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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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• 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

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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

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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

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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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How to become a travel writer

Is becoming a travel writer right for me.

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Still unsure if becoming a travel writer is the right career path? Take the free CareerExplorer career test to find out if this career is right for you. Perhaps you are well-suited to become a travel writer or another similar career!

Described by our users as being “shockingly accurate”, you might discover careers you haven’t thought of before.

How to become a Travel Writer

Becoming a travel writer requires a passion for travel, strong writing skills, and the ability to conduct thorough research. Here are the steps to becoming a travel writer:

• Develop strong writing skills: Strong writing skills are essential for becoming a travel writer. Take writing courses or workshops, read widely, and practice writing regularly. You can start a blog or contribute to online publications to gain experience and build a portfolio.
• Travel extensively: Traveling is the foundation of becoming a travel writer. You need to explore new places, immerse yourself in different cultures, and experience the world firsthand. Start by exploring your own region, and then expand your travels to more distant destinations.
• Read extensively: Read extensively to gain inspiration and to learn from other travel writers. Read travel books, travel magazines, and online publications to learn about different writing styles and to gain an understanding of the industry.
• Choose a niche: Decide on a niche or specialty that sets you apart from other travel writers. Consider focusing on adventure travel, budget travel, luxury travel, family travel, or cultural travel, for example. This will help you develop a unique voice and make it easier to pitch stories to editors.
• Build a portfolio: Build a portfolio of your travel writing. This can include blog posts, articles, and other published work. Consider submitting your writing to online publications or local newspapers to gain experience and exposure.
• Network with other writers and industry professionals: Attend travel writing conferences, join travel writing organizations, and network with other writers and industry professionals. This will help you learn about the industry and gain insights into the latest trends and opportunities.
• Pitch stories to editors: Once you have a portfolio of writing, start pitching story ideas to editors of travel magazines, newspapers, and websites. Research the publication and understand its editorial style, and tailor your pitch accordingly. Be persistent and follow up on your pitches.
• Be prepared for rejection: Rejection is a common experience for travel writers, and it's important to be prepared for it. Keep refining your writing skills and your portfolio, and don't be discouraged by rejection.
• Consider freelancing: Many travel writers work as freelancers, writing for multiple publications or clients. Consider building a freelance career and working with a variety of clients to gain experience and exposure.

Formal Education There is no specific formal education required to become a travel writer, but a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism , Writing , Creative Writing , English , or Communications can provide a solid foundation in writing and research skills that are essential for a career in travel writing. Some colleges and universities offer travel writing courses or workshops as part of their English or creative writing programs.

Additionally, courses in photography , videography, and social media can be helpful in developing the skills needed to produce compelling content for a travel writing career. Knowledge of website design and development, search engine optimization, and digital marketing can also be beneficial for building an online presence as a travel writer.

Certifications There are a few certifications that can be helpful in developing the skills and knowledge needed for a career in travel writing.

• The International Travel Writing and Photography Academy offers courses and certifications in travel writing, photography, and videography. These courses cover topics such as researching and pitching stories, travel photography and videography, and digital marketing for travel writers.
• The Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) offers a Travel Journalism and Photography Internship Program, which provides hands-on experience in travel writing, photography, and videography. This program is open to undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in pursuing a career in travel journalism.
• The Professional Association of Travel Writers (PATW) offers a certification program for travel writers. The program requires completion of a series of courses and the submission of a portfolio of published work. The certification is designed to demonstrate a high level of proficiency in travel writing and to provide credibility to potential clients.
• The American Writers and Artists Institute (AWAI) offers a travel writing program that covers topics such as finding story ideas, conducting research, and pitching stories to editors. The program includes a series of courses and provides access to a community of travel writers and industry professionals.

Online Resources There are many online resources available for travel writers that can provide inspiration, guidance, and opportunities for networking and professional development. Here are some examples:

• Travel Writing World: This podcast features interviews with travel writers and industry professionals, covering topics such as finding your niche, pitching stories to editors, and building a freelance career.
• Matador Network: This website features articles, photography, and video content from a global network of travel writers and photographers. Matador Network also offers courses and resources for travel writers.
• Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a well-known travel guidebook publisher that also features travel articles and destination guides on its website. Lonely Planet also offers a travel writing competition and resources for aspiring travel writers.
• Writers in the Sky: This website features a directory of travel writing courses and workshops, as well as resources for finding jobs and opportunities in travel writing.
• Society of American Travel Writers: The Society of American Travel Writers is a professional organization for travel writers, photographers, and industry professionals. SATW offers networking opportunities, a mentorship program, and an annual conference.
• Travel Massive: Travel Massive is a global network of travel industry professionals, including travel writers, bloggers, and photographers. The organization offers networking events, workshops, and online resources.
• Travel Blog Success: This website offers courses and resources for travel bloggers, including tips for building a successful blog and strategies for monetizing your content.
• National Geographic: National Geographic is a well-respected publisher of travel articles and photography, and offers resources for aspiring travel writers and photographers on its website.

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How To Get Travel Writing Jobs + 17 Websites To Find Them

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What are travel writing jobs?

Best places who offer travel writing jobs, how to get travel writing jobs, ready to get started.

Are you an avid traveler who always can tell a fascinating vacation story? Is your inbox filled with emails from hotels and airlines offering promotions?

