online travel writing course

7 Online Travel Writing Courses to Take Before Starting Your Travel Blog

If you're intrigued by the idea of starting a travel blog and getting paid to share your adventures with the world as you explore, then guess what? You're far from alone! 

Thousands of people are setting up travel blogs in hopes of making a living typing up the tales of their incredible journeys. After all, could any job possibly be more fun? We highly doubt it. 

But how can you make sure your travel blog stands out and has the key features needed to catch the eye of the right/enough followers? Get in here and see our top 7 online writing courses you need before you start your travel blog.

TravelCon is an annual travel industry conference (2018's festival is September 20-22 in Austin, Texas). While the in-person events sell out pretty quickly, you can usually purchase virtual tickets to attend online.

Hosted by Matthew Kepnes, aka Nomadic Matt , TravelCon will feature speakers and presentations by a plethora of knowledgeable travel writing gurus, as well as networking events, writing sessions, photography tours, and more. Want to really learn how to turn your travel blog into a business? You need to be here.

All TravelCon's content will be available virtually including video of all keynote and breakout sessions, which you can store on your device and watch again later, tomorrow, or whenever you want!

Get your TravelCon virtual ticket here .

Price:  $149 (check current price here ).

Length of course: This is a 3-day conference.

What you'll learn:  This is a conference on travel blog writing, hosted by a bevy of seasoned, successful travel blog writers and other such related professionals. Presented in both beginner and advanced sections, you'll get tips from pros at various levels of the business, participate in workshops and sessions intended to fine-tune writing skills, brush up your photography know-how, get the goods on tech tips, and much more.

Instructor facts: Here are some of the folks who will be presenting:

Get expert travel blog writing tips from Kristin Addis of Be My Travel Muse , Derek Baron of Wandering Earl , Nathan Barry of ConvertKit , James Bradbury-Boyd of Singapore Airlines , Paul Brady of Conde Nast Traveler , Carol Cain of Girl Gone Travel , and many more impressively informed and highly skilled travel bloggers. To see all speakers and presenters, go here .

TravelCon pros:

• Lots of well-informed, seasoned travel blog writers presenting guidance-filled sessions and workshops
• Concise 3-day conference
• Downloadable to your device, so you can view it repeatedly at your convenience

TravelCon cons:

• Expensive 
• In-person tickets sold out, only virtual tickets left available

Bottom Line:

TravelCon is travel blog writing gold. Learn from the pros and do what they do. Although it's sold out in person, virtual tickets are available and you can download the event to your device and watch it whenever you want. We think you should do it, if you don't mind the price.

Superstar Blogging — The Business of Travel Blogging

You needn't fret if you miss the TravelCon conference detailed above — Nomadic Matt's got a few more classes on travel writing you can join on Superstar Blogging !

Superstar Blogging features these great online travel writing courses:

We like this one the best: The Business of Travel Blog Writing

Here's the course syllabus to give you an idea of what to expect:

As you can see, it includes things like:

• Setting up your website
• Hearing Matt's success story with travel blogging
• Building your brand
• Writing viral, engaging travel content
• How to grow your social media network

Plus, you get 10 hours of expert interviews from top bloggers, writers, marketers, and others to help you get your travel blog in super shape super fast!

You'll also get personalized feedback, membership in a private FaceBook group, monthly Q & A seminars, downloadable cheatsheets, special discounts, and updates for a lifetime.

Another nice touch is the money-back guarantee, shown below, which assures students a full refund after a test-drive of 30 days to see if they like the course.

Price:   $249.00. You can pay it all at once, or split it into 3 payments of $99:

Interested in more than one class on the subject? There's 'How to be a Travel Writer', 'The Art of Travel Vlogging', and Capture the World' photography course as well. Sign up for them here and get 50% off:

Length of course: 10 weeks

What you'll learn: 

This course will teach you how to start your blog, technical skills, creating your brand, optimizing SEO, social media growth, how to get press coverage, and more.

Instructor facts:  Your instructors are Matt Kepnes (aka Travel Blogger Nomadic Matt) and WordPress Guru Chris Richardson, shown with their respective bios below:

Superstar Blogging pros:

• Taught by travel blogging and WordPress experts
• Available online, so you won't need to rush to class - you can log in anywhere
• You'll get feedback, monthly webinars, tech support, Q&A sessions, etc.

Superstar Blogging cons:

You'll get lifetime access to your courses when you purchase them here , and the deal on 50% off seems nice if you think you'll want to do more than one. Nomadic Matt definitely knows what he's talking about with over 1.6 million monthly views to his travel blog.

Skillshare — Being a Travel Blogger (even when you're not traveling)

As you may already know, Skillshare is a learning platform offering over 22,000 classes taught online by professionals in their fields, ranging in price and length with many offered free of charge.

This course gives guidance on different kinds of blog posts you can create for your travel blog, brainstorming techniques to help with ideas, and ways to create content for your blog — even during the time when you aren't traveling.

There are 37 different tasks, assignments, and ideas for projects here , and you can do them anytime you wish.

Price: If you sign up here, you'll get a free month of premium classes (more than enough time to watch all the videos and complete all the suggested projects for this class!)

Length of course: There are 9 videos for a total of 33 minutes in all. Suggested projects and tasks may take you longer, but there is no deadline.

What you'll learn: You learn how to create consistent content and several different types of blog posts for your travel blog even when you aren't traveling

Instructor facts: 

Theresa Christine is the instructor, and her bio states she is a freelance writer and blogger who has written for Culture Trip, The Examiner, HOW Design Magazine, Wanderful, The Dieline, LunaLuna Magazine, the Burning Man Organization, has had appearances on HuffPost Live, HPL Podcast, and the Women in Travel Summit.

Skillshare pros:

• Short videos encompassing 9 lessons in a total of 33 minutes
• Recommended by 156 out of 159 previous students
• Taught by experienced instructor

Skillshare cons:

• No certificate of completion offered

Skillshare is a good way to learn about topics related to your field of work or hobbies in your spare time at home — or anywhere you can get internet and a quiet space to view the videos or do the assignments. Skillshare also has a Writers Group for aspiring travel bloggers to join in on networking and discussion.

Pink Pangea — Travel Writing Workshop

For all the aspiring female travel bloggers out there, we may have just found your next favorite thing in the world.

Aside from their International Writing Retreats in Switzerland, Costa Rica, Spain, Italy, Israel, and Greece, during which participants write, tour, and indulge in the food, art, and culture of the regions,   Pink Pangea also gives online writing courses and workshops — like their Travel Writing Workshop , their Intro to Travel Blogging Workshop , their Travel Writing Intensive Course , and more.

We thought we'd start with the first things first, but take your pick of any of them!

For a beginner blogger's intro to online travel writing, the Travel Writing Workshop stood out for us. (It's only $12, which helps it stand out for us).

As described below, this workshop is designed for both avid travelers and those who do more exploring closer to home. Participants will engage in interactive writing activities to uncover and develop skills for writing about their adventures in a way that conveys the experience appropriately to others.

When you've completed the online writing course, you'll be able to publish your travel experiences on Pink Pangea, gain exposure for your writing, get feedback from Pink Pangea's editor, gain access to a Pink Pangea FaceBook group, and receive a recording of the workshop.

Previous workshop participants have successfully launched their own blogs, written for major publications, and more.

Price: The Travel Writing Workshop is $12, The Intro to Travel Blogging Workshop is $29, and the Travel Writing Intensive Course is offered in 4 parts, all online, for a total of $360.00.

Length of course: You can take your time with this pre-recorded class. After you pay, you'll receive the link to use anytime from anywhere in the world.

What you'll learn:  You'll learn through interactive activities how to write about your travels in a way that engages readers, and you'll get feedback from Pink Pangea's editor for guidance.

Instructor facts:  Jaclyn Mishal, co-founder of Pink Pangea, is a writing teacher and inspirational public speaker who has worked with Barnard College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, Wagner College, REI, Google, and Hostelling International. 

Pink Pangea pros:

• Interactive activities to develop your writing skills
• Qualified editor provides feedback on your writing
• Access to Pink Pangea FaceBook group
• Exposure for your writing on Pink Pangea's travel site
• Go at your own pace

Pink Pangea cons:

• Can't think of any

For $12, you'll get a series of interactive writing activities to hone your skill, a recorded lesson you can keep, and feedback from a qualified editor - this class is a steal. Previous workshop participants have gone on to launch their own successful blogs, write for major publications and more. For info on all the workshops and courses available from Pink Pangea, go here .

