travel writers wanted

Travel Writing Jobs Hiring Now – A List for Newbies!

Last Updated: October 19, 2021

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As far as dream jobs go, getting paid to write about travel is pretty darn sweet, so I’ve compiled a list of freelance travel writing jobs for you below that are currently accepting pitches and submissions, even from newbie travel writers.

I’m very fortunate in that my own blogging ventures now support me full time, but back in the early days of blogging, I mainly devoted my days to toiling and blogging for free… or worse, for exposure.

I don’t know if you’ve every tried buying Chipotle with exposure, but it usually doesn’t pan out. And you most definitely don’t get guac.

Well, if you’re looking for travel writer jobs so you, too, can start getting paid to travel, this post is for you.

Save this list of freelance travel writing jobs for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

An Honest Note on Finding Travel Writer Jobs

If you’re wondering how to be a travel writer, or how to earn a full-time living as a content writer for travel websites, here’s the truth: behind every glamorous travel writer is a long history of hustle, failed pitches and crippling self-doubt.

Not to scare you off or anything, but breaking into the travel writing industry and finding well-paying freelance travel writing jobs is a real piece of work.

You’ll find a truly shocking range in the amount that publications pay. In this list for example, I have publications that offer anything from $10 per article to $750.

Professional travel writing friends of mine tell me they usually make upwards of $1000 per print article.

So really, the range is huge. This list is mainly meant for newbie travel writers looking to break into the industry and find freelance travel writing jobs that will accept cold pitches from anyone.

Once you become more experienced, build relationships with editors, and assemble a stronger portfolio for yourself, you should be able to command much higher rates and secure work more consistently.

For now though, if you’re an aspiring travel content writer, refer to my list below of publications online that accept travel writing pitches and submissions from regular folks, arranged from highest payout to lowest.

NOTE: That there are plenty more freelance travel writing jobs out there accepting submissions (especially big names like National Geographic and Travel + Leisure), but I specifically chose ones that are open to submissions from anyone (including newbies/non-pros), had clear guidelines outlined on their website.

Freelance Travel Writers Wanted! Write for Me 🙂

Before I launch into the list of freelance travel writing jobs below, I’m actively looking for writers to contribute to this blog you see right here.

Specifically, I am looking for experts in USA or Europe travel who can write with a humourous tone and research unique, fun and offbeat things to do for city guides and itineraries.

If this sounds like you, send me an email with the subject title “Guacamole Donuts!”, along with some writing samples and your rate per blog post. NOTE: Due to a high volume of emails, I will only be replying to pitches I am interested in. Thanks for your understanding, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Now, onto the other places you can get paid for writing articles about travel…

Los Angeles Times

Payment: Print stories vary from $200 to $750. Online only stories generally pay $500. Original photos paid separately

Let’s start with a big one – according to their official website, the Los Angeles Times is looking for “bold, original travel features that tell a great story.”

Specifically, they are on the hunt for content that is “sophisticated, compelling, complete and written with flair.”

Click here for their writing guidelines

Cruising World

Payment: Ranges from $25 – $1000 depending on a variety of factors

Cruise experts looking for a paid travel writing gig (and a potentially very lucrative one at that) should look into Cruising World, who are looking for a variety of articles from a first-person perspective.

I’ve only ever been on one cruise before (the Celebrity Edge !) but if you’re an exert on cruises, this would be a great travel writing job to pursue.

Learn more about this freelance travel writing opportunity here

Wanderlust Travel Magazine

Payment: £220 per article

Wanderlust publishes 10 issues a year and is mainly on the hunt for “inspirational round-ups, lists, guides and advice pieces” rather than narrative pieces… so imagine articles like my places to visit in England piece, my places to visit in the Cotswolds piece, or my Germany travel guide.

Specifically, they want writing with a “trustworthy voice and inspirational ideas”.

Learn more about writing for them here

International Living Magazine

Payment:  $225 for 900 words and $350 for 1,600 words

This magazine “aims at providing a scope and depth of information about global travel, living, retiring, investing, and real estate that is not available anywhere else at any price.”

This is not a general travel magazine, but rather a “niche publication for living and retiring overseas”, so definitely don’t be pitching them general travel hacks , packing tips, or off-brand content like guides on backpacking in Europe.

Read more about contributing for them here

Payment: $200 per article/photo essay

For those interested in travel writing jobs related to the US, road tripping, and RV-ing, definitely look into becoming a contributor for ROVA.

Specifically, they are looking for “stories of life on the road” in the US.

Here are their contributor guidelines

Pathfinders Travel Magazine

Payment: $150 per article, $20 per photo

Pathfinders is another pay per article site that has a target audience of African Americans (although they sometimes accept content relating to other persons of colour).

They’re looking for “lively, original, well-written stories that provide a good sense of place, with useful information and fresh ideas about travel and the travel industry.”

Check out their Writers’ Guidelines here

Escapees Magazine

Payment:  $150 per article (max)

This one is a bit more niche, but is an excellent freelance writing gig if you have the necessary expertise.

Escapees Magazine is looking for contributors who are “RVers interested in sharing the RV lifestyle” and can write in an engaging and conversational tone.

So, if you are looking for a travel writer job dealing with RVs, this is a great option.

You can read their guidelines for submission here

Great Escape Publishing

Payment: $150 for interviews, personal stories, and any articles they request for the website

While they don’t accept pure travel pieces, Great Escape Publishing is on the look for “articles on the craft and business of getting paid to travel, whether by writing, photography, tours or other means.”

If you are an expert on getting paid to travel, or are interested in freelance travel writing jobs on this topic, then this would be a great oppotunity to look into.

Check out their writers’ guidelines here

Intrepid Times

Payment: $50 – $150 per article

Intrepid Times publishes narrative travel writing with heart. They are looking for factual, first-person narratives of between 800 and 2000 words about your travel experiences.

All stories are considered and the editors make an effort to provide paid publishing opportunities to writers who have not been previously published elsewhere.