Do your friends know who they can ask for advice on which places in France they should visit this summer? If you are a travel geek willing to share your personal experience with a wider audience, it’s time to bag your dream job as a travel writer.

We’ve combed many travel resources and websites to find travel writing jobs so you don’t have to

Before diving into travel writing jobs, lets start with what travel writing is. Travel writing is the creation of content about traveling, cities and countries, cuisines, hotels, attractions, etc.

Living in a modern world challenges people to read, analyze and consume content faster thus the demand for travel writers who can provide readers with actionable tips is growing. People want to get valuable information in a shorter time, and your advice helps them do so.

There are also travel writing jobs whose target audience is people who just love to read about journeys and different experiences. In this sense, travel writing is close to journalism revealing the topic through the prism of geography, culture, history, and religion.

Travel journalism is not a new format. Road journals have been a long-established genre that flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries. Whether you are an ardent culinary nomad, travel guide author or just looking to find a place to publish your long-form adventure story, check out these websites offering travel writing jobs.

Trip101 is a network of travel experts around the world. The website publishes guides, to-do lists, and articles about specific destinations.

They cover not only popular cities but also off-the-beaten-track destinations like Mongolia and Tibet. If you specialize in one-stop travel guides and have a soft spot for non-standard accommodation booking platforms, drop them a line.

2. Infatuation & Zagat

Infatuation & Zagat is a restaurant recommendation website where you can find reviews about the best food and drink spots.

They are always looking for talented writers who would bring a fresh perspective to the industry by demonstrating a good knowledge of restaurants around the globe. Freelance positions are open in top destinations in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

3. Growth Machine

Growth Machine is a team of content marketers that help businesses drive more traffic to their websites. They are on the lookout for freelance writers in any niche, from health and wellness to travel topics.

4. Gaijinpot Travel

Gaijinpot Travel provides English-speaking foreigners with info about relocation, staying and living in Japan. Their guides help expats seamlessly immerse themselves in the local culture along with the tips on job searching, accommodation and shopping.

If you lived in Japan for over a year, you can submit short destination reports and listicles and get paid upon publication.

5. Wanderful

Wanderful is dedicated to supporting women in their travel experiences. Do you want to positively transform the way women travel?

They are interested in stories from women of different identities and value unique insights into local history through the lives of women who shaped it. Payments range between $50 and $150 per article. Read the guidelines here.

6. World Nomads

World Nomads connects locals and travelers who are eager for new fascinating places and cross-cultural encounters.

The publication accepts personal stories about adventures that taught you something meaningful or changed your perspective on life. They offer .50 USD per word for written stories.

7. Hostelgeeks

Hostelgeeks specializes in hostels guides and travel tips provided by locals and expats. If you can tell captivating stories about local fun things to do in these destinations, submit your article!

8. To Do Canada

To Do Canada features the best things to do, places to go and events in Canada. Are you an expert on local tourist attractions? Feel free to send them your resume and a topic summary.

9. Tropikaia

Tropikaiais a gateway to the world’s beautiful islands and tropical beaches. Have you ever spent a week on Maui? Share your experience with a new audience and get paid.

10. AngelList

AngelList is a platform for tech startups, angel investors and job seekers. You can find job listings from travel startups as well.

11. Online Writing Jobs

Online Writing Jobsis a content agency helping brands create content in various fields, including the travel industry. They offer staff freelance positions for US residents.

12. Big 7 Travel

Big 7 Travel is a global travel website that provides its audience of 2.5 million users with inspiring ideas on what to see and do in every city. Join their content team and create guides to your city.

13.  Destination360

Are you geographically savvy but lack travel experience? Don’t fret, since Destination360 are looking for people to work with the website team. Knowledge of Search Engines, Keywords, and an understanding of search engine marketing is preferred.

14. Scripted

Scripted connects freelance writers with brands of all shapes and sizes. Freelance writers’ profiles are sorted and listed in such categories as software and technology, cars, health, business, travel and lifestyle.

15. Tripoto

Tripoto is a social travel platform where travelers share their stories, itineraries and other helpful information. Work as a freelance travel expert and earn some money by answering their travel-related questions!

16. Thrifty Nomads

Thrifty Nomads’ mission is to inspire affordable travel. They are interested in practical articles and travel hacks and pay for good content.

17. TravMedia

TravMedia is a global media network that connects travel journalists with PR professionals. Once you register, you get access to the industry’s press releases, trends, PR events etc.

On TravMedia, writers can land assignments from editors or announce their travel plans to get more assignments from media outlets. Having a polished profile allows you to pitch yourself to travel industry organizations and develop connections with long-term clients.

For many aspiring writers, working in the travel industry may seem like a dream job. However, to succeed as a travel writer, having the sole ability to travel is not enough.

Travel writers should be able to craft interesting stories, take good photographs and edit them, write engaging social media posts, and market themselves as authors and publishers.

This is a competitive field as there are many travel bloggers, influencers and crowdsourced websites allowing everyone to contribute images and reviews.

If you run a personal travel blog and look for a way to turn it into full-time travel writing jobs , check out these tips.

1. Learn from industry experts

First of all before landing travel writing jobs, you need to study the industry thoroughly.

It’s crucial to identify what major publications exist in this area, the difference between them, what topics editors are interested in. Study other writers’ work and analyze what their readers like in those stories.

