How to become a travel writer?

What is travel writing?

How much money does a travel writer make?

Is travel writing a good career?

Do you need a degree to be a travel writer?

1. Strong writing skills. This one goes without saying, but it's important to have excellent writing skills in order to be a successful travel writer. You should be able to write engaging and descriptive prose that transports your readers to the places you've been.

2. Research skills. Travel writing often requires a lot of research - you need to know the history, culture, and customs of the places you're writing about. Having good research skills will help you to accurately portray the places you're writing about and make your stories more interesting and informative.

3. Photography skills. While you don't necessarily need to be a professional photographer to be a travel writer, it's helpful to have some basic photography skills. Being able to take great photos can help to enhance your writing and give your readers a visual sense of the places you've been.

4. Social media savvy. In today's digital age, social media is an important part of any travel writer's toolkit. You should be familiar with platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook and know how to use them to connect with potential clients and readers.

5. Time management skills. As a freelance travel writer, you'll be responsible for managing your own time and meeting deadlines. Having good time management skills will help you to stay organized and ensure that you're able to meet your obligations and deliver high-quality work on time.

6. SEO skills. In today's online world, search engine optimization (SEO) is critical for getting your travel writing seen by a wider audience. As a travel writer, you should have some basic SEO skills, such as keyword research and optimization, to help your content rank higher in search engines.

7. Passion for travel. This one may seem obvious, but it's worth mentioning - to be a successful travel writer, you should have a genuine love of travel. This passion will drive you to seek out new destinations, try new experiences, and write with enthusiasm and authenticity.

8. Travel industry knowledge. While you don't necessarily need to have worked in the travel industry to be a successful travel writer, having some knowledge of the industry can be helpful. Understanding how the travel industry works, including things like airline pricing and hotel reservations, can help you to write more informed and accurate travel pieces.

15 travel writing jobs for beginners

1. Start your own travel blog. Share your travel experiences with the world by starting your own blog and writing about your adventures, tips and tricks, and more.

2. Write copy for travel companies. Help travel companies market their products and services by writing website copy, ad copy, and other marketing materials.

3. Create travel guidebooks. Use your travel expertise to create guidebooks that help readers plan their trips and explore new destinations.

4. Write website content for travel brands. Write engaging website content for travel brands to help them attract new customers and keep their current ones coming back.

5. Pitch freelance articles to travel magazines. Pitch article ideas to travel magazines and get paid to write about your favorite destinations and travel experiences.

6. Ghostwrite for travel experts. Use your writing skills to help travel experts share their stories and experiences with the world.

7. Manage social media for travel companies. Help travel companies build their social media presence by creating and sharing engaging content that resonates with their audience.

8. Produce video content for travel brands. Create engaging video content that helps travel brands showcase their destinations and services.

9. Write press releases for travel businesses. Help travel businesses get the word out about their latest news and announcements by writing compelling press releases.

10. Review hotels and restaurants. Get paid to travel and eat by reviewing hotels and restaurants for travel publications and websites.

11. Pen your own travel memoirs. Write about your own travel experiences and turn them into memoirs that inspire and entertain readers.

12. Take travel photos. Use your photography skills to capture stunning images of your travels and sell them to travel publications and brands.

13. Write destination marketing materials. Help promote destinations by writing marketing materials such as brochures, flyers, and advertisements.

14. Teach travel writing workshops. Share your knowledge and expertise with others by teaching travel writing workshops and helping aspiring writers hone their craft.

15. Apply for travel writing grants. Apply for grants that support travel writing projects and help fund your next big adventure.

How do you become a travel writer?

1. Search job boards for travel jobs. Scour job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor to find travel writing jobs and opportunities. Look for positions that align with your writing skills and interests, and don't be afraid to apply!

2. Cold pitch travel companies. If you have a particular company or brand in mind, reach out to them and pitch your writing services. It may seem intimidating, but you never know where it might lead! Be sure to research the company beforehand and tailor your pitch to their needs.

3. Start your own travel website. Creating your own travel website is a fantastic way to showcase your writing skills and build a platform. Write about your travel experiences, offer tips and recommendations, and engage with your audience through social media. With time and effort, your website could become a valuable asset to your writing career.