Submit your writing on their official site here

Tales to Go

Payment: $100 honorarium per article

If you’re a freelance travel content writer with great stories to tell, here is an opportunity you might be interested in. Tales to Go is “looking for personal, nonfiction stories and anecdotes—funny, illuminating, adventurous, frightening, or grim.”

Specifically, they are seeking stories that “reflect that unique alchemy that occurs when you enter unfamiliar territory and begin to see the world differently as a result.” Bonus: they accept previously published content!

View their Submission Guidelines here

Payment: $100 per list

If you want to find paid blog writing opportunities outside of the travel niche, then here’s one. Listverse isn’t limited to just travel content, so you can submit content on anything from cheesy country pickup lines to world capitals , plus their process is very simple. According to their website:

“You write your list (10 items per list minimum), you send it in , we reply and say “Great—we’ll publish it” and send you $100 by PayPal”. Not a bad deal!

Here’s how you can write for Listverse

Matador Network

Payment: $80-$100 per article

While no longer limited to just writing, Matador Network regularly posts open calls for written submissions based on topics they’re looking for on their Matador Creators page.

They have a lot of different freelance travel writing jobs they post on there, but usually they specify what area of expertise they’re looking for, whether it’s for an event like Oktoberfest , or destination specific like knowing all the best places to visit in France.

See available paid travel writing opportunities here

Hit the Road

Payment : $50 per article

Looking for freelance travel writing jobs related to road tripping? Hit the Road is seeking “original writing, photography, and video that speaks to the adventures, cultures, and amazing experiences of road trips in Australia, New Zealand the USA and Canada.”

All the better if you travel by camper van or motor home!

Learn more about this travel writing job

Payment: $50 per article

Those interested in freelance travel writer work that focuses on the North American desert, then definitely look into writing for Desert USA, who regularly publish content related to “adventure, desert lore, photo essays, events, southwest arts & crafts”.

As they say on their submissions page, they place a “strong emphasis in natural and cultural history is a major theme in our website and a popular interest to readers”.

Learn more on their Submissions page here

The Expeditioner

Payment: $30 per article

If you’re looking for blogs that pay writers, there are actually a lot of options of there.

The Expeditioner for example looks for “first-person narratives of all lengths and sizes (anywhere from 1,200 words and up),” and on occasion also “Top 10 pieces, location overviews and other types of non-narrative pieces”.

According to their site, their only requirement is that the “piece be interesting, informative and inspiring for future travelers.”

Their Submissions page can be found here

My Itchy Travel Feet

This site is looking for original content that caters to their target audience of “active, travel-loving baby boomers”. The content they’re looking for is “personable and relatable… [but] also informative.”

This is another example of blogs that pay writers and are actively looking for article writers.

Visit their contributors page here

Go World Travel

Payment: $30-40 per article/photo essay

Content writing for travel sites can often feel like an impossible industry to break into, but there are definitely plenty out there that welcome first-time writers as well.

For an opportunity that is newbie-friendly, Go World Travel welcomes all kinds of contributors “from seasoned travel journalists to first-time writers”. They’re on the hunt for “honest, down-to-earth descriptive writing” (so no plain listicles here!).

Learn more about writing for them here!

Payment: $25 per article

For another opportunity content writing for travel websites, GoNOMAD is looking for “excellent, entertaining, informative, and unique travel articles and research about destinations, activities, and experiences.”

Specifically their focus is on “honest, accurate, well-written and detailed articles and destination guides that speak to an educated, curious, and well-traveled audience.”

Here is their submissions page

Epicure & Culture

Payment : $10 per story, paid upon final draft acceptance

Epicure & Culture aims to help travelers have more ethical, meaningful experiences abroad.

Along with guides focused on responsible tourism and impact travel, you’ll find stories that feature local changemakers and immersive cultural experiences.

Learn more about submitting to them here

Verge Magazine

Verge prides itself on being a “magazine for people who travel with purpose,” focusing on topics like volunteering, working and studying overseas.

Their “readers are typically young (17-40 years), or young at heart, active, independent travellers who want to do something different and make a difference doing it.”

Issue-driven, engaging content with a focus on unique people/experiences is what they’re looking for, so if you’re looking for a travel writing job that goes beyond typical guides, this is a great option.

Check out their Contributor Guide here

Outpost Magazine

Payment: Negotiable

This is a Canadian publication that takes “pride in covering travel in a unique and insightful way”.

They have a variety of article types that they publish, ranging from Insider Guides and Thrillseeker features to long Feature Stories.

Click here for their contributor guidelines

I hope this list of freelance travel writing jobs was helpful!

Are there any big ones I missed? Let me know in the comments! And feel free to leave any tips or success stories for me too. Happy pitching!

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

52 thoughts on “Travel Writing Jobs Hiring Now – A List for Newbies!”

wow! thanks for all these ideas! have you done any writing for any of these?

You’re welcome, Tanja!! I haven’t written for any of these, but I know many who have 🙂 They’re all definitely legitimate! I’ve only done a handful of freelance travel writing gigs and in those cases, the companies have always approached me. Would love to get into writing for other publications once I have more time though.

Thanks so much for this valuable resource. It is so helpful for newbie bloggers like us! I’m also glad that you confirmed all sources are legitimate. Sometimes it can be hard to know which sources are up to date and real. From one blogger to another, thanks 🙂

You’re welcome, Cecilia! Glad it helped!

THANK YOU for this! New to your blog but have been loving the tips, advice and helpful resources 🙂

You’re very welcome!! hehe so happy to hear you’ve been finding my guides helpful. <3 let me know if you have any questions, Felicia!

Wowww, THANK YOU so much for this list! Bookmarking! – Charmaine https://charmainenyw.com

You’re welcome!!! 😀 Hope you land a gig through one of these soon!

Wou, awesome info!

😀 Thanks Anja! Best of luck!

Bookmarked – great post, thank you! Certainly will try and give it a go.