Gotham Writers — Travel Writing Course

Gotham Writers offers both online and in-person writing courses in New York City in just about every type of writing imaginable. 

Since 1993, they've been helping writers develop their skills in business and creative writing.

The Travel Writing course is offered online, and the next one begins October 9th.

The course syllabus is available here for anyone who would like to check it out.

Price: For the online course, it's $409. For returning students, it's $379.00. Registration fees are $25.00, paid once per term.

Length of course: 10 weeks (There's also a one-day intensive offered, but there are no hours or dates posted for any online version of that one yet - only in-person in NYC.)

What you'll learn:  You'll get a strong foundation on the basics of travel writing through lecture, writing exercises, and projects to get you started on a shorter piece or a book. Each student will present projects twice.

Instructor facts:  Instructor Andrew Collins has written for over 200 Fodor's travel guidebooks, and is editor-in-chief of The Pearl, and Love Wins. He's a contributor to Travel & Leisure, AAA Living, Sunset, The Advocate, and New Mexico Magazine, and a graduate of Wesleyan University. 

Gotham Writers pros:

• Offered conveniently online for everyone or in person for those in NYC
• Accomplished instructor
• All review sites carry at least 4 or 5 stars for Gotham Writers courses
• Most student reviews highly recommend Gotham Writers

Gotham Writers cons:

Bottom Line: The Gotham Writers Travel Writing course is a good foundation for writing students who want to take a structured 10-week class with active instructor participation and feedback, discussion forums with other students, etc. You must be at least 18 years old to take this class. If you can handle the price, it's probably worth your while.

Udemy — Travel Writing: Explore the World & Publish Your Stories

Udemy provides the world's largest selection of courses — over 80,000 expertly taught online video courses — with new ones added monthly. 

The description of this particular course, Travel Writing: Explore the World & Publish Your Stories , is as follows, written by instructor Dave Fox, bestselling author and writing coach:

"Lots of people dream of becoming travel writers. This course will help you fulfill that dream. Discover how to write travel tales readers love, and how to sell your stories to newspapers and magazines."

The curriculum includes 32 lectures, equalling 3.5 hours of on-demand video broken into sections like: 

• Traveling Journaling vs. Writing for Publication
• Speed Journaling and Story Hunting
• Crafting the Story
• How to Capture Details
• Your Cast of Characters
• Editing Your Stories
• Travel Blogging
• How to Make Money as a Freelance Travel Writer

Length of course : There's 3.5 hours of on-demand video to view and 9 articles to read.

What you'll learn:  This course will teach you how to write professional quality travel stories consisting of great settings, characters, events, and other elements woven together with masterful techniques. You will understand the difference between travel journaling and travel writing for others to read. You'll learn, most importantly, how to "travel with a writer's eye for stories."

Instructor facts: Dave Fox is a professional writer and bestselling travel author, writing and humor coach who has worked as a Public Radio news anchor, a tour guide for Rick Steves'  Europe, an international cruise ship lecturer, and opening speaker for Princess Märtha Louise of Norway. 

He currently lives in Vietnam, where he works as a correspondent for TTG Asia and freelances for the Straits Times of  Singapore and Singapore Airlines' magazine and website. His work has  also appeared in books by Rick Steves, Lonely Planet, Travelers' Tales,  and the 2014 Moon Guide to Burma.  

Udemy pros:

• Students rated this course 4.6 stars out of 5
• Classes are kept lively, at a great pace
• A fun and engaging, comprehensive writing course
• Currently on sale for $11.99

Udemy cons:

• Original price might be too expensive for some students

Bottom Line : This is a lively, very comprehensive writing class taught by an energetic and well-informed, accomplished instructor. You may want to watch the videos straight through first, then go back and watch them again while doing the suggested activities and assignments. Some lists given via video by instructor make a great reference to use later, so take good notes.

Travel Writing Workshop, London

The Travel Writing Workshop instructed by Peter Carty is traditionally offered as a one-day workshop for those in London. However, this article is about online classes, and we're in luck. For those who prefer distance learning , there is an online workshop option for those outside of London.

Designed for beginners with no professional training, as well as writers with a journalism background or otherwise who would like help getting into travel writing, the Travel Writing Workshop of London is very focused with a clear goal in mind to get your work published. 

Price: For those who prefer distance learning , the online course is £225 . Details on booking the distance learning course can be found here . The fee for the one day course is £115 , including unlimited  follow-up coaching and support. The workshop is also offered in the evening over four dates in October 2018, which is £125 , including unlimited post-course advice and coaching.

Length of course:  The main workshop is a one day event, but there will be important workshop feedback available afterward as well. There are also the evening and distance learning workshops detailed above.

What you'll learn:

In the workshop, you'll learn how to select subject matter, the secrets of travel research skills, how to pitch successfully to travel editors, ways to improve your travel writing prose, how to write travel content for the internet, how to make money blogging, how to structure your travel features, how to get trips sponsored by travel companies, airlines, etc., how to develop your travel writing career, how to get travel features published.

You'll also receive unlimited follow-up support and coaching for the weeks and months after the workshop ends.

Peter Carty has written for The Guardian, The Independent, The Telegraph, Conde Nast Traveller, Esquire, The Financial Times, and also broadcasts travelogues for the BBC.

He has been giving travel writing courses in London since 1999, delivering unlimited support post-course, fantastic value for the price of the courses, and clear, well-constructed course content that provides sound guidance in a short amount of time.

Travel Writing Workshop pros:

• Available online, as a one day event, or over 4 evenings
• Designed for anyone wishing to learn about travel writing; no need for prerequisites
• Unlimited follow-up afterward 
• Taught by well-known and accomplished writer
• Lots of rave reviews from previous students

Travel Writing Workshop c ons:

• Maybe not affordable for some students

This is a popular and well=known travel writing course which is taught in London regularly since 1999. Choose the online option, or if you're near London, opt for the one day event, or several evenings. We think it's definitely worthwhile!

And — There ya have it! What do you think? Do any of them look good to you? Did you sign up for TravelCon already? Let us know!

Also, if you don't have time for a class but just want to read some tips from other successful travel bloggers, you can hit the links I shared early on in this article (speakers and presenters at TravelCon) and search their blogs for advice - or if you're strapped for cash, do a browse for some free online travel writing courses here and here . Here's a piece from Wandering Earl on the subject, and here's a bit and a half on how the Young Adventuress does her thing. And in conclusion, I wish you the very best in your blogging endeavors! Please share them below if you get a chance - I'd love to read your latest posts!

$ 545.00

Travel writing—and getting paid to travel—seems like an unattainable dream. But don’t let the naysayers fool you. It is absolutely possible to live that dream, and make a living doing so. Accomplished travel writer Jennifer Billock will show you how with this course on the fundamentals of travel writing. Learn how the industry works and how to make your trips work for you.

This eight-week class combines weekly writing workshops with readings. You’ll learn the basics of writing about travel for publications and the web. We’ll cover types of travel writing, press trips, what it’s like on the trip itself, writing a feature, and being mindful of issues within the industry. Participants in the class will receive a list of potential travel writing markets. Each week includes a writing assignment. Class members are encouraged to participate in critiques of one another’s work.

Jennifer is great! She truly cares about what she’s teaching and she is very open and responsive. —Sequoia Armstrong

Travel Writing Course Outline

Each week includes suggested readings, all of which will be available on the web.

Unit 1. The Wide World of Travel Writing

I will introduce the class and how it works and go over discussion participation guidelines and best practices. Then we will discuss several different types of travel writing, including how-to, front-of-book, service, essay, and feature.

Assignment: Post your bio in the discussion section. Write a 500-word essay about your most meaningful travel moment.

Unit 2. Traveling at Home

First we will have a short discussion about the last assignment and critiques, and any comments on the suggested reading. We will then discover the world of travel writing at home and stories you can find in your own community.

Assignment: Go to a public place in your community and observe for 30 minutes. When you come back, write a 500-word piece about what you saw.

Unit 3:  All About Press Trips

First we will have a short discussion about the last assignment and critiques. Media trips are the bread and butter of a professional travel writer’s job. This unit discusses everything you need to know about them—including how to get them, how to find the best stories, publication guidelines, and ethics.

Assignment: Prepare an introductory letter.

Unit 4:  Before and During Your Trip

First we will have a short discussion about the last assignment and critiques, and any comments on the suggested reading. We will then discuss the pre-work that needs to be done before a trip, including research, finding contacts, and brainstorming potential stories. Next, we will discuss the work to be done while on a trip, including interviews with locals, photography, taking evocative notes, and discovering the real story.