4. Turn to social media. Social media is a powerful tool for building connections and promoting your writing. Use platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to connect with other travel writers and industry professionals, share your work, and build a following.

5. Pitch publications that accept posts. Many publications accept guest posts, which is a great way to build your portfolio and gain exposure. Research publications that align with your interests and pitch them your ideas. Be sure to follow their guidelines and tailor your pitch to their audience.

40 travel publications that hire freelance writers

1. Lonely Planet. As a freelance writer, writing for Lonely Planet can be a great way to build your writing portfolio, gain exposure, and earn money for your work. They are always looking for new travel writers to contribute to their website and books.

2. Matador Network. Matador Network is a leading online travel magazine that focuses on inspiring and empowering travelers to explore the world. Writing for Matador Network can help you establish yourself as an authority in the travel writing industry and build a strong portfolio.

3. Fodor's Travel. Fodor's Travel is a popular travel website that publishes travel guides, reviews, and travel tips. Writing for Fodor's Travel can help you reach a wider audience and build your credibility as a travel writer.

4. National Geographic Travel. National Geographic Travel is a highly respected publication that covers travel, culture, and adventure. Writing for National Geographic Travel can help you gain exposure and build your reputation as a travel writer.

5. Rough Guides. Rough Guides is a popular travel guidebook publisher that covers destinations around the world. Writing for Rough Guides can help you build your writing portfolio and establish yourself as an expert in the travel writing industry.

6. Travel + Leisure. Travel + Leisure is a top travel magazine that covers travel trends, destinations, and news. Writing for Travel + Leisure can help you reach a wider audience and build your reputation as a travel writer.

7. AFAR. AFAR is a travel publication that focuses on experiential travel. Writing for AFAR can help you showcase your travel experiences and build your credibility as a travel writer.

8. Roads & Kingdoms. Roads & Kingdoms is a travel and food publication that covers destinations and cultures around the world. Writing for Roads & Kingdoms can help you establish yourself as an expert in travel writing and food writing.

9. Culture Trip. Culture Trip is a global travel website that covers travel, culture, and food. Writing for Culture Trip can help you reach a wider audience and build your reputation as a travel and culture writer.

10. Go World Travel. Go World Travel is an online travel magazine that covers destinations and cultures around the world. Writing for Go World Travel can help you build your writing portfolio and establish yourself as a travel writer.

11. International Living. International Living is a popular publication that covers expat living, retirement, and travel. Writing for International Living can help you establish yourself as an expert in travel writing and expat living.

12. Backpacker. Backpacker is a popular outdoor and adventure magazine that covers backpacking, hiking, and camping. Writing for Backpacker can help you build your writing portfolio and establish yourself as an outdoor and adventure writer.

13. Travelocity. Travelocity is a popular travel website that covers travel tips, deals, and reviews. Writing for Travelocity can help you gain exposure and build your credibility as a travel writer.

14. TravelPulse. TravelPulse is a travel news website that covers destinations, trends, and industry news. Writing for TravelPulse can help you stay up-to-date on travel news and build your reputation as a travel writer.

15. Wanderlust. Wanderlust is a leading travel magazine that covers adventure travel and sustainable tourism. Writing for Wanderlust can help you establish yourself as an expert in adventure travel and sustainable tourism.

16. Outpost Magazine. Outpost Magazine is a travel and adventure publication that covers destinations and cultures around the world. Writing for Outpost Magazine can help you showcase your travel experiences and build your reputation as a travel and adventure writer.

17. Transitions Abroad. Transitions Abroad is an online travel publication that features articles on educational travel, cultural immersion, and work abroad opportunities. Freelance writers can submit their stories on their website, and they welcome pieces with practical information, insider tips, and personal narratives. Writing for Transitions Abroad can help writers expand their portfolio and build their expertise in cultural immersion and educational travel.

18. Destinations Magazine. Destinations Magazine is a bi-monthly travel publication that focuses on unique travel experiences and destinations around the world. They are looking for freelance writers who can write engaging stories with a unique perspective, and they prefer articles that are well-researched, informative, and entertaining. Writing for Destinations Magazine can give writers a platform to showcase their travel stories and insights to a wider audience.