Thanks, Anna! Best of luck with your pitches 🙂 Be sure to let me know if you land something!

Great ideas thank you!

You’re very welcome, Ari! 🙂

I LOVE THIS POST! THANK YOU! And yes, everything is in cap-lock, just to show how excited and happy I found this post…your blog in general. This is something I would absolutely to get into. Thank you so much.

xoxoxoxoxo Bukky

haha awww Bukky thanks so much!! I really hope this post helped you. Let me know if you land any writing gigs!

These are some fantastic sources! Thank you so much for sharing xx

http://www.wildfirecharm.com

You’re very welcome!! 😀

Thank you for this, so helpful! I’m new to your blog and I love your tips and the overall vibe, really inspirational.

Agnese xx https://agnesescoiffeuse.blogspot.com/

Interesting article! Well done. Thanks for sharing. Hope you have a great week!

Thanks, Jo. Hope you have an awesome week as well!

Thank you for this! I will keep it bookmarked until I build a bit more followers! Setting those dreams! Cheers!

You’re very welcome, Maegan!

This is fantastic.. thank you so much for sharing your wisdom!

Can’t wait to get on to some of these!

So happy you found it helpful!! Best of luck, Dani 🙂 <3

Thank you for this clear and useful information and advice. I’m going to be traveling with a group of teen girls in a few weeks and thought maybe I could write a freelance article about the pre-planning and actual trip when I get back. I’m trying to capture the entire process in notes and images for latter when I sit down to write. Do you think a trip to LA California to a concert with 4 teen girls is something the companies you spoke of who be interested in purchasing?

Hey Cheaquetta, sounds like a fun trip!! All of these publications have different focuses, so I would recommend sitting down and doing some research of your own to determine whether or not your piece will be a good fit. I would find publications that have published similar content in the past and go from there. 🙂 Best of luck!

Useful information. Many thanks. I’d like to try to write something for them.

you’re welcome! happy writing 🙂

Wow nice blog ..keep the fire burning

aw thank you!

nice article. keep it up. thumbs up for you.

I just found your blog today – definitely some on this list I hadn’t come across before. Thanks!

No problem. Hope it helped, Claire!

Thanks for this great list! I’ve opened a few of them in new tabs and will definitely be looking into applying and contributing with them. Doesn’t hurt to get some extra money on the side!

Happy Monday and thank you so much for this great info. I an very interested in sharing my travel experiences and getting a few dollars on the side! If you don’t mind please check out my travel blog “Travel Is D’New Black.”

http://www.travelisdnewblack.com

Great list!! Thank you so much for this useful information. I am a travel blogger. Check out my travel blog “Best World Travel Guide”. https://bestworldtravelguide.wordpress.com/

Thanks for reading, Adam!

Thanks for sharing a great list!

This is an awesome list of writing sites!

Informative post. Thanks for sharing; I am sure this post is helpful to many of us who might be looking to work independently in a more passion-filled field .

Thank you for sharing this! I was scouring the inter webs trying to find the info myself when I and found this on Pinterest!

Thanks for sharing for sharing this info

Thanks for this amazing information babes. Dropped by via a google search. Keeping an eye on you now 🙂 Loved it.

Thanks so much for the nice comment! 🙂

Wonderful blog. Thanks for sharing this informative article.

Welcome! Thanks for reading!

“Great read” ,this is a most important list for every travel blogger When you travel live freely and enjoy every moment of journey-:) .

thanks for the nice article 🙂 interesting reading

It’s A Piece Of Great Information. Thank You For This Information.

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

BIG NEWS! We just released The Freelance Files , a collection of professional done-for-you email scripts, contracts, invoices, and more for smarter freelancing. The first 50 customers, save 50% with this link .

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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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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FORMATTING + DESIGN

FREELANCE COMMUNITY

• Travel Writing Jobs: 18 Magazines and Blogs that Pay Writers

How Much Do Travel Writers Get Paid?

How do you become a travel writer, 18 paying travel markets, 1. aaa washington, 2. backpacker, 3. backroads, 4. desertusa, 5. escapees magazine, 6. international living, 7. lonely planet, 9. pathfinders travel, 10. porthole magazine, 11. recreation news, 12. road & travel magazine, 14. rvtravel, 15. transitions abroad, 16. texas highways, 17. wanderlust, 18. world nomads, get paid to write for travel markets.

Love to travel and want to write for others who share your passion? Now that the tourism industry is finally starting to show signs of life again, travel writing and blogging jobs are once again becoming ample.

In fact, there are tons of markets in the travel niche that will pay you to write about a variety of topics, from feature articles covering offbeat destinations to tips for planning the perfect family getaway. Some pubs might even commission you to write about your own interesting travel experiences. 

While there’s a common perception that travel writers spend much of their time jet-setting around the world, travel writing jobs don’t always require you to hit the road before you start typing. There are all kinds of gigs available in the travel industry for freelance writers, including some for those just starting out.

Our list here will help you get started if you’re looking to land freelance gigs in the travel niche. But remember that opportunities also abound when it comes to business -writing possibilities in this industry, including travel copywriting, itinerary writing, and guidebook writing-so don’t stop here.

Before we delve into our list of travel writing jobs and travel blogging jobs for freelancers, let’s talk about how you can expect to be paid as a travel writer.

According to Glassdoor , the average travel writer in the United States earns about $54,105 per year. That’s not bad for writing about topics you love.

Of course, how much you actually earn will depend on many factors, including how often you write and for which publications. But the travel industry can certainly be a lucrative niche once you get your foot in the door.

You’ll notice that most of the markets on our list pay competitive rates, often in the $0.25/word range and up.

If you want to become a travel writer, obviously you’ll need a strong interest in travel! It often helps if you have a significant amount of first-hand travel experience, too.

If you’ve decided that this is the niche you want to focus on, it’s time to jump in. 

You can get started by carefully reviewing the markets on our list here and selecting the ones you’d like to pitch. 