Assignment: Go to an event or happening in your community. While you’re there, take notes, interview people, and take some photos (this can be done with a cellphone). When you return, write an 800-word travel story about the event and what it was like.

Unit 5:  Travel Features

First we will have a short discussion about the last assignment and critiques, and any comments on the suggested reading. We will then have a more in-depth discussion about travel features, including setting, characters, perspective, scenes, and narrative arc.

Assignment: Create a thorough outline for a travel feature based on a travel experience you’ve had (or feel free to road trip and find a story that way).

Unit 6:  Issues in the Travel Industry and Your Role as the Writer

First we will have a short discussion about the last assignment and critiques, and any comments on the suggested reading. We will then discuss current issues in the travel industry, including over-tourism, inclusion, colonialism, and sustainable tourism. We will also discuss your role and responsibilities as a travel writer when it comes to these issues.

Assignment: Write a 1,200-word travel feature from the last assignment’s outline with these considerations in mind.

Unit 7:  All About the Travel Publication

First we will have a short discussion about the last assignment and critiques. Then, we will break down the travel publication, including publication tiers, demographics, and how to “read” the publication to know exactly what to pitch.

Assignment: Write a breakdown of your favorite travel magazine.

Unit 8:  Market List and Pitch Workshop

Each student in the class will receive a list of publications looking for travel-related content. After discussing the reading and assignment critiques, we will talk about best practices for pitching stories and read some successful queries.

Why Take a Travel Writing Course with Writers.com?

• We welcome writers of all backgrounds and experience levels, and we are here for one reason: to support you on your writing journey.
• Small groups keep our online writing classes lively and intimate.
• Work through your weekly written lectures, course materials, and writing assignments at your own pace.
• Share and discuss your work with classmates in a supportive class environment.
• Award-winning instructor Jennifer Billock will offer you direct, personal feedback and suggestions on every assignment you submit.

Let’s take a trip together. Join our online travel writing class!

Student feedback for jennifer billock:.

I could not be happier with Jen’s commitment both to my personal development and the class as a whole. Jen went above and beyond in creating a supportive workshop environment. Not only did she provide thoughtful criticism of our weekly assignments, she helped me build the confidence to pitch and land my first food writing piece, with a second on the way! Jen is kind, enthusiastic, and a smart reader—basically, she’s the whole package as an instructor and writer.   Jenn Hall

This course was incredibly valuable to me - both in terms of developing the quality of my writing and learning about the business side of food writing. Jennifer's feedback on our submissions was thoughtful and very useful. The guidance she provided, and the specific feedback on my writing, helped develop both the quality of my writing and my ability to self-criticize.  Steve Paris

Jennifer was great!! She truly cares about what she's teaching and she is very open and responsive. Will highly recommend Jennifer and if she offers another course I'd be very interested in taking it.   Sequoia Armstrong

I enjoyed the class, content and dynamism of Jen throughout the class. My writing has improved considerably since I started doing these courses. I would (and have), recommend the classes.   Patricia Lopez

Jennifer Billock was incredibly helpful, fast to reply to questions, present with discussions and assignments and a wealth of useful information and tips. The organization of the course and lessons was very well done, easy to follow, and engaging. She provided lots of rich examples of the styles of writing being explored and her teaching style was very friendly, respectful and approachable. I was really impressed with the course and thankful for her guidance and expertise. Claire Keeler

I loved this class. I though the lessons and assignments were varied enough to cover multiple aspects of food writing. I enjoyed exploring sides of food writing that I would not have ventured into on my own, like writing recipes and covering a science-related food story. - I really enjoyed working with Jennifer. Her feedback was very useful, and I liked that she got to know the three of us in the class individually. Plus, although she is a successful and busy writer, she wasn't condescending to us newbies. Pamela Hunt

The content was relevant, engaging, and challenging. Jennifer was great! I've never used Writers.com before, and after my experience with Jennifer, I will def try another course. Katherine Levey

“I could not be happier with Jen’s commitment both to my personal development and the class as a whole. Jen went above and beyond in creating a supportive workshop environment. Jen is kind, enthusiastic, and a smart reader—basically, she’s the whole package as an instructor and writer.” —Jenn Hall

About Jennifer Billock

Jennifer Billock is the author of two cookbooks and five history books. She is an award-winning writer, bestselling author, and editor. Her work has appeared in publications including The New York Times, Playboy, mental_floss, Lucky Peach, National Geographic Traveler, and Conde Nast Traveler. She has taught writing courses for local colleges and mentors young writers on a regular basis. Jennifer also co-hosts the podcast Macabre Traveler and edits the Kitchen Witch Newsletter.

Jennifer's Courses

*Private Class | Food Writing: Meals And Manuscripts Food Writing: Meals And Manuscripts Fundamentals of Travel Writing Food Writing: Food-Focused Memoir

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Top 10 Travel Writing Courses

Whether you are a novice or seasoned travel writer, sometimes it’s necessary to take a writing class or two to “polish” your skills or just learn some new tips and techniques.

Or you may be a travel blogger, seeking to get published somewhere other than your own blog, and to get paid for your travel writing.

Wherever you are in your travel writing career, check out our list of Top 10 Online Travel Writing courses!

(Note: the top three are TWE Award Winners for “Best Travel Writing Course”)

• Travel Writing and Marketing Master Class – Our Number 1 Pick! Taught by acclaimed ( and prolific! travel writer Roy Stevenson, the Online Travel Writing & Marketing Master Class is an exclusive program where you’ll explore, in detail, every single step of Roy’s travel writing, pitching and selling strategy.   Consisting of 63 recorded live sessions from Roy’s in-person Travel Writing & Marketing Master Class, you get exactly the same information, techniques, tips, and tricks – without the travel costs and at a substantially reduced price.   Other travel writing courses gloss over the details, but that’s not how Roy does things….. you will walk away from his program knowing exactly how to get sensational paid trips around the world and sky-rocket your travel writing success – even if you’re starting at $0.
• Travel Writing Overdrive – An Editors Top Choice! A course unlike any other from professional travel writer and author Tim Leffel, this online self-study course is NOT a writing course, but rather is designed to teach writers how to increase their income from writing, how to find ( and take advantage of ) the ‘low-hanging fruit’ in the world of publishing, and how to develop multiple revenue streams.   There is also a “Mastermind” level course ( HIGHLY recommended for those that have some travel writing/blogging experience already and want to take their earnings to the next level! ) that incorporates hands-on mentoring by Mr. Leffel, group conference calls, and a private Facebook Group. NOTE that the Mastermind level course is only periodically open for new students, if you’re interested in that higher level of coaching, be sure to ask!

In just four hours of your time this practical, step-by-step guide will teach you how to develop positive habits, to discard negative distractions, and to achieve clarity on how to focus your time so you can get more great work done every week.

• The Writers Workshop . In addition to a variety of online writing classes in several different genres ( including travel ) that will teach you to compose compelling, engaging travel narratives, The Writers Workshop also periodically holds in-person workshops, in various destinations, during which students will also enjoy out-of-the-classroom experiences that include visits to local restaurants, wineries, and historic sites, along with “behind-the-scenes tours unavailable to the general public”. Additionally, your instructor Nick O’Connell, promises participants that he will “ personally edit and recommend your stories to a well-known food and beverage magazine for likely publication .” This is a great opportunity that we strongly encourage writers to take advantage of!
• Gotham Writers’ Workshop . Teaches more than 6,000 students a year! Gotham is the leading creative writing school in NY and the USA. Not a resident of NY, no problem. Visit Gotham’s online (voted Best of the Web by Forbes Magazine) and sign up for a course in travel writing. Classes begin the week of May 19. You better hurry because class size is limited to 18 students!
• Writers.com . They have been offering online classes since 1995. Courses range from basic skills to advanced-level work. Writers.com can help you improve your skills and explore new directions!
• Writer’s Village University . Believes education is a life-long pursuit for beginning and experienced writers. Writer’s Village University is a full-time support service that offers courses, seminars, and special programs.
• Penn Foster Career School . Although this online course does not cover travel writing, it offers education in basic freelance writing skills that are valuable for any genre of professional writing.
• Washington State University . Do you love to write? Are you entering a writing field or simply want to improve your skills? WSU’s online professional writing certificate will give you a strong foundation in written communication skills. Please note that this course has several prerequisites.
• American Writers and Artists, Inc. Offers course work from travel writing to desktop marketing, to help improve your skills as a writer. If you are a novice travel writer AWAI can help you sharpen your skills and move you forward to a great career!