2. Define your niche

What do you want to write about? There are countless categories of travel writing jobs and content, e.g. blogs, itineraries, essays, travelogues, guidebooks, round-ups. Since the market is crowded, differentiating one’s style has become extremely hard.

The key to success has always been the same – you need to become a source of useful information that would inspire your readers and motivate them to go and see new places themselves. Readers love comprehensive content due to a lack of time to study all available resources.

Secondly, a professional approach is always highly estimated. Write your guides as if you were working for National Geographic. That doesn’t mean adhering to a specific style but maintaining a professional attitude to what you are doing.

Doing research, collecting historical facts, increasing your knowledge of geography and anthropology will lend authority to any article. If you have a degree not related to media, your education can give you an edge in bringing a fresh perspective to the field.

3. Pitch publications

As soon as you return from your next trip, make sure you have several travel story ideas. The common mistake among beginners is pitching destinations, not stories.

While there are millions of tourists visiting India annually, your article should highlight specific angles of your journey. What did your journey teach you? What’s so special about your experience that you need to share it?

After you have been featured as a guest writer on popular niche websites (the more leading publications you score, the more chances you get to land well-paid travel writing jobs) you can move up to press trips.

It’s quite rare that freelance writers get invitations to press trips from travel agencies or tourism boards unless they’ve got an assignment from an editor. An assignment is proof that a magazine included the article in the editorial calendar.

Are you a travel blogger? Contact local hotels, restaurants, tourist bureaus before going on a trip and offer to write about their services. If you have a solid portfolio and run a popular travel blog, you may end up with profitable collaboration and cover some expenses.

Search for conferences, PR events, travel exhibitions in your city to get acquainted with PR reps and get in front of new brands. You can send follow-up emails after the events to remind of the service you offer. This will increase your chance of getting dream travel writing jobs.

Even though travel writing jobs may not be lucrative, it takes a lot of time and effort before you start making a living as a writer. Travel bloggers and journalists are given the rare opportunity to navigate their life in the way they want and create their own adventure story.

Most who earn a full-time income from freelancing are generating it from various streams, writing and selling books, digital products, podcasts, working on paid campaigns. Along with that, they formed long-term relationships with editors and businesses hence get steady assignments.

Another key challenge many professionals are likely to face in the field is that travel writing jobs can be physically demanding. Sometimes you have to write and send a travel report after rushing through a bunch of locations in one day if you are on a press trip.

To create interesting texts, you also need to read travel articles as much as possible and follow the latest trends. Consider exercising a journalist approach with its principles of truthfulness and public accountability.

Since modern travel content is mostly a business activity, its subject gravitates either to advertising or entertainment. Being a good travel writer implies understanding what your readers need, without trying to make an instant profit but minding readers’ cultural enrichment.

Stay true to yourself and keep up the good work!

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Freelancing Growth

Written by Lydia Zhigmitova

Contributor at millo.co.

Lydia Zhigmitova is a marketing strategist at Wordnetic . She helps individuals explore and embrace healthy remote work culture. Lydia takes an interest in everything concerning AI-powered marketing, educational psychology and baroque music.

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Beginners Guide to Travel Writing

So you want to be a travel writer? Good. You can! This beginners guide to travel writing intends to answer your most basic questions and get you pointed in the right direction.

Thousands of people from various backgrounds – many with no previous media or journalism experience – share stories of their trips and adventures on countless websites, blogs, magazines, newspapers, newsletters and social media platforms. No degree or certification is required and doing so doesn’t require a lot of money – no additional money, in fact, if you already own a computer with internet access and a smart phone.

At its best, travel writing offers deep personal enrichment, unforgettable experiences and a little side income to boot. Understand this, however, pursuing travel writing typically works best for those using it as a side hustle, primarily for experiences and perks, or in retirement, separate of a primary income. While there are thousands of travel writers, there are very few full-time, on-staff with a media outlet, professional, this-is-how-I-support-myself travel writers. There are more professional athletes than there are travel writers making their living exclusively this way.

As you read our guide to travel writing for beginners , no attempt will be made to sugarcoat the realities, to oversell the benefits or discount the obstacles. This guide is informed directly by the personal experiences of TRAVEL WRITERS UNIVERSITY and the TRAVEL WRITERS CAFÉ staff and the hundreds of successful and failed beginning travel writers we have worked with.

The best news is, if you’re serious about starting travel writing, there is a proven, repeatable, simple – but not easy – step-by-step process to follow which will get you there and a supportive network of likeminded people going through a similar journey. The process and teachings are cataloged in detail at TRAVEL WRITERS UNIVERSITY and the support network exists in our TRAVEL WRITER’S CAFÉ Facebook group.

TWU is a premium on-line resource where members receive access to hundreds of informational articles related to advancing in the field from tips on improving your writing and photography, to editor contact information and pitching strategy. The CAFÉ is our Facebook members community where we share member’s published stories, hot leads from editors looking for pitches, and general support along with regular instructional video webinars and chats. One monthly membership of only $49 dollars provides access to both services.

TWU and CAFÉ founder Noreen Kompanik started her travel writing career exactly where you are today . She was a registered nurse who loved traveling with no writing experience. She was intrigued about the possibilities of travel writing. Through some relatively expensive in-person and online courses, a lot of trial and error, and dogged determination, she has worked her way to the top of the travel writing profession with over 600 “bylines” – published stories – in major print and digital outlets. She takes roughly 20 “press trips” – all expenses paid, invitation only trips to write about a destination or accommodation – every year to Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean and across the United States. She earns tens of thousands of dollars annually for the privilege of doing so.