After that, your next steps are:

• Study the submission guidelines 
• Familiarize yourself with the publication and its style by reading some recently published articles
• Develop a story idea that aligns with what the editors are looking for
• Do some research and fine-tune your angle
• Craft your pitch, and send it off to an editor

If you follow that strategy-and keep pushing forward-you’ll be well on your way to landing solid travel writing gigs.

Check out these 18 travel writing markets that pay writers.

Want to write about the state of Washington? AAA Washington runs a travel-themed website as well as a magazine, Journey , that focuses on destinations in Washington state and northern Idaho. The content is geared toward educating and informing readers about interesting activities, places to go, and places to stay in the region.

Contact: Tweet or email editor-in-chief Jim Hammerand .

Rate: Reportedly pays up to $0.50/word, but freelancers can also pitch a rate.

Backpacker is a bimonthly print and digital magazine focused on foot-based travel-primarily hiking-throughout North America. About 50% of the stories in this pub are written by freelancers, which means there may be opportunities for you. 

Your pitch will have the best chance of being accepted if you’re willing to start off by writing a short assignment for the pages in the departments section. Plan to write an impactful story with a valuable take-away for the reader.

Contact: See the Editorial Directory section in the guidelines and pitch the editor of the section you’re hoping to write for.

Rate: Varies; reportedly $0.25-$0.50/word depending on the section.

Backroads USA is a monthly publication with a focus on motorcycle touring-related guides, tips, and information. The editors look for articles about unique or obscure roadside attractions or eateries and interesting destinations. Note that all feature articles submitted to this pub must be accompanied by high-quality photographs.

Contact: Email the editor .

Rate: $75 and up

Interested in writing about topics related to the North American desert or surrounding regions? Consider pitching DesertUSA. This digital resource features a blog that includes articles about travel, Native American culture, regional history and geology, and southwestern arts and crafts. Note that all writers for this blog are required to provide digital images along with their stories.

Contact: Email or Tweet publisher Jim Bremner.

Rate: $50 per article

Escapees is a bimonthly magazine geared toward RVers who enjoy traveling and exploring. They seek general interest RV-related topics, how-to articles, photo features, profiles, and other travel features. All freelance submissions will need to include photos, and stories should be written in a conversational tone. One particularly nice perk of writing for this mag is that they reimburse the expenses of writers on assignment.

Pay: $25-$200 per story

Contact: Email assistant editor Kelly Evans-Hill . 

International Living offers both a blog and a magazine geared toward helping people retire affordably by living abroad. They need interviews, reviews of relevant new products, how-to guides, and travel features. 

Rate: $250-$400 for print articles; usually about $0.10 per word for blog/website articles.

Contact: Email editorial director Eoin Bassett to pitch a print article or contact digital editor Annie Hannon to pitch a blog post.

Lonely Planet is a travel adventure-themed website that publishes feature content, daily news stories from around the world, and guidebooks. The editors are particularly interested in receiving pitches for inspirational, visually pleasing content. 

Rate: Varies; up to $0.30/word according to reports on WhoPaysWriters

Contact: Tweet editor-at-large Sebastian Modak or reach out via email .

8. Oregon Coast Magazine

Oregon Coast is a bimonthly magazine focusing on the coastal region of Oregon. Both new and established writers are invited to submit pitches. Regularly featured topics include community profiles, driving or walking tours, special events, historical pieces, nature, and restaurant features.

Contact: Send an email to editor-in-chief Rosemary Camozzi .

Rate: $100+ depending on the word count and type of story

Pathfinders is a travel magazine geared toward people of color. Its goal is to help readers plan where to travel and how to get there, what to do while at their destination, and where to dine or stay. All articles from new writers must be submitted on spec unless agreed otherwise, meaning that a completed article must be sent in.

Contact: Email editor P.J. Thomas .

Rate: $150 per article

The cruise industry is finally beginning to rebound after a very tough year. If you’re knowledgeable about cruises and want to write about topics that entice readers to travel by cruise ship, consider pitching this pub. Regular article themes include personal experience stories, how-to guides, historical and general interest stories, and travel features about destinations that can be reached by ship. Porthole pays for the travel expenses of writers on assignment.

Contact: Send a message to Editor-in-Chief Bill Panoff or email a pitch to [email protected] .

Rate: Varies; generally pays $500-$600 for assigned feature stories

Recreation News provides travel coverage with an emphasis on destinations in the Mid-Atlantic (including Delaware, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia). They publish print and digital editions as well as a weekly newsletter. Pitch an interesting, conversational article that focuses on a specific locale with details about places to stay and eat. The editors state that they especially like to publish articles pertaining to outdoor recreation of any kind. Note that any seasonal articles need to be submitted at least ten months in advance. 

Contact: Email Editor Marvin Bond

Rate: $50-$300

Road & Travel Magazine is an online publication featuring topics about automotive, travel, and personal safety. This pub’s mission is to help readers make informed decisions when it comes to planning trips, staying safe on the road, and purchasing vehicles. While articles are intended to appeal to a wide variety of readers, the target audience is women ages 29-59. 

Contact: Reach out to editor-in-chief Courtney Caldwell via email or LinkedIn .

Rate: Varies; typically up to $100

Want to write about road travel? Check out Rova -a digital and print magazine that emphasizes embracing life on the highways and byways of North America. Millennials and Gen-Xers are the target audience for this mag, and the editors seek articles with a focus on the ways in which roads connect people to places and experiences.

Contact: Send a message to editor-in-chief Gemma Peckham on LinkedIn or fill out the pitch submission form.

Rate: $200 per article

RVTravel is a website that features a blog and other content related to camping and the RV lifestyle. They accept submissions of full articles as well as pitches for stories, press releases, and even poems. If your article is successfully published, there’s a chance you could be brought on as a regular paid contributor or columnist.

Contact: Send a message to editor Chuck Woodbury or submit your idea via the pitch form .