  If you visit this site AZwriting.com right now you will find professional writing tips and essay samples from academic experts.

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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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Writing Submissions Checklist

Make sure your magazine and contest submissions are prepped to impress.

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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Travel Writing

Apply the techniques of evocative writing to place-based works while learning the skills of the professional travel writers

What you can learn.

• Complete writing exercises that help you develop voice and focus
• Learn to conduct research and take field notes toward essays
• Explore the challenges and ethical concerns of travel writing as a genre
• Identify publishing outlets for your writing
• Develop one polished travel essay and ideas for future pieces

About this course:

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Travelling Without a Passport

Travel Writing Course

Whether your dream is to become a travel writer, you’re curious to learn more about this profession, or you’re simply a passionate traveller, the Days to Come Travel Writing Course is for you!

Written by professionals, this free course was crafted to accomplish one objective: to help beginners like you break into the world of travel writing.

Comprised of 11 comprehensive modules, various reading and writing assignments, and first-hand tips from industry insiders, you’ll learn to hone your storytelling skills, pitch publications like a pro, draft your first story, and so much more!

What you’ll learn

Here’s a glance at what the Days to Come Travel Writing Course has to offer: 

• Understanding why travel writing gets under our skin
• Understanding different types of travel writing 
• Writing your first draft 
• Blogging and optimising your content 
• Travel writing prompts
• Tips on content writing for travel websites
• Honing your work through editing and proofreading
• Marketing yourself effectively as a travel writer on social media
• Creating a personal brand
• Standing out from the crowd
• Resources for travel writers

Get unlimited access to the world's best travel stories. Subscribe now.

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• +44 (0) 1892 710877

The Travel Writing Course

Price: nz$ 1 395 / £ 695 / r 8 495, a complete toolkit to launch yourself as a professional travel writer for magazines and webzines, learn to write and sell engaging travel articles to publications around the world.

The Travel Writing Course is for those who love to travel  – and write about it.

Would you like to get paid for the stories you write about your journeys? Then step into the most competitive field in modern professional journalism: travel writing.

Our 12-month online travel writing course gives you all the tools and tips you need to become a travel writer and break into the global travel writing industry. Learn to tailor your writing for print and online travel magazines and blogs, and how to pitch your work.

The Travel Writing Course Gives You...

No automated marking.

We use traditional methods of assessing work, as editors at publishing houses would. No generic feedback!

A Flexible Schedule

Work wherever and whenever you want. You can easily fit our courses around work and other commitments.

Relevant, Usable Content

Easy-to-digest course notes that capture a lifetime of writing experience, ready for you to apply to your own writing.

Ongoing Assessment

Your writing is assessed continuously as your course progresses.

Expert, Individual Feedback

Get prompt, honest, detailed feedback on every assignment from an award-winning writer. We focus on your unique writing strengths.

No Peer Reviews!

You will only be assessed by your tutor, a leader in their field. No more guessing and wondering how to write; you'll be guided line by line.

Free Your Potential on the Travel Writing Course

Step into one of the most exciting and challenging fields of writing.

Learn the secrets behind writing an award-winning travel story. Discover how to illustrate your words with great images, how to pitch your work, how to conduct interviews, how to research your feature to give it extra depth and, most importantly, how to make an income in this competitive environment.

Over the course of 11 modules and 20 writing assignments, you will be tutored by highly experienced photojournalists who specialise in the field of travel. They’ll take the guesswork and the trial and error out of travel writing by guiding you through every stage of this exciting journey.

You’ll soon learn it’s more than just a blog post about where you went and what you did. It’s about how carefully your traveller’s eye has been honed: do you see the irony, the human interest, the poignancy and the humour in what you encounter? Do you have the research skills to substantiate your narrative? Can you add images to your words? Can you market yourself to an overworked editor? 

Your tutors are always willing to share their knowledge with you, welcoming discussions on the subject of travel journalism and answering any queries you might have. 

'I LOVED this course, from beginning to end. I was made to work hard and my tutor earned my respect by her direct and honest feedback at the end of each module.'

Marilyn scott, travel writing course, course overview, price includes vat/gst, number of assignments, the assignments vary in length., number of modules, these modules include around 200 pages of course notes., course duration, work at your own pace – up to a maximum of 12 months., start date: anytime.

Working with an individual tutor means you can start the course at any time.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• Basic writing skills are essential.
• Computer skills, e-mail and Internet access required.
• No previous tertiary qualification required.

Our Graduate Students' Successes

We are proud of our graduates who have achieved success. here are a few among dozens of other journalism success stories..

Tutors for this Course

You may choose a tutor that you would like to work with., donna dailey.

Donna Dailey is a travel writer and photographer whose work is published in magazines, newspapers and travel websites worldwide. Her articles have appeared in Journeys , Essentially America , Endless Vacations , CNN Traveller and other consumer magazines; national newspapers such as The Times , Sunday Times and Daily Mail ; and on travel websites for Rough Guides, RCI and more. She has won several travel writing awards from the British Guild of Travel Writers, including runner up Travel Writer of the Year, Best UK Feature and Best Overseas Feature, as well as a Visit USA Association media award for Excellence in Specialist Travel Magazine Journalism.

Donna has written or contributed to more than 40 guidebooks and inspirational travel books, covering destinations in Europe, Africa and America for such publishers as DK, Insight Guides, Berlitz, Fodor’s, Thomas Cook and AA Publishing. She co-publishes three travel websites: www.pacific-coast-highway-travel.com , www.greece-travel-secrets.com and https://thetravelpages.net .

Donna has a BA in Journalism and Radio-TV from the University of Northern Colorado. When not on the road, she divides her time between Cambridgeshire, England and southern Arizona, USA.

Ewan McDonald

Ewan McDonald is a multi-award-winning editor, journalist and critic. As features editor of the NZ Herald , editor of The Aucklander , and as a travel and food & wine writer, he and his teams have won more than 50 national and international awards.

Previous roles include Managing Editor of Custom Publications for New Zealand’s largest media company, NZME, with responsibilities from travel publications to Motoring, Lifestyle, Food and Wine, Real Estate and Commercial Property, Entertainment and Sustainable Lifestyle & Business publications.

He was Founding Editor of New Zealand’s most awarded community newspaper, The Aucklander . For 12 years he was the country’s most widely read restaurant reviewer, featuring in Viva (NZ Herald) and www.nzherald.co.nz. He has written about travel for more than 20 years, mostly for the NZ Herald , associated publications and the NZ Woman’s Weekly .

Course Curriculum

• Distinguish travel writing from other genres of writing
• Develop an understanding of the elements that characterise travel journalism
• Get answers to FAQs about a career in travel journalism
• Writing Exercise 1: Practice writing scenes that ‘show’ rather than ‘tell’ (assessment and feedback task)
• Analyse a magazine in terms of content, style, format, tone, target market and demographic
• Learn how to match your writing with that of a selected travel magazine
• Writing Exercise 2: Analyse the demographic, style, tone and format of a selected magazine (assessment and feedback task)
• Know where and how to find sellable ideas
• Learn techniques for generating ideas
• Distinguish between a topic and an angle
• Study an overview of prominent international travel magazines
• Writing Exercise 3: Refine topics into angles; come up with an angle for a travel article (feedback task)
• Find out how to write the perfect query letter
• Distinguish between writing on speculation versus querying and being commissioned
• Writing Exercise 4: Write a query letter for your targeted magazine, covering all aspects of style, tone, content and format (assessment and feedback task)
• Discover the critical elements for writing a compelling lead
• Identify the different types of introductions for travel pieces
• Writing Exercise 5: Write a compelling opening to your article (feedback and assessment task)
• Identify the main components of an article
• Use a basic story structure to map out your travel piece
• Use transitions and logical flow to facilitate easy reading
• Writing Exercise 6: Begin to write up the body of your article and hand in a first draft (feedback task)
• Learn the main grammar, style and punctuation rules for good writing
• Know the rules for apt usage of quotations
• Writing Exercise 7: Test your knowledge of grammar, style and punctuation (assessment and feedback task)
• Writing Exercise 8: Panel-beat the body into shape and hand in a second draft (feedback task)
• Find out how to create catchy sidebars and resource boxes
• Write your own byline
• Writing Exercise 9: Write a byline and 2 sidebars (feedback task)
• Identify the different types of closers
• Essential photography tips
• Writing Exercise 10: Write the closer to your piece (feedback task)
• Edit your piece by following basic guidelines
• Understand the different kinds of cover letters and how to submit your piece in a professional way
• Invoice and organise payment for your stories
• Understand the basics of copyrighting, recycling stories and syndication
• Writing Exercise 11: Edit your piece and submit it with a cover letter. Include photographs for bonus points. (assessment and feedback task)
• How writing articles for the web is different to print
• Using SEO-friendly keywords, headings and sub-headings
• Writing tips: hyperlinking and chunking
• Finding work online
• Writing Exercise 12: Write and submit a web article

What Our Students Say

Get these additional benefits, lifetime course access.