This lifestyle can be the upside of travel writing.

TWU and the CAFÉ share what she’s learned, along with the expertise of her travel writer business partners, streamlining the process from beginner to intermediate , providing a clear blueprint to follow in her footsteps.

TRAVEL WRITERS UNIVERSITY / TRAVEL WRITERS CAFÉ ADVANTAGE

“I love being a part of the community where I can learn from the best what I need to succeed as a travel writer. The monthly Roadmaps and Bonus Articles include actionable information that has upped my writer’s game. Opening the Travel Write’s Cafe Facebook group is the first thing I do each morning. The support and encouragement from fellow members helps me to stay motivated. Kristi and Noreen have given me the tools and confidence I need to continue to reach for higher goals. In the past year, I have landed press trips I never dreamed would happen.” – TRAVEL WRITERS CAFÉ member Sharon Kurtz.

Freelancing

As mentioned, full-time travel writing jobs are exceptionally scarce. Filling them, most times, are writers, reporters and journalists with degrees in those fields and years of experience which have allowed them to slowly work up the ranks in that field.

Don’t let that discourage you. The VAST majority of travel writing is not done by these people, it’s done by a global community of freelancers. Freelancers are non-staff writers, independent contractors typically writing for a variety of different publications – online and in print.

Publications would love to have large teams of exclusively staff writers producing stories, but doing so is far too expensive. Even two or three staff writers earning a livable salary with benefits and travel stipends to report their stories would require a vastly greater investment from the publication than using even hundreds of freelancers each year and paying them a couple hundred dollars per article.

Freelancing is a hustle, no doubt, but if you want to start travel writing without starting your own blog or website – and we’ll get to that later – freelancing is how you’re going to do it.

Almost all travel publications, even the big ones like National Geographic and BBC, rely heavily on freelancers for content (stories). Freelancing involves “pitching” editors story ideas you’d like to write. This means sending the editor(s) at the publication you’d like to see your article appear in an email detailing the story you’d like to write and why it would be a good fit for that outlet.

Who to pitch? Where to pitch? How to pitch?

These are the first obstacles encountered by beginning travel writers. At TWU and in the CAFÉ, we take the mystery out of this process leading writers by the hand through it. With our travel media industry contacts, we have hundreds of editor email addresses and are constantly updating our members about new writing opportunities.

Travel publications NEED content. They NEED freelancers. They’re constantly on the lookout for new writers. We go where they go to look for writers and pass their “calls for submission” – want ads for stories – on to our members.

To have stories published as a freelancer, you first pitch publications and if they’re interested, an editor will tell you exactly what story angle to take, word length, etc.

Pitching editors can be a time consuming, exhausting, frustrating effort. For beginners and experienced travel writers alike, many pitches go unanswered. Pitching also happens to be essential for beginning and advancing your travel writing journey.

At TWU and the CAFÉ, we make this process as painless as possible by continually providing members hot leads to editors looking for stories – editors with smaller publications and at the biggest media companies. Editors across the globe looking for an endless variety of stories from all seven continents and subjects ranging from dining and drinking, to resorts, museums, family travel, budget travel, sports, theme parks, art and culture, nature, history, outdoors, all-inclusive, you name it.

Our expert staff personally review member pitches when necessary, making sure every word is just right to maximize its potential for being accepted.

TWU co-founder Kristi Dosh ran her own successful public relations company, Guide My Brand , for several years. She successfully pitched her clients to media outlets across the world. She is an expert on pitching and works with TWU and CAFÉ members on crafting their pitches.

TWU also provides members with instructional ROADMAPS to improve their pitching success . ROADMAPS are detailed explainers written by seasoned travel writers providing insight into a specific travel writing related subject. ROADMAPS are one of the most important resources offered by TWU for beginning and intermediate travel writers alike

ROADMAPS focused on pitching include:

“Perfecting your pitch strategy”

“Improve your pitching success with timing”

“Pitches that work”

“Overcoming your fear of pitching”

“Successful pitches – word for word!”

TWU and CAFÉ members also have the opportunity to receive individual help with their pitching and specific pitches. Our pitch review service puts your pitches in the hands of our experts for a word-by-word analysis to ensure your pitch has the greatest opportunity at success.

TRAVEL WRITERS UNIVERSITY / TRAVEL WRITER’S CAFÉ ADVANTAGE

Not only do we aide writers with their pitch strategy and individual pitches, we connect our writers directly to editors. This may be the most valuable service offered at TWU and in the CAFÉ.

TWU has an entire section of FEATURED PUBLICATIONS profiling dozens of travel-related outlets in-depth, what kind of stories they’re looking for, and contact information for editors.

TWU also features ROUNDUPS , bite-sized entries offering hundreds of suggested travel publications to write for and how to contact them.

Check out this FREE article specifically for beginners providing a list of 13 travel websites which accept pitches and stories from FIRST-TIME, unpublished writers.

Another obstacle beginning writers face is how to achieve their first few “clips” – examples of their published writing. Most editors require would-be writers send them links to a few of their previous clips to demonstrate their writing ability. Anyone new to travel writing, naturally, won’t have any examples of their previous work so this often presents a roadblock to advancement.