Rate: Undisclosed

Transitions Abroad is an online resource for people interested in traveling to work, study, volunteer, teach, or intern. Regularly published articles cover topics such as worldwide bargains for travelers on a budget; how-to guides related to living, working, and studying abroad; and features about travel opportunities and community-organized tours.

Contact: Contact editor Gregory Hubbs on LinkedIn or send your pitch via email .

Rate: $50-$150 per post.

If you live in Texas or have strong familiarity with the state, consider pitching Texas Highways . The official travel magazine of Texas, this publication is geared toward all Texans and everyone who is interested in exploring the state. Review the guidelines carefully and consider pitching a story about Texas culture, history, or scenery; a small town; or a hidden gem.

Contact: Message managing editor Matt Joyce on LinkedIn or send your pitch via email .

Rate: Up to $0.50/word

Wanderlust is a UK-based website and print publication that seeks articles about unique, intriguing destinations around the world. Regular topics include destination features, trip planner features, advice articles, and shorter “pocket guide” and “dispatch” pieces.

Rate: Pay varies but averages around $0.25 per word.

Contact: Message managing editor Tom Hawker on LinkedIn or send an email .

World Nomads publishes content about transformative travel-related experiences in the form of authentic, personal narratives. Pitch a story that describes a life-changing journey and how it affected you, the way you view the world, and what you learned from the experience.

Contact: Reach out to managing editor Kate Duthie on LinkedIn or via email .

Rate: $0.50/word

If you’re looking to land work as a travel writer, dive right in.

This list gives you a good jumping-off point, but there are lots of ways to land work in this niche. Competition for popular travel magazines can be fierce, so consider pitching some of the lesser-known pubs where you’ll have the best chance of finding success.

Always read the guidelines for any market very carefully. You’ll often have the best chance of breaking in if you start out by pitching a shorter article. In some cases, the editors even provide specific guidance about which sections you should aim to write for if you’re a new prospective writer for their publication.  Once you prove yourself, you can often move up to higher-paying assignments.

Study the potential client or market, do your research, and submit your pitch. Then keep going. That’s the way to launch a career as a travel writer.

Christin Nielsen is a freelance writer based in Virginia. She specializes in writing for digital and print publications as well as nonprofit organizations.

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…while you sleep.

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I’ve been helping writers get started for a dozen years now. And I know how mystifying it can be. You feel like there’s a door you need to find, a person you need to know, a secret you must unlock to become a freelance writer.

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You get a few samples and boom — you have a portfolio to show. And you’re on your way.

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What does a travel writer do?

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

What is a Travel Writer?

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

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

What does a Travel Writer do?

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

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

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

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

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

What is the workplace of a Travel Writer like?

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

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

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Writing and journalism related careers and degrees.

Writing Careers

• Academic Writer
• Content Writer
• Fiction Writer
• Food Critic
• Ghostwriter
• Grant Writer
• Music Critic
• Nonfiction Writer
• Screenwriter
• Speechwriter
• Sports Writer
• Technical Writer
• Television Writer
• Travel Writer

Journalism Careers

• Correspondent
• News Anchor
• News Reporter
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Travel Writers Wanted!

Join our team of freelance writers located all across Japan!

Write for GaijinPot Travel

We would like to hear from freelance writers/photographers who have experience traveling in and now   currently reside in Japan.

We are looking for short destination reports on locales around Japan as well as straightforward listicles (i.e., top 10s). We do not publish first-person stories on GaijinPot Travel. Articles are written strictly in the second or third person and AP Style. Articles and high-quality photos are paid upon publication.

Writers are not required to submit a certain amount of articles per month but will be added to our list of freelance writers and will be given opportunities to pitch ideas and dibs for assignments in their region. There are great opportunities to do FAM and press trips for trusted writers.

Gaijinpot pays ¥4,000 for 400-word travel cards. There are also opportunities to write for GaijinPot Blog (which pays more).

Requirements

• Lived in Japan for over a year
• Note: Personal blogs are not accepted.
• Can offer a demonstrable knowledge of travel in the prefecture you live and/or surrounding areas
• The candidate understands how to write to the GaijinPot audience – including a range of travelers from those who don’t know the first thing about Japan to local experts who want to find new spots.

Ideal candidates

• Photography skills are a plus.
• Japanese language skills are also a plus.

Note : If you do not have published samples, read below.

Send along your resume and two writing samples to the editor at  [email protected] with the subject line “Application for GaijinPot Travel.” Serious candidates will be contacted to take a writing test as the next step in your application.

Don’t have writing experience yet?

If you do not have published samples online, we accept articles on spec, i.e., an article draft on a subject of around 400 words. While there is no guarantee we will publish your work, if we think it is a good fit for the site, we will take a look and go from there.

You can start sending us pitches once we know you have a knack for this. This is the ideal side work for assistant language teachers in the countryside to build up experience in another field. If interested, please send an email with the subject “GaijinPot Travel Local Guide Application” to [email protected]  with this info:

• Your profile: Name, email, location in Japan, how long you have lived there and social media (Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and/or LinkedIn)
• A list of the topics you want to cover
• A pitch: What do you think GaijinPot readers need to know or see that’s related to your area? Be specific.

GaijinPot Travel is an award-winning travel website from  GPlusMedia , based in Tokyo, Japan.

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Take It From a Travel Writer: These Are the 5 Essentials I Never Vacation Without — Plus, What I’m Buying Next

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Travel + Leisure / Daisy Rodriguez

As a travel writer, I take great pride in my collection of in-flight and vacation packing must-haves that I refuse to leave my house without in the name of prioritizing comfort. I believe that even the shortest trips should still be as enjoyable as possible, and although I’m at a point where I feel both safe and relaxed while traveling, there’s always room to improve. 

Since I don’t believe in gatekeeping, I’ve rounded up the five Amazon essentials that have transformed my travels for the better now that I have thousands of frequent flier miles under my belt — plus, the five items I can’t wait to buy next. From solo trips to vacations with friends, these products are guaranteed to make you feel more prepared for whatever may come — with prices starting as low as $8.