Benefit from free lifetime access to future course updates and access to our writing resources.

Work at Your Own Pace

Our courses work around you. You can pace your course around your busy life.

500+ Bonus Articles on Our Blog

A superb, constantly updated resource with articles on writing and interviews with writers.

Work Opportunities

Top students are invited to join our writers and editors for hire service.

Be the First to Know About Writing Competitions

We'll help you keep up to date with the latest competition announcements

Join a Community of Writers

You will have access to our friendly Facebook community, daily writing tips and writing inspiration.

Risk-Free 100% Money-Back Guarantee

We are so confident that you will love your course that if you’re not 100% satisfied with the quality of our training, simply ask for a refund within 30 days.

Complete the Application Form to Enrol on the Travel Writing Course

You will receive an approval email and invoice within one working day.

Should your form not submit, please let admin know at [email protected]

Questions? We've Got Answers

Detailed course notes covering the content of each module are emailed to you.

At the end of each module, you will be required to complete one or two writing exercises. In total, the course includes ten writing assignments, all of which count towards your final result. You must also produce one query letter (300–600 words), one feature-length article (1200–1500 words) and one 500–word web piece.

Once you have completed a writing assignment and emailed it to your tutor, you will receive an assessment and feedback, and the module will be considered complete.

Absolutely. You have direct communication with your tutor for the duration of the course. The more questions you ask, the more you will get out of the course.

You will get lifetime access to the course. You will also benefit from future updates and improvements to the course.

For the majority of our courses, only your tutor will see your work. It will remain completely private unless you get it published. The journalism courses might see your work published in the public domain, but you do have the final say as to whether or not this happens.

You will receive a Writers College Certificate upon successful completion of the course, provided you meet the following conditions:

You must have completed all  assignments (namely, writing exercises, one query letter and two articles).

The course must have been completed within 12 months of registration.

A minimum average of 50% for the course must be achieved.

• Basic computer skills, as well as email and Internet access are required.
• No previous tertiary qualification is required.

Because you will work with an individual tutor, you can start your course as soon as your application has been approved. There are no specific start dates as would be the case with a traditional college.

An application is usually approved within one working day. Once we receive proof of payment, your can start your course.

You could be starting your course today!

Reading Time: 18 hours

Writing Time: Up to 35 hours

Research Time: 2–6 hours, depending on the complexity of your article

Once your application has been approved, you will receive notification of approval and an invoice via email. As soon as we receive proof of payment, the first module as well as your tutor’s email address and your login details will be sent to you. Your tutor will also be in touch to welcome you.

Any work created on our courses is owned by you. We will never make a claim to anything you produce. We follow the rule that copyright subsists with the creator (you).

'Challenging, for sure, but do this course properly, apply what is learnt, and you may just become a (really) good travel writer. Also, a lot of really good information available through the college’s online library. Assignment feedback was prompt, meaningful, motivating.'

Gary hillman, travel writing writing course, got more questions, we would love to help you choose the best course for you. tell us what style of writing you want to develop and we'll give you some options., writing articles for websites and blogs, freelance journalism for magazines and webzines, advanced freelance journalism, travel writing, write a non-fiction book, basics of creative writing, advanced creative writing, short story writing, advanced short story writing, write a novel, write a romance novel, advanced novel writing, writing science fiction and fantasy course, an introduction to poetry, advanced poetry, scriptwriting, advanced scriptwriting, writing for video games, writing books for children | part one, writing books for children | part two, write your memoir, advanced memoir writing, the writers' marketing and publishing toolkit, from idea to publication in 36 months, grammar for writers (english 1st language), grammar skills (english 2nd language), business writing toolkit, writing coach course, mastering punctuation, report writing and presentation, write better newsletters, copy-editing and proofreading, press release and media writing, copywriting, writing seo copy for websites, self-publish your e-book, self-guided 14-day creative writing intensive, self-guided 14-day story building intensive, free 5-day creative writing challenge, writers and editors for hire, how we train, terms and conditions, privacy policy, connect with us, © 2005 - 2024 the writers college all rights reserved, +44 (0)1892 710877, [email protected], our refund policy, if within seven days of starting your course you are not happy on your course, we can either transfer you to a different course or provide a full refund. if you request a refund after seven days and before 30 days we will charge a 5% administrative fee, as well as any bank fees and tutor fees already incurred. we do not offer a refund after 30 days on the course..

Online Class: Travel Writing 101

• 20 Exams & Assignments
• 1,672 Students have taken this course
• 10 Hours average time

Course Description

Unveiling the World through Words: A Comprehensive Course in Travel Writing

The art of travel writing isn't merely about crafting words on paper; it’s a delightful mix of sharing experiences, painting vivid imaginations, and teleporting readers to unexplored territories. With globalization on the rise and people becoming more interconnected, the appetite for reading about exotic locations and unique experiences has surged. In fact, as of 2023, travel publications have seen a 15% rise in readership, emphasizing the ever-growing demand for genuine, immersive travel stories.

However, just like any other revered profession, travel writing demands a cocktail of determination, talent, and the right guidance. The travel writing universe is as vast as our planet itself. From a sun-kissed beach in the Maldives to the vibrant streets of Barcelona, there's a story waiting at every corner. Yet, it's not always as simple as jotting down a diary entry.

The travel writing realm is competitive. To draw an analogy, one could liken it to the challenging journeys of aspiring actors or musicians. While talent forms the base, persistence, skill-honing, and adeptness at navigating the industry intricacies are vital. For some, it might take between three and six years to sustain solely on travel writing income. But every written piece, every shared experience, takes you one step closer to that goal.

Many might choose this path not as their primary income source but as an auxiliary one. With increasing global business ventures, many professionals journey across the world. If you're one of them, imagine complementing your trips with compelling narratives, adding an additional revenue stream, and sharing the wonders you witness.

About the Course

Aimed at honing your travel writing acumen, this course is a treasure trove of knowledge, techniques, and industry secrets.

Do You Have What It Takes to Become a Travel Writer?

• Explore the core attributes of successful travel writers and introspect on your alignment with this exhilarating profession.

Types of Travel Writing

• Delve into the diverse sub-genres from evocative narratives to informative guides. Understand their unique demands and identify your niche.

How to Write an Informative, Sellable Travel Article

• Master the art of blending facts with storytelling, ensuring your pieces are both engaging and marketable.

How and Where To Sell Your Work

• Navigate the avenues of selling your work, from renowned magazines to digital platforms, and understand their specific requirements.

... [Continuing through Lessons 5-10 with similar detailed structure]

Why Choose This Course?

Extensive Curriculum: Covering the A-Z of travel writing, from inception to selling and everything in-between.

Real-World Insights: With contributions from established travel writers, gain valuable insights on handling rejection, retaining rights, and more.

Interactive Modules: Along with enriching content, indulge in assignments, netlinks, polls, and surveys to enhance your learning experience.

Build Your Portfolio: Guidance on creating an impressive portfolio, from article clips to book proposals, ensuring you stand out in the competitive market.

Whether you aspire to be the next Pico Iyer or just wish to share your adventures on-the-side, this course promises a comprehensive understanding of the travel writing domain. Dive in, enrich your skills, and begin your journey of unveiling the wonders of the world through your words.

Course Motivation

Writing Skills

First and foremost, you must have a better-than-average grasp of the rules of proper English grammar. Many people who aspire to write for a living underestimate the importance of this skill and skip it, thinking they can acquire it as they go. This thinking is w rong . You will not get your work accepted and published by any editor if you lack basic and essential grammatical skills.