We remove that roadblock for beginners and, best of all, the TWU and CAFÉ travel writing ecosystem also includes our own travel websites! We own and operate Rovology.com , a general North American focused travel website, TravelbyVacationRental.com , a global review service for travel by vacation rental properties, and BookCottages.com , a European focused general travel and vacation rental review site.

Writing for these publications is open EXCLUSIVELY to TWU and CAFÉ members, guaranteeing our members respected bylines and advancing them through the difficult beginning stages of travel writing. Countless TWU and CAFÉ members have used story assignments and/or promised coverage on one of our owned and operated websites to secure free rental stays and travel perks.

Lastly, every Friday in the CAFÉ, we post FREELANCER FRIDAY compiling the best travel-related calls for submissions we’ve discovered after scouring our contacts and industry sites for travel editors in need of fresh stories.

Here’s an example of a FREELANCER FRIDAY from December of 2022:

No travel writing instructional service does more to put its writers directly in contact with editors than TWU and the CAFÉ. Period.

TWU and the CAFÉ go beyond the empty promises and lofty aspirations where other beginning travel writing educators stop. Our program offers serious tools for beginners committed to travel writing and access to resources clearly laying out the steps to follow to advance your career. Actionable, specific, detailed advice with direct, individual support available at every stage of your development.

Starting your own travel blog or website

Many beginning travel writers chose to start their own blog or website as opposed to, or in addition to, freelancing. Doing so prevents them from having to pitch ideas to editors and allows them to write about whatever they want, whenever they want, however they want. Until said blog or website begins receiving enough traffic to start generating revenue, this will be done without monetary reward, but the freedom and flexibility are attractive.

Starting your own travel blog or website does require additional knowledge of basic coding, content management systems, graphic design – or your willingness to pay someone for helping you. While not terribly expensive, the web hosting and support does require an additional monetary investment on your end.

Understanding search engine optimization best practices and social media marketing will prove invaluable in any effort to launch your own travel blog or website.

If you have these skills, if you’ve created websites previously, this may be the right path for you. Hundreds of travel bloggers writing for sites of their own creation you’ve never heard of make great money and travel widely producing content exclusively for their own sites. A hundred times more tried unsuccessfully and quit.

TWU co-founder Kristi Dosh also specializes in the economics and realities of launching personal websites. A blogger, website creator, writer, reporter and journalist since the early 2000s, Dosh has built a brand and career around her sports website – businessofcollegesports.com – and has also developed the TWU and CAFÉ owned and operated sites.

From SEO strategies and social sharing, to advertising networks, sponsored content, direct sales, affiliate sales, WordPress, web hosting, backlinks and more, Dosh understands the nitty-gritty, back-end work required of successful websites living in that world daily. She shares what she has learned and continues to learn through her ongoing education in these always-evolving field.

Dosh works regularly with TWU and CAFÉ members, counseling them on if starting a personal blog or website is a good idea for achieving their goals, and if so, how best to pursue doing so.

TWU has published a “travel blogging toolkit” to assist your efforts.

What to write about

Paris, London, Rome, African safari, India, Mexico City, Yellowstone National Park – all of these can make for wonderful travel stories. All of them have made for countless wonderful travel stories. Compelling travel writing, however, doesn’t require a popular destination, fabulous resort or luxury experience.

Chances are you live in, adjacent to or within 50 miles of a city, town, park, attraction, beach, river, lake, hotel, hiking trail, museum or historical site that people visit which, in the right hands, could make for a fantastic travel story. Does your city, or one nearby, host an annual festival, concert, sporting event? These can make for great stories.

Your beginning travel writing journey should start local, with what you know best. As much as travel publications are looking for once-in-a-lifetime “travel porn” stories from Tierra Del Fuego, they also want the quirky festival story from a small town. Under the radar, off the beaten path, undiscovered, out of the way locations and attractions which haven’t already been written about endlessly make for great pitches and stories.

Bottom line is, you needn’t spend a lot of money traveling to become a travel writer. Start in your own back yard.

We have an entire ROADMAP detailing how to start your travel writing career by focusing on stories local to you.

When thinking about what to write, and how to distinguish yourself in the crowded field of freelance travel writers, think about niches. What aspect of travel are you most passionate about? What aspect of travel are you most knowledgeable about?

TWU and CAFÉ expert and travel writer Chadd Scott has developed his personal niche of arts writing within the travel sector to a contributor position at Forbes.com and freelance bylines for Fodors.com, SouthernLiving.com and Afar.com, along with various print publications. Doing so has landed him so many press trip invitations, he’s had to TURN DOWN invitations to Venice, Vienna, Toronto, Miami and other destinations because he’s simply too busy.

Scott helps members define their niches, like he has. He’s found that by identifying a niche, writers are better able to focus their efforts and stand out to editors. Instead of writing about an ecotourism experience in Utah one week and air travel trends the next, writers committing to a niche they’re passionate and knowledgeable about write with greater authority and attract the attention of editors and industry professionals in those areas more quickly, accelerating their rate of advancement.

Effective niches are often related to geographies – specific cities, states/provinces, regions or countries. Madison, WI, British Columbia, England’s Lake District, Kenya. Scott has further established a niche around Florida, where he lives, hosting a weekly podcast and writing regularly about the state.