19. In The Know Experiences. In The Know Experiences is a luxury travel company that specializes in creating unique travel experiences for their clients. They have a blog section on their website where they publish travel stories, destination guides, and insider tips, and they welcome guest posts from freelance writers. Writing for In The Know Experiences can help writers establish themselves as travel experts and gain exposure to a high-end travel audience.

20. Wanderlust and Lipstick. Wanderlust and Lipstick is a women-focused travel website that features articles on solo travel, cultural experiences, and off-the-beaten-path destinations. They welcome submissions from freelance writers, and they prefer articles with a personal touch, practical advice, and a unique perspective. Writing for Wanderlust and Lipstick can give writers a chance to share their travel experiences with a supportive community of women travelers.

21. Jetsetter. Jetsetter is a travel website that features luxury travel experiences and destination guides. They are looking for freelance writers who can write engaging stories with insider tips, detailed reviews, and stunning visuals. Writing for Jetsetter can give writers exposure to a high-end travel audience and help them build their portfolio with luxury travel experiences.

22. Budget Travel. Budget Travel is a travel website that focuses on affordable travel experiences and destinations around the world. They are looking for freelance writers who can write informative articles with practical tips, insider knowledge, and a sense of adventure. Writing for Budget Travel can help writers establish themselves as experts in budget travel and reach a wider audience interested in affordable travel.

23. Travel Age West. Travel Age West is a travel trade publication that focuses on the travel industry in the Western United States. They accept freelance pitches and articles that cover destinations, travel trends, and industry news. Writing for Travel Age West can help writers establish themselves as travel industry experts and gain exposure to travel industry professionals.

24. Canadian Geographic. Canadian Geographic is a Canadian travel magazine that features stories on Canadian destinations, wildlife, and culture. They welcome freelance submissions that showcase the beauty and diversity of Canada, and they prefer articles with strong visuals and a unique perspective. Writing for Canadian Geographic can give writers a chance to showcase their love for Canada and reach a Canadian audience interested in travel and nature.

25. BBC Travel. BBC Travel is a travel website that features stories on travel experiences, destinations, and cultures around the world. They accept freelance pitches and articles that showcase a unique perspective, strong storytelling skills, and insider knowledge. Writing for BBC Travel can help writers gain exposure to a global audience and build their portfolio with high-quality travel stories.

26. Great Escape Publishing.Great Escape Publishing is a resource for aspiring travel writers and photographers that provides educational resources, workshops, and publishing opportunities. They accept freelance submissions for their online magazine, The Right Way to Travel, and they are looking for stories with a personal touch, practical advice, and unique angles. Writing for Great Escape Publishing can help writers gain valuable knowledge and resources to kickstart their travel writing career.

27. Get Lost Magazine. Get Lost Magazine is an Australian-based magazine that focuses on long-form travel writing, beautiful photography, and unique travel experiences from around the world. They accept pitches for travel stories, photo essays, and travel-related artwork. Freelance writers can benefit from working with Get Lost Magazine by reaching a global audience interested in unique travel experiences.

28. VICE Travel. VICE Travel is part of VICE Media, an international multimedia company that produces content in various formats. They publish articles on travel that cover a wide range of topics, from cultural immersion to adventure travel. Freelance writers can benefit from working with VICE Travel by having their work published on a popular platform that reaches a young and diverse audience.

29. American Way Magazine. American Way Magazine is the in-flight magazine for American Airlines and covers a range of topics, including travel, lifestyle, and culture. They accept pitches for travel-related content, and freelance writers can benefit from working with American Way Magazine by having their work published in a widely circulated publication and reaching a diverse audience.

30. Escapees Magazine. Escapees Magazine is a quarterly publication that focuses on RV travel and the RV lifestyle. They accept pitches for travel stories, RV lifestyle features, and technical articles related to RVing. Freelance writers can benefit from working with Escapees Magazine by having their work published in a publication that reaches a niche audience interested in RV travel.