She’s Birdie The Original Personal Safety Alarm

Whether I’m enjoying my day-to-day life in New York City or traveling internationally on a solo trip to Portugal, I will never leave the house without this portable safety device firmly clipped to my keychain. The simple mechanism is designed to emit a blaring alarm once the pin is pulled, and after testing it on a number of occasions (never in an emergency, thankfully), I can confirm that it’s loud enough to draw attention from passersby for peace of mind if I’m in a compromising situation and need help. It’s great for travel — even by plane — and the device is secure enough that in my three years of owning it, I’ve never had the alarm go off by accident. 

AiRunTech Waterproof Waist Pouch 

Last year, I went on my first solo trip to Portugal , which left me in the unique predicament of figuring out how to enjoy my time splashing around in the surf without getting my gear stolen. Enter: the AiRunTech Waterproof Waist Pouch. This entirely waterproof pouch was perfect for keeping my phone and wallet safe during boat rides and dips in the ocean, so I never had to worry about returning to the shore only to find myself stranded without my essentials. I can confidently say that even when I’m traveling with friends, I’ll never leave my house for a beach vacation without this bag again — and right now, a two-pack is on sale at Amazon for a mere $13. 

Anker Portable Charger

After a debacle last year during which my AirPods died ahead of my flight with no access to an outlet, I promptly ordered the top-selling Anker Portable Charger upon my arrival home and will never travel without it again. It’s not a given that you’ll be able to charge your phone or devices during a flight (or even at the airport), and whether you’re traveling alone or with friends, it’s always important to have access to your phone for safety purposes. This long-lasting charger boasts the capacity for more than two full charges and is designed with three ports so I can provide power to my phone and headphones at the same time.

SwissGear 1900 Scansmart TSA Laptop Backpack

I’ve been using this spacious laptop backpack since 2015, so it’s safe to say that it has stood the test of time throughout adventures across dozens of states and countries. The large main compartment has more than enough space for everything from a spare outfit to a ski helmet (it didn’t fit in my suitcase!), and a padded laptop compartment ensures that I never have to worry about damaging my electronics while I’m on the go. Plus, the variety of additional pockets on the sides and front of this comfortable backpack have proven to be the ideal spots to store my toiletries, medications, and other items for maximum organization and accessibility.

Hian Motion Sickness Glasses

Ever since my childhood, I’ve been plagued with motion sickness, and over the years it’s become nearly impossible for me to get into a car without the accompanying nausea and dizziness. However, that all changed when I discovered these glasses from Hian last year, and since then there hasn’t been a single trip I’ve taken without them. From a long, stop-and-go ride up to Breckenridge in Colorado, to a quick trip to Jones Beach in New York, these glasses stopped my reliance on Dramamine in its tracks. Plus, they’re only $8.

What I’m Buying Next

Cabeau tne s3 travel neck pillow.

One of my hidden talents is that I can fall asleep nearly anywhere: plane, train, car, you name it. However, the catch is that while I may be soundly sleeping, my head continues to bob around, often resulting in a stiff neck upon arrival at my destination (not to mention it’s embarrassing). So, when I recently stumbled upon a neck pillow that attaches to the airplane headrest to firmly secure me in place, I knew I needed to add it to my shopping list ahead of my next flight. This incredibly supportive pillow from Cabeau is the solution I’ve been searching for when it comes to keeping my head propped up, and it’s adjustable for a wide range of travelers. It may be $50, but that’s a small price to pay for feeling well-rested after a red-eye.

Jisulife Handheld Mini 3-in-1 Fan

This best-selling 3-in-1 fan from Jisulife has been sitting in my Amazon cart for months now, but before I head to the beach this summer — or even the wedding I’m attending in August — I’ll be sure to finally make the purchase. Not only is this compact device a high-powered fan that easily fits into a back pocket, purse, or carry-on, but it also functions as a portable phone charger and flashlight. It offers up to 19 hours of cooling on a single charge, a fact which I can attest to since my friend brought it along with us on an unbearably hot trip to Italy several years ago. With two settings to choose from, it’s great even if you just need a light breeze.

Soundcore Anker Life Hybrid Active Noise-Canceling Headphones

More often than not, I find myself drawn into conversations with my seatmates on planes — and not always by choice. I will blame this in part on my friendly face, but also my lack of noise-canceling headphones. So while my AirPods will also be my go-to earbuds, I’m ready to make the investment in these Soundcore over-ear headphones while they’re on sale for just $50 at Amazon. Memory foam ear cups promise to provide unending comfort during even the longest flights, while 40 hours of play time on a single charge means there’s one less charger I’ll need to pack while on vacation. I can already sense that my most peaceful flight to date is right around the corner. 

BleedStop First Aid Powder for Blood Clotting

I’m a relatively neurotic traveler, and after reading a recent article on Travel + Leisure touting this blood clotting powder as a must-pack according to a retired doctor, I immediately added the $15 formula to my cart. While it’s highly improbable that I’ll ever need to use it, this powder works to get bleeding under control in mere minutes, making it incredibly useful if I, or anyone around me, incurs a potentially life-threatening wound while hiking or in another scenario where medical aid isn’t readily available. Better safe than sorry. 

Twelve South AirFly SE Bluetooth Audio Transmitter

With the amount that I’ve been traveling recently, it feels worthwhile to invest in this audio transmitter that will allow me to wear my AirPods while enjoying the in-flight entertainment, so I can say farewell to airline-issued headphones for good. The AirFly simply plugs into the screen on your airplane seatback, connecting to up to two pairs of headphones at the same time. I’m especially excited to use this device because it’s entirely cord-free, so I won’t become tangled with any of my seatmates if they need to head to the bathroom during the flight. 

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The Moscow Metro Museum of Art: 10 Must-See Stations

There are few times one can claim having been on the subway all afternoon and loving it, but the Moscow Metro provides just that opportunity.  While many cities boast famous public transport systems—New York’s subway, London’s underground, San Salvador’s chicken buses—few warrant hours of exploration.  Moscow is different: Take one ride on the Metro, and you’ll find out that this network of railways can be so much more than point A to B drudgery.