Effective niches can also be related to activity. Birdwatching, camping, backpacking, sailing, music, golf, genealogy.

Effective niches can target specific travelers: luxury travel, LGBTQ+ travel, travel for women, travel with kids, Black History travel, travel targeting specific religious affiliations.

Food and wine are popular travel niches. Too popular, in fact, to be effective for most. Drill down. Instead of defining your niche as “food” writing, how about pizza, barbecue, tacos, food trucks or sushi? Instead of writing about “wine,” focus on a specific varietal or region of production. Food and wine are such popular niches, you’ll need to drill down on them.

Anywhere people travel and anything they do while traveling or travel for, could represent a travel niche for you to explore and advance your career.

Here’s another FREE article from TRAVEL WRITERS UNIVERSITY offering advice to help start your creative juices flowing!

How good of a writer do I have to be?

Are you a good enough writer to be a travel writer? Answer these questions honestly:

• Do you like reading?
• Do you write clear, effective emails at work? Do you write professional proposals or summaries or reviews at your current job?
• Did you get good grades in grammar and writing classes?
• Could you write a good book review? Did you work for your student newspaper or yearbook?
• Do you enjoy writing? Do you journal?
• Do you have something to say? Are you funny? Are you observant? Are you empathetic?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, chances are, you are a good enough writer to begin travel writing. And you’ll improve the more you write.

Most travel writing isn’t brilliant prose. You don’t need to have Maya Angelou or Earnest Hemmingway talent to become a travel writer. It takes no particular storytelling genius to write “7 best pubs in Chicago” and similar list-based stories popular with many travel publications.

Writing is a talent, sure. We each have an innate ability to communicate through the written word we’re born with. It is also a skill that can be improved with instruction and practice.

Like most things in life, you don’t have to be great to start, but you’ve got to start to be great… and candidly, 99% of travel writers never achieve “great.”

TWU has published many ROADMAPS related to improving your writing including:

“5 structural elements of an article”

“Writing strong ledes” (a “lede” is an opening to a story)

“Creating a sense of place”

“Creating a compelling title”

“5 ways to become a better writer”

Our staff also offers one-on-one coaching to assist anyone who feels they need extra attention to improve their writing skills.

Expectations

When will that first press trip invitation to the Four Seasons in Fiji land in your inbox? Are you a celebrity with millions of social media followers and direct access to editors at major media outlets? If so, pretty soon. If not, it could take a while.

In all seriousness, beginning travel writing takes time. It takes time before you’re receiving invitations to free stays at hotels and free meals at chic restaurants. It takes time before you’re being paid for your writing. It takes time before your bylines appear in outlets your friends and family read.

How much time depends on your willingness to put in the work, to send the pitches, to be consistent with your efforts. Countless beginning travel writers who are all fired up about the potential of this pursuit lose interest after a few weeks and a few unreturned pitches. They lose interest when the reality of the grind and the work and the writing – which, make no mistake, is hard – push the fantasies of jetting off to Tokyo on a press trip out of their head.

They lose interest when life gets in the way. When kids and jobs and spouses and families evaporate their available free time to pitch and write and network and learn. When those same things fail to support the pursuit. When available nights and weekends to pursue beginning travel writing necessitate being filled with movies and music and downtime to give your body and mind a break.

Travel is supposed to be fun, and there’s nothing wrong with simply being a traveler, not a travel writer.

How do you know if you have what it takes?

Can you commit three hours a week to your beginning travel writing? To reading Roadmaps, to reading travel writing, to pitching, to writing? If so, if you adhere to the TWU program and participate in the CAFÉ, we can almost guarantee you’ll be a published travel writer after four months. Published in “Travel + Leisure?” No. Published somewhere, yes.

Will you get paid for that work? Maybe, maybe not. If you are paid, it might only be $20 USD. Even the biggest travel publications, the one’s you’ve heard of, only pay freelancers a few hundred dollars for articles of 1,000 words or more.

We can’t state this more directly, do NOT pursue beginning travel writing if your primary motivation for doing so is monetary.

When will that first press trip invitation come? Again, how fiercely are you willing to pursue this? To pitch? To write? To pitch progressively bigger and bigger outlets? Maybe a year? Probably longer, but here’s another benefit to membership with TWU and the CAFÉ: Noreen, Kristi, Chadd and our staff receive so many press trip invitations we can’t take them all and regularly share leads and contacts for them with members.

TWU and CAFÉ membership has been kept purposefully limited. We’re not spending thousands of dollars a month on Facebook ads targeting dreamers and the easily deceived into joining our programs with little hope of success. We take our greatest satisfaction in our members succeeding. In their bylines and press trips.

We are distinguished by the individual attention we provide our members. We don’t have thousands of members, we don’t have hundreds of members, but the members we do have, we care about, we support, and we are invested in seeing succeed.

We hope you’ll become one of those few and experience the rewards of travel writing we have.

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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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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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14 Best Travel Authors of All Time

Here are some of the best travel authors that you will want to read to gain inspiration about the art of traveling.

There are times when we simply want to escape the mundanity of everyday life and explore an exotic location like Arabia or Mexico. Yet when travel is not possible, a book can take us where we want to go. Exploring the world through the writing of travel authors can give us a sense of wonder, even when we have to stay at home.

If you are hoping to learn more about the world, put down the guidebook and pick up a more engaging work by one of these top travel authors . You will read a great story while also gaining some travel experience. These 14 authors are ones you will want to grab from Amazon to read today.