31. The Expeditioner. The Expeditioner is an online travel magazine that publishes articles, photo essays, and travel guides on a variety of destinations and topics. They accept pitches for travel stories, destination guides, and travel photography. Freelance writers can benefit from working with The Expeditioner by having their work published on a popular platform with a strong focus on independent travel.

32. My Itchy Travel Feet. My Itchy Travel Feet is a travel blog for baby boomers that publishes articles on a range of travel-related topics, including adventure travel, luxury travel, and road trips. They accept pitches for travel stories and destination guides. Freelance writers can benefit from working with My Itchy Travel Feet by having their work published on a platform that caters to a demographic with a high interest in travel.

33. Wanderlust Journal. Wanderlust Journal is a literary travel journal that publishes poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction that explore the themes of travel, journeys, and cultural experiences. They accept submissions of previously unpublished work. Freelance writers can benefit from working with Wanderlust Journal by having their work published in a prestigious literary journal and reaching a readership interested in travel writing with a creative twist.

34. Travel Weekly Asia. Travel Weekly Asia is a leading B2B travel trade publication that covers news and trends in the travel industry in the Asia-Pacific region. They accept pitches for news articles, features, and interviews related to the travel industry in the region. Freelance writers can benefit from working with Travel Weekly Asia by having their work published in a respected industry publication and reaching a professional readership interested in travel news and trends.

35. Global Traveler. Global Traveler is a magazine that covers travel news, reviews, and advice for luxury business and leisure travelers. They accept pitches for articles on destinations, hotels, airlines, and other travel-related topics. Freelance writers can benefit from exposure to a well-established readership of affluent travelers and the opportunity to write about high-end travel experiences.

36. Canadian Traveler. Canadian Traveler is a travel magazine that focuses on destinations, experiences, and advice for Canadian travelers. They accept freelance pitches for articles on a wide range of travel topics, including outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and food and drink. Freelance writers can benefit from exposure to a Canadian audience and the opportunity to write about unique and off-the-beaten-path destinations.

37. Go Nomad. Go Nomad is an online travel magazine that covers destinations and experiences around the world. They accept pitches for articles on a wide range of travel topics, including outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and food and drink. Freelance writers can benefit from exposure to a large online readership and the opportunity to write about unique and lesser-known destinations.

38. Travel Writers Exchange. Travel Writers Exchange is a community of travel writers and bloggers that offers resources, advice, and support for aspiring and experienced travel writers. They accept guest posts and pitches for articles on a wide range of travel-related topics, including travel writing, blogging, and photography. Freelance writers can benefit from exposure to a community of fellow writers and the opportunity to share their expertise and experiences.

39. The Wayward Post. The Wayward Post is an online magazine that covers travel, culture, and social issues. They accept pitches for articles on a wide range of topics, including travel experiences, cultural events, and social and environmental issues. Freelance writers can benefit from exposure to a socially and environmentally conscious readership and the opportunity to write about topics that have a positive impact on the world.

40. Travelista Club. Travelista Club is an online travel magazine that covers destinations and experiences around the world. They accept pitches for articles on a wide range of travel topics, including outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and food and drink. Freelance writers can benefit from exposure to a large online readership and the opportunity to write about unique and off-the-beaten-path destinations. They also offer a paid program for writers who meet their guidelines and contribute high-quality content.

5 tips for growing your writing business

1. First things first, make sure you read the instructions! Seriously, read them. Don't be that person whose pitch gets tossed because they didn't follow directions. Take the time to go through the writer guidelines and make sure your pitch is a good fit before you hit send.

2. Next up, remember to send an invoice if you're getting paid for your work. No invoice, no payment, so don't forget this step!

3. If you want to up your game, consider improving your photography skills. Some publications want photos along with your writing, so it's a good idea to learn how to take great pictures.

4. Don't be discouraged if you get turned down by a publication. It happens to everyone! Keep pitching your content to other places until you get a yes.

5. Lastly, keep track of your expenses. As a travel writer, you might be able to write off some of your travel costs come tax season. Just make sure you keep track of everything in a professional way so you can claim those deductions!

Conclusion