The Metro began operating in 1935 with just thirteen stations, covering less than seven miles, but it has since grown into the world’s third busiest transit system ( Tokyo is first ), spanning about 200 miles and offering over 180 stops along the way.  The construction of the Metro began under Joseph Stalin’s command, and being one of the USSR’s most ambitious building projects, the iron-fisted leader instructed designers to create a place full of svet (radiance) and svetloe budushchee (a radiant future), a palace for the people and a tribute to the Mother nation.

Consequently, the Metro is among the most memorable attractions in Moscow.  The stations provide a unique collection of public art, comparable to anything the city’s galleries have to offer and providing a sense of the Soviet era, which is absent from the State National History Museum.  Even better, touring the Metro delivers palpable, experiential moments, which many of us don’t get standing in front of painting or a case of coins.

Though tours are available , discovering the Moscow Metro on your own provides a much more comprehensive, truer experience, something much less sterile than following a guide.  What better place is there to see the “real” Moscow than on mass transit: A few hours will expose you to characters and caricatures you’ll be hard-pressed to find dining near the Bolshoi Theater.  You become part of the attraction, hear it in the screech of the train, feel it as hurried commuters brush by: The Metro sucks you beneath the city and churns you into the mix.

With the recommendations of our born-and-bred Muscovite students, my wife Emma and I have just taken a self-guided tour of what some locals consider the top ten stations of the Moscow Metro. What most satisfied me about our Metro tour was the sense of adventure .  I loved following our route on the maps of the wagon walls as we circled the city, plotting out the course to the subsequent stops; having the weird sensation of being underground for nearly four hours; and discovering the next cavern of treasures, playing Indiana Jones for the afternoon, piecing together fragments of Russia’s mysterious history.  It’s the ultimate interactive museum.

Top Ten Stations (In order of appearance)

Kievskaya station.

Kievskaya Station went public in March of 1937, the rails between it and Park Kultury Station being the first to cross the Moscow River.  Kievskaya is full of mosaics depicting aristocratic scenes of Russian life, with great cameo appearances by Lenin, Trotsky, and Stalin.  Each work has a Cyrillic title/explanation etched in the marble beneath it; however, if your Russian is rusty, you can just appreciate seeing familiar revolutionary dates like 1905 ( the Russian Revolution ) and 1917 ( the October Revolution ).

Mayakovskaya Station

Mayakovskaya Station ranks in my top three most notable Metro stations. Mayakovskaya just feels right, done Art Deco but no sense of gaudiness or pretention.  The arches are adorned with rounded chrome piping and create feeling of being in a jukebox, but the roof’s expansive mosaics of the sky are the real showstopper.  Subjects cleverly range from looking up at a high jumper, workers atop a building, spires of Orthodox cathedrals, to nimble aircraft humming by, a fleet of prop planes spelling out CCCP in the bluest of skies.

Novoslobodskaya Station

Novoslobodskaya is the Metro’s unique stained glass station.  Each column has its own distinctive panels of colorful glass, most of them with a floral theme, some of them capturing the odd sailor, musician, artist, gardener, or stenographer in action.  The glass is framed in Art Deco metalwork, and there is the lovely aspect of discovering panels in the less frequented haunches of the hall (on the trackside, between the incoming staircases).  Novosblod is, I’ve been told, the favorite amongst out-of-town visitors.

Komsomolskaya Station

Komsomolskaya Station is one of palatial grandeur.  It seems both magnificent and obligatory, like the presidential palace of a colonial city.  The yellow ceiling has leafy, white concrete garland and a series of golden military mosaics accenting the tile mosaics of glorified Russian life.  Switching lines here, the hallway has an Alice-in-Wonderland feel, impossibly long with decorative tile walls, culminating in a very old station left in a remarkable state of disrepair, offering a really tangible glimpse behind the palace walls.

Dostoevskaya Station

Dostoevskaya is a tribute to the late, great hero of Russian literature .  The station at first glance seems bare and unimpressive, a stark marble platform without a whiff of reassembled chips of tile.  However, two columns have eerie stone inlay collages of scenes from Dostoevsky’s work, including The Idiot , The Brothers Karamazov , and Crime and Punishment.   Then, standing at the center of the platform, the marble creates a kaleidoscope of reflections.  At the entrance, there is a large, inlay portrait of the author.

Chkalovskaya Station

Chkalovskaya does space Art Deco style (yet again).  Chrome borders all.  Passageways with curvy overhangs create the illusion of walking through the belly of a chic, new-age spacecraft.  There are two (kos)mosaics, one at each end, with planetary subjects.  Transferring here brings you above ground, where some rather elaborate metalwork is on display.  By name similarity only, I’d expected Komsolskaya Station to deliver some kosmonaut décor; instead, it was Chkalovskaya that took us up to the space station.

Elektrozavodskaya Station

Elektrozavodskaya is full of marble reliefs of workers, men and women, laboring through the different stages of industry.  The superhuman figures are round with muscles, Hollywood fit, and seemingly undeterred by each Herculean task they respectively perform.  The station is chocked with brass, from hammer and sickle light fixtures to beautiful, angular framework up the innards of the columns.  The station’s art pieces are less clever or extravagant than others, but identifying the different stages of industry is entertaining.

Baumanskaya Statio

Baumanskaya Station is the only stop that wasn’t suggested by the students.  Pulling in, the network of statues was just too enticing: Out of half-circle depressions in the platform’s columns, the USSR’s proud and powerful labor force again flaunts its success.  Pilots, blacksmiths, politicians, and artists have all congregated, posing amongst more Art Deco framing.  At the far end, a massive Soviet flag dons the face of Lenin and banners for ’05, ’17, and ‘45.  Standing in front of the flag, you can play with the echoing roof.