1. Bill Bryson

2. paul theroux, 3. bruce chatwin, 4. eric newby, 5. ernest hemingway, 6. graham greene, 7. jack kerouac, 8. freya stark, 9. jan morris, 10. john steinbeck, 11. peter mayle, 12. anthony bourdain, 13. elizabeth gilbert, 14. pico iyer, best travel authors ranked.

Bill Bryson  is an American and British author whose book Notes from a Small Island, showcasing travel in Britain, brought him to prominence among travel writers. His travel books include works about travel in America, England, Australia, Africa, and other countries in Europe.

Bryson started his adult life as a student at Drake University, but he dropped out to backpack in Europe after two years. Neither Here nor There: Travels in Europe chronicled these adventures. This trip caused him to move to Europe permanently, settling in Britain in 1977.

Early in life, Bryson worked as a journalist and copy editor. In 2014, he took the citizenship test to earn dual citizenship in the UK and America. Bryson’s extensive work earned him several honorary doctorates from schools in America and the UK.

• Bryson, Bill (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 324 Pages - 05/15/2001 (Publication Date) - William Morrow Paperbacks (Publisher)

Paul Theroux was born in Massachusetts in 1941, and he earned his acclaim as a novelist and travel writer. The Great Railway Bazaar is one of his most famous works in the travel genre. 

Throughout his career, Theroux experienced some controversy. For example, Singapore banned his novel, Saint Jack, for over 30 years because of its content.

Throughout his life, Theroux lived in several countries, including Uganda, Singapore, and England, in London specifically. He returned to the United States in the 1990s and continues to write today. Looking for more books to binge on a weekend? Check out the best books for beach reading . Or you can also search for our best book guides using our search bar.

• Theroux, Paul (Author)
• 352 Pages - 06/01/2006 (Publication Date) - Mariner Books (Publisher)

Bruce Chatwin considered himself a storyteller, not a travel writer, but his first book, In Patagonia, solidified him in the genre. He got to travel much of the world working as a reporter for The Sunday Times Magazine, interviewing political figures. This helped him gather more tales for his travel books.

Chatwin was born in England and went to Marlborough College. He worked for a time at Sotheby’s, where he gained knowledge of and appreciation for art. 

Throughout Chatwin’s body of work, the theme of human restlessness is clear. He believed humans had a genetic predisposition to wanderlust, and his works helped fuel that. You might also be interested in these essays about traveling and essays about journeys .

• Bruce Chatwin (Author)
• 240 Pages - 03/01/2003 (Publication Date) - Penguin Classics (Publisher)

Eric Newby was an English travel writer known for A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush, The Last Grain Race, and A Small Place in Italy. He was born in London in 1919 and died in 2006 at 86. His famous travel work The Last Grain Race chronicled his experience on a Finnish ship that took part in a voyage from Australia to Europe past Cape Horn. 

Newby was a prolific writer, with 25 books to his name. His travel writing included some of his stories from being captured as a prisoner of war in the Adriatic during World War II, which he wrote about in Love and War in the Apennines. 

Newby continued writing until 2003, three years before his death. Many of his works included his own photography.

• Newby, Eric (Author)
• 288 Pages - 04/06/2024 (Publication Date) - HarperPress (Publisher)

Ernest Hemingway was a  Nobel Prize-winning author  who wrote For Whom the Bell Tolls, which spoke of the Civil War in Spain. His travel books include Green Hills of Africa, which talks about his time on safari.

Hemingway grew up in Illinois and joined the military during World War I. He got his first taste of international travel on the Italian front of the war. He also served during WWII, working as a journalist and foreign correspondent. 

He fell in love with Paris and chose to live there as an ex-pat for some time. His time there was the story behind The Sun Also Rises, another of his famous works. In addition to traveling and writing, Hemingway was a keen sportsman.

• Hemingway, Ernest (Author)
• 480 Pages - 07/01/1995 (Publication Date) - Scribner (Publisher)

Graham Greene was a British writer who lived from 1925 to 1991. He often brought conflicting moral and political issues into his writing, and he earned the Shakespeare Prize and the Jerusalem Prize for his works. 

Greene traveled extensively to find subject matter for his books, which led him to get recruited for MI6, the British espionage agency. As a result, many of his works, including The Comedians and his memoir My Silent War, include settings pulled from his travels. 

Greene often wrote about remote places, which earned him a spot as one of the best travel writers, but he was more prominently known as a thriller and political writer. 

• Greene, Graham (Author)
• 320 Pages - 01/25/2005 (Publication Date) - Penguin Classics (Publisher)

Jack Kerouac was an American poet and novelist known for Big Sur and The Dharma Burns. His prose is known for its spontaneity, and he covers a wide range of themes in his writing. Though he grew up in Massachusetts, his home was French-speaking, so he often spoke with a French accent. 

Like many travel writers, Kerouac got his taste for international travel during World War II, where he served as a Marine. He published a total of 14 novels during his lifetime and also several volumes of poetry. 

On the Road is one of his most famous travel works. It chronicles a road trip Kerouac once took with Neal Cassady. A heavy drinker, Kerouac died from an abdominal hemorrhage at the age of 47. 

