellent investment. The personal connections I’ve made over the years have been invaluable to my travel writing career.”

There are unique ways to get personalised press trips

  “You can also work with tour companies on an ongoing basis and get personalised fams that way,” says Elen.

“I edit one travel magazine and website, and as well as getting paid, the company have sent me to stay at their hotel partners in exchange for copy and blog posts, as well as treks and other tours.

It has been Awesome with a capital A. This arrangement isn’t strictly the same as what most people consider a fam/press trip arrangement to be because I don’t really pitch the outcome of those trips to other publications (I’ve used bits and pieces in roundups and what not), but I use the experience to write articles and web copy for the company itself.”

Travel writing is not egalitarian

It’s also important to make the point that travel writing as a profession is not necessarily open to everyone in the same way.

“I’ve heard Filipino travel bloggers talk on a panel about how they have to focus on their own country because their visa requests for other places are frequently denied,” Elen says.

“Having a Nepali husband, I know how prohibitively hard it is to travel on anything but a strong Western passport. Even for me, now living in New Zealand, I find that the industry is not only US dominated, which is pretty inevitable, but that my access to the world about which I could write as a travel writer is very limited by cost and distance. So, whether we like it or not, travel writing as a profession is elitist.”

Wondering about the best way to break into travel writing? I wrote this post to help!

Before the pandemic, I regularly received offers of press trips and famils.

And now, these offers are starting to trickle back in.

Travel writing has been incredible for me, but it has been a steep learning curve.

I’m so grateful to all the writers who contributed to this post – thank you!

  Are you a travel writer or an aspiring travel journalist? What would you add to this list?

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