Ploshchad Revolutsii Station

Novokuznetskaya Station

Novokuznetskaya Station finishes off this tour, more or less, where it started: beautiful mosaics.  This station recalls the skyward-facing pieces from Mayakovskaya (Station #2), only with a little larger pictures in a more cramped, very trafficked area.  Due to a line of street lamps in the center of the platform, it has the atmosphere of a bustling market.  The more inventive sky scenes include a man on a ladder, women picking fruit, and a tank-dozer being craned in.  The station’s also has a handsome black-and-white stone mural.

Here is a map and a brief description of our route:

Start at (1)Kievskaya on the “ring line” (look for the squares at the bottom of the platform signs to help you navigate—the ring line is #5, brown line) and go north to Belorusskaya, make a quick switch to the Dark Green/#2 line, and go south one stop to (2)Mayakovskaya.  Backtrack to the ring line—Brown/#5—and continue north, getting off at (3)Novosblodskaya and (4)Komsolskaya.  At Komsolskaya Station, transfer to the Red/#1 line, go south for two stops to Chistye Prudy, and get on the Light Green/#10 line going north.  Take a look at (5)Dostoevskaya Station on the northern segment of Light Green/#10 line then change directions and head south to (6)Chkalovskaya, which offers a transfer to the Dark Blue/#3 line, going west, away from the city center.  Have a look (7)Elektroskaya Station before backtracking into the center of Moscow, stopping off at (8)Baumskaya, getting off the Dark Blue/#3 line at (9)Ploschad Revolyutsii.  Change to the Dark Green/#2 line and go south one stop to see (10)Novokuznetskaya Station.

Check out our new Moscow Indie Travel Guide , book a flight to Moscow and read 10 Bars with Views Worth Blowing the Budget For

Jonathon Engels, formerly a patron saint of misadventure, has been stumbling his way across cultural borders since 2005 and is currently volunteering in the mountains outside of Antigua, Guatemala.  For more of his work, visit his website and blog .

Photo credits:   SergeyRod , all others courtesy of the author and may not be used without permission

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I thought I'd earn more by keeping my money in the stock market than a savings account, but I couldn't have been more wrong

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• I've always dreamed of visiting Italy, and after years of saving, I finally had enough.
• But when the pandemic hit, I put off my trip, and my travel fund sat in a high-yield savings account.
• With interest rates low, I thought I'd earn more by investing in the market. I was wrong.

For most of my life, I have dreamed of going to Italy.

When I was a child, my dad would show me slideshows (the old carousel kind) from his two-year church mission and business trips there. I was enchanted by the sculptures, frescoes, and breathtaking architecture. I read "The Agony and the Ecstasy" and studied the Renaissance in European history in my junior year of high school, and I was completely hooked — Italy was at the top of my bucket list.

I didn't actually start saving for the trip until I was 35. My family was in dire financial straits at the time, but I looked around me one day and realized that if I didn't start saving money for this long-held goal, I'd die someday having dreamed of Italy but never gone. That thought was terrifying. So I found an old coffee can, plunked some loose change into it, and labeled it "Italy fund." 

Soon after that, we moved to Texas to a new job with a lot more stability. Things started looking up financially, and a few years after the first coins went into the coffee can, I was able to squirrel away about $1,200 and nearly enough airline and hotel points to get my husband and me to Italy. 

By this time, my Italy fund had graduated from the coffee can to an online high-yield savings account . It was earning the highest interest rate of any savings account I could find at the time — a whopping 1.05%. 

The itinerary was planned, dates picked, and childcare arranged. Then the pandemic hit.

I moved my travel money to the stock market, hoping to earn more

When news came out about how bad COVID-19 numbers were in Italy, my husband and I tabled the trip, hoping to make it in 2021. As time wore on, lockdowns and restrictions stayed firmly in place, and I knew it would be quite some time before I would be comfortable traveling internationally.

While I continued to sit in my pent-up wanderlust, I watched the stock market climb to unprecedented levels. My IRA grew by leaps and bounds while my Italy fund sat sad and unused in my savings account.

Then financial FOMO began to set in. I thought to myself, "This is stupid. Why not put my Italy fund in a brokerage account and get the double-digit returns I can in the stock market instead of 1% in a 'high-yield' savings account? If I do that, I'll have way more money to spend on gelato once the pandemic lifts." It made perfect sense at the time, but I soon came to realize how short-sighted that decision was. 

I transferred the contents of my high-yield savings account to a brokerage account and bought several of the stocks and ETFs that had been riding high during the pandemic: Tesla, Pinterest, and tech-focused ARK funds. (I'm cringing as I write this.)

I lost money when the stock market started tanking

Once COVID-19 restrictions began to ease, I began researching flights and hotels to make travel plans again. But I looked in my brokerage account, and now I had less than half the money I'd started with. Tech stocks took a beating after the pandemic, and that's where I'd put most of my savings. Between February 2021 and October 2022, I'd lost $665. That's a lot of gelato. 

I'd made the rookie mistake of putting short-term savings into long-term savings vehicles. I was raised by options-trading parents, and I'm a personal-finance writer by trade, so I have no good excuses for this. I knew better than to put my vacation money — money I knew I'd be spending in the next two or three years, max — into growth stocks that are designed to be held for at least five years. I made a rash decision based on the two emotions you should never listen to when investing: greed and fear.

I'm now faced with the uncomfortable choice of selling my securities (ones I truly believe will do well in the coming years) and cutting my losses or risking watching my Italy fund dwindle further. I'm still not sure which poison I'm going to pick.

Despite the rising interest rates, so-called high-yield savings accounts look only mildly more attractive than they did two years ago. The same online bank I used now offers higher interest on savings, though some of those gains are dwarfed by inflation.

But high-yield savings accounts have one critical advantage — they don't lose money. I may not make double-digit returns, but I won't lose them either. And not losing is much more important than winning for short-term savings.

Despite the small returns, I'll definitely be using a high-yield savings account for all future Italy savings. At least it's an upgrade from the coffee can.

This article was originally published in October 2022.

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