• Jack Kerouac (Author)
• 293 Pages - 06/01/1999 (Publication Date) - Penguin Classics (Publisher)

Freya Stark was an explorer and travel writer who lived in the early 1900s. She had dual British and Italian citizenship and lived in many parts of Europe, including Italy and France. The book One Thousand and One Nights, which she received for her ninth birthday, inspired a love for Asia and the Orient, which later fueled her passion for exploration. 

Stark took many excursions into the Middle East, including dangerous countries like Lebanon, Baghdad, and Iraq, and these became part of her writings. The Valleys of the Assassins, which she published in 1934, is one of her famous works, and it describes some of her early travels. 

Throughout her life, Stark continued to travel extensively. She helped the British in both World War I and World War II. Her adventure travel writings earned her the Founder’s Gold Medal of the Royal Geographical Society.

• Stark, Freya (Author)
• 320 Pages - 07/24/2001 (Publication Date) - Modern Library (Publisher)

 Yet another English travel writer, Jan Morris, lived in Great Britain and Wales. She was born James Morris, and while living as a male, she was part of the 1953 British Mount Everest expedition – the first time the mountain was traversed. 

Last Letters from Hav was one of Morris’s most engaging travel novels. She described it as an imagined travelogue and political thriller. She also published several books on travel to Trieste and Venice. 

Morris died in 2020 at the age of 94. She was famous for being one of the first high-profile individuals to make a gender transition. She traveled to Morocco for the necessary surgery when British doctors refused to perform it. 

• Morris, Jan (Author)
• 203 Pages - 02/18/1989 (Publication Date) - Vintage Books / Random House (Publisher)

American author John Steinbeck is most famous for his novels The Grapes of Wrath and Of Mice and Men. He won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1962 and the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1940. The Grapes of Wrath sold 14 million copies in just the first 75 years of publication. 

Not all of Steinbeck’s works are travel works, but in 1943 he became a war correspondent for the New York Herald Tribune. A role that took him overseas. This gave him new settings for his stories beyond California, and some of his works became known as travel books. For example, his A Russian Journal included photographs and first-hand accounts of his visit to the Soviet Union in 1947. 

In 1960 Steinbeck embarked on a road trip with his dog, Charley, which created the scenes for Travels with Charley: In Search of America. This piece of travel literature is a travel memoir that perfectly captures what it means to be American, even the different flavors of America seen across the country. 

• Steinbeck, John (Author)
• 277 Pages - 01/31/1980 (Publication Date) - Penguin Books (Publisher)

Peter Mayle  is the author of the New York Times bestseller A Year in Provence. He has 14 books to his name, including both non-fiction works and travel novels. A Year in Provence was his first book, and it has six million copies in forty languages to date. 

Mayle was born in 1939 in England, and he started his literary career writing educational books, not travel stories. However, he eventually moved to southern France as an expatriate, which served as fodder for his most famous works. In 1989 the British Book Awards called A Year in Provence the Best Travel Book of the Year.

Mayle died in 2018 at the age of 78. He was still living in Provence at the time. In addition to his work as an author, he also worked as an advertising copywriter. 

• Great product!
• Bourdain, Anthony (Author)
• 312 Pages - 01/09/2007 (Publication Date) - Ecco (Publisher)

Anthony Bourdain is a chef who also traveled the world. He writes on both cooking and travel, and A Cook’s Tour is one book that combines both into one interesting tour of the dining and culture of the world. 

Bourdain’s books are known for their whit, and his book Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly hit the New York Times bestseller list in 2000. Many of his works tied in with his television series. 

In addition to writing, Bourdain hosted several travel shows for television. His work for these shows fueled some of his great travel and cooking books. Are you searching for books to give to someone? Check out our round-up of the best books to give ! Or you can also search for our best book guides using our search bar.

In Eat, Pray, Love,  Elizabeth Gilbert  takes the reader to Italy, Indonesia and India. The book’s theme is finding self-love and inner devotion, but it fits the travel genre because of its exploration of these locations. 

Gilbert was born in Connecticut in 1969 and grew up on a Christmas tree farm. She started writing short stories while in college, and she traveled throughout America during her young adult years, which provided some ideas for her books.

The popularity of Eat, Pray, Love, and the movie based on the book earned her a spot on Time Magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world. 

• Gilbert, Elizabeth (Author)
• 400 Pages - 01/30/2007 (Publication Date) - Riverhead Books (Publisher)

Pico Iyer was a close friend of the Buddhist leader Dali Lama, which comes into play in his book The Open Road. In this book, he encourages readers to look into the themes of Buddhism as they relate to life. 

Iyer traveled to Cuba, Ethiopia, and Kathmandu throughout his life, and those places influenced his writing. Though he was born to Indian parents and raised in California, he currently resides in Western Japan. His Falling Off the Map: Some Lonely Places of the World showcases his travel writing style as he explores places not often found in travel guidebooks.

Because of the Buddhist influence in his life, Iyer’s works are very introspective. Often causing the reader to think about human nature just as much as they inspire thought about travel. If you liked this post, you might also be interested in these authors like Bill Bryson .

• Iyer, Pico (Author)
• 288 Pages - 03/10/2009 (Publication Date) - Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group (Publisher)

Bryan Collins is the owner of Become a Writer Today. He's an author from Ireland who helps writers build authority and earn a living from their creative work. He's also a former Forbes columnist and his work has appeared in publications like Lifehacker and Fast Company.

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