In addition to having good grammatical skills, you should have the ability to edit your work properly. You should edit until your work is as near to perfect as you can get it. With large pieces (1000 words or more) this will require several readings on your own, plus the assistance of another editor. It is advisable that you have a friend or paid editor double-check your work before submitting it for publication. The reason for this is that writers become "immune" to their own errors. Sounds strange, but it's true. If you have been working on a piece for days or weeks, sometimes you are so busy working on the content that you miss simple mistakes, or, you've read the work over so many times that you get bleary-eyed. It's always nice to find another aspiring writer to reciprocate editing duties.  The three most important things you should focus on when editing are as follows: 

• Punctuation :  Use your style guides to make sure your punctuation is correct. Pay special attention to the use of colons, semi-colons, exclamation points, quotation marks, and commas. Commas are of particular concern for many new writers. Be sure that you have a very good understanding of the use of commas by reading your style guides carefully!
• Spelling :  You have spell check, so use it, but don't completely rely on it to catch every error. Read your work over carefully after you've run spell check.
• Typos :  Spell check will not catch typos such as this, "I wander if I should use a question mark in this sentence?" or this, "It was uncle good advice that I read my work oven for typographical errors." 

All publishers have in-house copy editors who check your writing before it goes to print. They may be kind and "suggest" changes or they may just go ahead and make the changes without your permission or knowledge. Publishers and editors usually reserve the right to do this.  Although you may be initially insulted at the changes, the wisest thing to do is to accept them and realize that this is probably a great learning experience for you. Use their seasoned knowledge to make your future writing better. The only time you should argue is if the editor has added words or ideas that you object to morally or ethically (this is very rare). After you have gained some footing in the field, you can push harder to keep your writing closer to the original, or to request all changes are by approval only. Luckily, most editors are very good at their jobs and they will enhance the overall tone of your writing rather than detract from it. This does not give you the luxury of being lazy. As the writer Stephen King mentions in his book,  On Writing,  do not leave errors in your work thinking that the editor will "fix" them for you. Do most of the heavy lifting yourself if you want to advance your writing career.  

Writing Style

Unfortunately, great writing style is not something that you can learn. It is something that must be developed over time (or comes naturally for a lucky few). However, there are certain tips you can employ that will increase the readability of your work and thus, increase your chances of getting published.  Below are some standard "rules" of travel writing that are timeless: 

• Don't use clichés. Phrases such as "The salty breeze blew gently off the azure ocean. . ." or "The tropical sun will warm your soul and rejuvenate your mind," may sound romantic and original, but travel editors have read phrases like this hundreds, if not thousands, of times. To be original, you have to work hard.
• Read, read, read!  The best way to develop your own writing technique and develop an ear for what good travel writing sounds like, is to read travel writing. Read magazines, guides, books, and newspaper articles that focus on travel. Follow the writing of one or several travel writers and notice how they have their own unique, recognizable writing style.
• Practice, practice, practice! Although it violates the laws of rule number one, the clichéd joke, "How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Answer: Practice, practice, practice," applies with travel writing or anything else in life. Write, write, and write some more. Write a small travel piece every day, even if the only place you are traveling to is the grocery store! As you write, your own style will develop and shine through over time.     

Perseverance

Perseverance is a topic that will come up repeatedly throughout this course. It is a quality you will need to have or develop if you want to break into the world of travel writing. If you truly want to make a success of yourself in this arena, then you must keep trying, even when you feel like giving up. Many successful writers will admit that they were not necessarily the most talented or creative among their peers when they started writing, but they wanted it enough to keep working at it. So, perseverance counts for a lot when discussing what it takes to be a travel writer. If you're the type who keeps at something, even when others have given up, then you will succeed.

Ability to Travel and Share Travel Information

If you don't already travel often, whether for your job, as part of your lifestyle, or for pleasure, then you need to start doing so. If money is an issue, find a way to travel on a shoestring, and then write about how you did it. If you already travel for work, start looking at these trips as opportunities to tell a story or provide information to other travelers.  

You don't need to go very far to start travel writing. Start with destinations close to your home first. Take a good look around and think about interesting attractions that others might want to know more about. No matter where you live, your home state will have something to offer travelers. You simply need to look at things through the perspective of a visitor. Do you go to a special festival, fair, event, or music venue in your hometown every year that is very enjoyable? These events may seem unsophisticated to you, but people traveling to your area want to know about these venues. Do you live near another state that has interesting attractions? A great trip worth writing about may only be a short drive away. It isn't important how near or far you travel, but how you perceive the view and relay it to others. 

To be a travel writer you must have a good grasp of the rules of grammar; you must develop a style that separates you from other writers and you must have or develop the quality of perseverance. You also must travel, near or far. Theoretically, you can be a travel writer from the cocoon of your home or office, writing about the places you'd like see, but that would make you a fiction writer, in which case you should take a course on creative fiction.

• Completely Online
• Printable Lessons

• 6 Months to Complete
• 24/7 Availability
• Start Anytime
• PC & Mac Compatible
• Android & iOS Friendly
• Accredited CEUs

Course Lessons

Lesson 1: Do You Have What It Takes to Become a Travel Writer?

Lesson 2: Types of Travel Writing

Lesson 3: how to write an informative, sellable travel article, lesson 4: how and where to sell your work, lesson 5: how to retain rights to your work for re-sale, lesson 6: preparing "clips" for editors, agents, and publishers, lesson 7: handling rejection gracefully, lesson 8: creating article and book proposals, lesson 9: photographs included, lesson 10: building your platform and expertise, learning outcomes.

• Determine whether or not you have what it takes to be a travel writer.
• Describe the types of travel writing.
• Create a How-To Write travel article.
• Summarize how and where to sell your work.
• Describe how to retain rights to your work for re-sale.
• Prepare "clips" for editors, agents and publishers.
• Summarize how to handle rejection gracefully.
• Summarize creating article and book proposals.
• Recognize when to include photographs.
• Describe ways to build your platform and expertise.
• Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.

Additional Course Information

• Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
• Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
• Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
• View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
• Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media

Choose Your Subscription Plan

Student testimonials.

• "Great course and equal to any other 'expensive' courses on Travel Writing." -- Luis D.

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The Ultimate Travel Journalism Course is your one-way ticket to travel writing success .

Study online, from anywhere in the world, guided by award winning travel writers with full flexibility and no assignment due dates., learn what’s required to become travel writer..

Learn how to seize your opportunity to explore the world and get paid to do it!

See Where The Ultimate Travel Journalism Course Can Take You

Make your dreams a reality with The Ultimate Travel Journalism Course.

Course Fees To Kick Start Your Travel Writing Journey

Flexible and affordable, the best way to pursue your travel writing career.

Your Travel Writing Award and Recognition

Graduates receive their award and recognition upon successful completion..

The Ultimate Travel Journalism Course

The Ultimate Travel Journalism Course is your ticket to travel writing success. Conducted entirely online and delivered to you over your choice of 12 or 24 weeks, you can study at your own pace and take up to a year to complete your course.

Covering the A-Z of all you need to know to become a successful travel writer, this freelance travel journalism course will provide you with the information you need to develop your skills to ensure your success by teaching you exactly how to go about it.

You will be working directly with an established and current professional in the travel writing industry, a travel journalist with a proven record of success. They will teach you all you need to know to start building your travel writing career.

Learn what it takes to be a freelance travel journalist, with no due dates and the support of your specially assigned tutor and a team of student services coordinators who are always happy to help with any questions you may have.

YOUR COURSE AT A GLANCE

Course type.

Professional & Personal Development

Distance Learning - via email or student portal

COURSE LENGTH

12 Tutorials: Sent weekly or fortnightly (take up to a year)

The Diploma of Freelance Travel Journalism

Payment Options

Flexible payment plans available

Get your course guide & free mini-tutorial

Complete the form below to receive your free course guide and course updates by email.

Why study with the Morris Journalism Academy?

Professionalism.

Work directly with an established and current professional in the travel writing industry, a travel journalist with a proven record of success who will teach you all you need to know.

This course will give you the opportunity to learn the skills required to be a successful travel writer from the comfort of your own home, or from anywhere in the world. It provides you with the opportunity to generate an income from doing something you love: travelling!

Flexibility

The course is conducted by distance learning, so you can study from home or anywhere in the world. The course is delivered to you over your choice of 12 or 24 weeks. It is entirely self-paced, and you can take up to a year to complete the course.

What our graduates say

I have acquired the confidence to present my work to the world, and I am pleased to report I have published a number of articles to date in various media outlets, including Out and About with Kids and Traveltalk magazines.

Richard Villar

I learned how to make myself heard in the huge global market, where so many good writers disappear in an instant.

I finally dare to consider myself a travel journalist, and this self-confidence is worth more than anything.

The idea of earning enough money writing while travelling at the same time was always a dream of mine, and I feel so lucky to be in this position.

Since finishing the course, I have been asked to write marketing and promotional materials for a find-a-local-tour-guide phone app.

The idea of a blog had been suggested to me before, but I hadn’t been ready until I completed this course … The idea of what sort of travel blog became obvious. I am not a 20-year-old American backpacker doing the world on $50 a day, I am a 50-year-old independent, adventure traveller.

I encourage anyone with a desire to travel and write to give this course a go, you’ll never know what you can achieve until you try.

Thanks to my tutor, I now have a new confidence to pitch stories to publications, something that wasn’t ever on my radar... I encourage anyone with a desire to travel and write to give this course a go, you’ll never know what you can achieve until you try.

I find that travel journalism is a speciality art form like no other and the course gave me an opportunity to look at my travel writing in an entirely different light.

My course tutor delivered some great feedback to me on each of my assignments, which gave me some excellent structure for writing more formal pieces for publishing.

There is no way I would have had the confidence to approach these types of companies unless I felt well equipped and ready to compete with the big guns. The course has given me that confidence but also taught me the winning formula that is needed to get a foot in the door in this hard to crack industry.

Morris Journalism Academy

The Morris Journalism Academy is a division of Australian News And Features Service. Our directors and principals have been involved in all aspects of media work for some 30 years. The principles of freelance travel journalism are similar the world over. However this freelance travel journalism course has been individually revised and designed to suit the needs of students living and working in Australia and New Zealand.

We are part of an international training organisation – the International News Syndicate LTD., with students in more than 80 countries and territories.

Your Certificate of Completion and your International News Syndicate Media Pass are posted to you when you successfully complete your course.

The Ultimate Travel Journalism Course is a structured training program.

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Travel Writing and Blogging LIBA 9368

Our Travel Writing and Blogging course is an introduction to the nuts and bolts of today’s travel writing industry and is intended to prepare you to put your best foot forward in a new industry landscape. Want to finally pursue your dream job as a travel writer? See yourself getting published in multiple outlets? Looking to take a dream trip post-pandemic and share it with the world? Taught by an award-winning travel journalist, this travel writing course covers a variety of travel writing styles – from writing short and long features to blogging – and may appeal to both budding photographers wishing to add words to their images and bloggers seeking to expand their repertoire.

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Online Travel Writing & Marketing Master Class

Our Travel Writing & Marketing Master Class is now available as an online course.  We recorded it LIVE in Seattle, for aspiring travel writers who weren’t able to attend in person.

Who's it for?

• Do you struggle to sell your articles? If you’re a novice travel writer, or you haven’t had much luck selling your articles to print magazines, this Online Travel Writing & Marketing Workshop is for you. You'll learn a variety of strategies to help you sell your articles - strategies that work!
• Do you like saving money? If you weren’t able to travel to the Live Master Class in Seattle, here’s the opportunity to attend anyway - with no travel costs and at a fraction of the price!
• Do you have a job with no time off to pursue your interests and dreams? If you work a full-time job and can’t get time off to attend the live class – you can attend online.  You can take the course on your own schedule after working hours.
• Do you like the convenience of online classes? If you’ve wanted to attend our Live Master Class but can’t get your schedule to fit with the dates it’s offered – here’s your opportunity to attend at your own convenience, on your own schedule, and at your own pace.

What’s included?

Everything is included from the classroom sessions at the Live Master Class – except now you’ll get to experience it in the comfort of your own home.  It's 3 days worth of travel writing, marketing strategies, working with editors and CVBs, hearing for participants who have been successful, and much more - accessible on your desktop. 

You can “attend” class at your own pace. The training is organized into the 5 most important travel writing topics: 1.    All About Marketing & Selling Your Stories - 27 video sessions 2.    Working with Tourist Agencies & Landing Press Trips – 9 video sessions 3.    Building Relationships with Magazine Editors – 6 video sessions 4.    Improving Your Travel Writing to Make It Sparkle and Sell  – 17 video sessions 5.    Success Panel of New Travel Writers – 4 video sessions That’s 63 recorded video sessions in all!  The entire Master Class is  broken down into bite-sized pieces so you can absorb it at your own pace, whenever you’re in the mood.  And you can go back and listen again to any topic for a refresher and review. Now you can get exactly the same information, techniques, tips, and tricks that participants heard in the live Travel Writing & Marketing Master Class - without the travel costs and at a substantially reduced price!  We recorded the Live sessions – so you’re hearing our world class instructors deliver the same content that our Live attendees heard in the classroom.  Plus you’ll get all the slide presentations and handouts. You can view the master class presentations—all 63 of them— in the privacy of your own home.  View them on your computer or tablet.  Pause the presentations to take notes or take a coffee break.  Come back to exactly where you left off . . . all without missing a word.  And you can easily keep track of the modules you’ve completed.  You can view these presentations at your own pace, according to your schedule whether you're at home or on the road.  And you can listen as many times as you wish to ensure you fully understand the concepts. All presentations are broken up into 10-12 minute segments – bite-sized pieces so you can focus on each topic without getting “information overload”.  All you need is an internet connection and a computer (or tablet) to view the course.

“I found the marketing strategies presentation extremely valuable because it gave me an understanding of Fam and comp trips and how to request them. I also learned how to manage multiple acceptances and selling the same, or similar, articles multiple times.” Candi Licence, Master Class Attendee April 2018

“This weekend was one for the books! It was an incredible honor to be a part of Roy’s world-class Marketing Master Class and I’m eager to see how my fellow classmates and I crush it!” Jessica Pickett, Master Class Attendee April 2018

COURSE DETAILS

All about marketing & selling your articles.

Are you a good writer but you don't know anything about selling?  Do you need to learn how to sell your travel stories?

"If you can’t sell your articles, you don’t get to write them," says Roy Stevenson.   He'll teach you exactly how to sell your stories – and so much more! Seminars about the craft of travel writing are a dime-a-dozen. But until now, there’s never been a workshop specifically designed to show you how to sell your travel stories. It's a skill that can be learned. Most aspiring travel writers and bloggers struggle with querying and pitching their travel stories—and they have very little idea where to sell their articles. Some workshops touch on rudimentary marketing techniques—but their token sales coverage has been so scant as to be useless. They raise more questions than they answer and just gloss over the actionable nuts-and- bolts details of selling and marketing travel articles. Roy Stevenson’s marketing and selling sessions will radically improve your sales and marketing learning curve.  They’ll place you at an advanced level in the rewarding travel writing field. Beginners waste valuable time stumbling through the sales and marketing minefield.  They damage their relationships with magazine editors—often burning their bridges as they go. Most eventually give up. In these videos Roy will show you how to sell more travel stories to print outlets without making the common marketing mistakes that novice writers make. You’ll learn . . .

• How to dream up travel stories that will REALLY sell
• How to assess the ‘salability’ of your travel story ideas and when to discard them
• What kind of research makes your queries enticing and irresistible to magazine editors
• Why you should always query your story idea before writing it
• How and where to find dozens—even hundreds—of publications that want to buy your travel stories
• How to create sparkling query letters that WILL sell your stories
• The top query letter formatting and sequencing tips used by top tier professional travel writers
• Query letter mistakes that scream “amateur” and how to avoid them

Your marketing instructor, Roy Stevenson, is one of the most prolific travel writers in the U.S.   He’s sold more than 1,000 articles to travel and specialty print magazines, in-flights, on-boards, trade journals, newspapers, and online outlets.

Roy’s an expert at selling travel stories to magazines. In fact, he sells 90% of the stories that he pitches to editors.  Most freelance writers are lucky if they can sell 25% of their stories! Roy’s marketing sessions in the Online Travel Writing & Marketing Master Class covers all his most important and most effective sales techniques. In the Online Master Class you’ll also learn . . .

• Strategies that will boost your travel story acceptance rate and help you get your first print bylines
• How to use simultaneous queries to sell your stories faster and more successfully
• When to pitch several story ideas to an editor
• How to handle multiple article acceptances like a pro
• How to earn more by reselling your articles around the world
• How to address your lack of bylines and get around that ‘I haven’t been published before’ problem, in your query letters
• The Marketing Mastery Links Formula – and how using this formula will guarantee your success

“I appreciate Roy’s philosophy as a rebel. He has a formula that works and that is proven. With due diligence and hard work, I can be successful.” Dave Hamill, Master Class Attendee April 2018

“I got some really good story ideas from Roy. Liked the reinforcement of Roy’s marketing approach." Pam Baker, Master Class Attendee April 2018

“I found the research activity valuable because I learned how to research and evaluate places and go and get story ideas in advance, to gain assignments.” Candi Licence, Master Class Attendee April 2018

Building Editorial Relationships and Breaking Through Barriers

Do you want to know how to work with editors - exactly how to get their attention and make them want to buy your story?   You’ll get an Editor’s perspective – straight from an active, hard-working regional travel & lifestyle editor in this 6-video section.

Allen Cox, Editor-in-Chief of Northwest Travel & Life Magazine , will teach you how to break the editorial barrier and build editorial relationships. A Pacific Northwest native, Allen brings years of experience as a widely published travel and lifestyle journalist, editor and guidebook author. As a magazine writer, his articles about travel, food, wine, the arts, the outdoors and profiles have appeared in several publications, regionally and nationally including South Sound, Harbors, 425, Coast Explorer, AAA Journey, Oregon Coast, WellBella, City Arts, Washington Magazine, Northwest Palate, and Northwest Magazine.   In the Online Travel Writing & Marketing Master Class and as a current Editor-in-Chief, Allen shares his insights about:

• How to get a response from editors
• Why editors don’t respond to your queries
• A 3-step process for following up with editors
• Six things your queries should include to get the editor's attention
• 4 actions – beyond the query – you can take to build relationships with editors
• 4 tips you need to do if you're really serious about your writing craft
• 5 ways to stay on top of your game

“Editors tend to be faceless entities in control of our writing direction.  It was good to hear from Allen and find out editors are approachable and receptive.  It takes the edge off the fear of submitting pitches when you meet them face-to-face.” Jessica Pickett, 2018 Master Class Participant

“Allen was great!  I especially found the part about staying on top of your game very valuable.” Becky Breshears, 2018 Master Class Participant

“We got real time, real world experience from Allen Cox.  It helps to hear it directly from the editor’s mouth.” Charlene Scott, 2018 Master Class Participant

“It was valuable to hear Allen tell us specifics about how to get his attention.  Also his thoughts about the importance of story ideas really helped.” Jill Friedman, 2018 Master Class Participant

“It is critical to hear the perspective of editors.  I don’t think any travel writer can be successful without empathizing with editors and learning to become strategic partners.  Extremely valuable.” Kim Kortum, 2018 Master Class Participant

All About Press Trips and FAM Tours

Are Press Trips still a mystery to you?   Do you want to know exactly how to go about landing press trips?   The Online Travel Writing & Marketing Master Class teaches you exactly what steps to take for requesting assistance from tourist offices for free or super low-cost travel. Most novice travel writers don’t know how to use their travel assignments as collateral for complimentary travel.  Free accommodations, gourmet meals, private tours, luxury cruises, and entry to tourist attractions are yours for the asking if you know how to do it right.  You'll learn exactly what kinds of assignments are needed for your ticket to getting invited on exciting press trips to regional, national, and international destinations.  Since 2007, Roy has been on more than 90 press trips and Fam tours around the Pacific Northwest, the U.S. and internationally.  He receives one or two press trip invitations each week, and declines most of them. He’ll lay the basic foundation and teach you about different kinds of press trips, and how to line up trips of your own.  You’ll learn . .

• How to use your travel writing assignments, credentials, and skills to request free or heavily discounted travel, accommodations, meals, tours, luxury cruises, and entry to tourist attractions.
• How to get invitations to press trips, Fam tours, restaurant openings, wine tastings, spa treatments, and even film festivals!

Roy will walk you through the process he uses, step-by-step, so you can secure travel writing assignments and turn them into complimentary press tours. But that's just the beginning.

Annette Bagley, our guest speaker from the Bellingham & Whatcom County Tourism Bureau , will tell how to work successfully with DMO Media Reps for press trips and FAM tours. As a writer and media relations consultant, her work has appeared in local and national media. Annette will share her knowledge about press trips from the destination marketing organization (DMO) perspective.  She’ll share insider information including:

• Why getting a quality travel article published matters so much to tourist organizations
• What services travel writers perform for a DMO and why personal experience matters
• 10 things DMOs can do to help travel writers
• What tourist organizations expect of travel writers before, during and after a press trip
• The 4 things DMOs do to screen travel writers and decide whether or not to invite them on a press trip
• 11 expectations of travel writers on a press trip
• Why a tourist organization will be happy to invite you back for a repeat visit (or not)
• Things the tourist organizations can do to help promote you and the article you write about their destination
• How much lead time a tourist organization needs to put together a customized tour for you
• Why an advance LOA (letter of assignment) is important to a DMO

“It was extremely valuable to have a questionnaire to use as a template for approaching CVBs and DMOs.  Thanks, Annette!” Jessica Pickett, 2018 Master Class Participant

“Annette’s presentation was extremely valuable to me.  Understanding her needs as a DMO and her willingness to work with writers was excellent.” Candi Licence, 2018 Master Class Participant

“Annette’s precision about expectations was extremely valuable for me.” Gary Baker, 2018 Master Class Participant

“Annette was terrific.  It was great to hear how she evaluates travel writers for comps, and how she plays the long game with her venues / community and works with her travel writers.” Kim Kortum, 2018 Master Class Participant

“Loved Annette’s presentation.  It was so helpful to hear directly from a well-run organization and to be able to ask questions.” Kari Dahlstrom, 2018 Master Class Participant

Online Master Class - Regular Price:  $799

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The Romance of Travel Writing

Are you having problems knowing how to write a high-quality travel article? Expert travel writing instructor Nick O’Connell will show you how to improve your travel writing and make it sparkle. 

Nick O’Connell’s writing presentations will help you master the craft of narrative travel writing essential for creating good, saleable nonfiction stories.  Follow Nick’s tips and your travel writing will stand out above your peers. 

Nick O’Connell is one of the finest travel writers on the West Coast of the U.S.  His bylines make most of his peers envious.  Nick’s work has been published in numerous top tier travel and food glossies including Newsweek, Gourmet, National Geographic Adventure, Conde Nast Traveler, Food & Wine, Sierra, Sunset, Image, Outside, Alaska Airlines Magazine, Horizon Air, Wine Spectator, Saveur, Seattle, Image Journal, and the New York Times . You’ll get four hours of video presentations on the art and craft of travel writing. In these sessions Nick covers:

• The 5 most important travel sub-genres editors use to help you find the best way to pitch your story idea
• The 5 skills needed for creative non-fiction travel writing
• The Top Ten Tips to make your story easier to sell to an editor
• The single most effective way to grab a reader’s attention in every story you write
• The 6 most important things that make a good travel story
• One of the oldest story techniques, why it still works so well today and how to use it in your articles
• How to effectively use scene openings to bring your readers into your stories and give them life

“Nick gave us very good tips for creating a story that is appealing to the readers.   Also, his tips and examples using his own articles was extremely valuable.” Annette DeSmedt, 2018 Master Class Participant

“Nick has a systematic approach and very organic, creative steps in the writing process.  I loved his outlined approach to setting the scene and the sub-genres of travel writing.” Jessie Pickett, 2018 Master Class Participant

“I thought Nick’s strong emphasis on story and painting the scene was extremely valuable.” Candi Licence, 2018 Master Class Participant

“Nick’s fundamentals of travel writing and his explanation of the creative process was extremely valuable.” Gary Baker, 2018 Master Class Participant

“Learning to tell a story, and the outline of how to do it was extremely valuable for me.” Becky Breshears, 2018 Master Class Participant

“It was great to listen to Nick and hear how he and Roy approach some things differently, some things the same.  It’s important to understand the common threads that exist and how they express their personalities and career paths differently.  It was very helpful for Nick to frame the creative non-fiction sub-genres and break down scenes.  I don’t have a background in this so it was terrific.” Kim Kortum, 2018 Master Class Participant

“Very nice to hear about first-person articles versus service articles and roundups.  Nick was great – I loved hearing about all the types of articles he talked about.” Kari Dahlstrom, 2018 Master Class Participant

“Nick’s handout with the ten steps was extremely valuable to me.  We have a checklist when we write our stories and I’ll add this to our toolbox!” Pam Baker, 2018 Master Class Participant

Success Panel

Do you wonder if travel writers really have success or if it's just a bunch of hype?

You’ll hear from our Success Panel of four new travel writers who have been published in both in print magazines and online sites.  You’ll learn how they’ve successfully landed complimentary press trips and other travel perks. Each one of them will share their story and secrets and tips that helped them succeed.  They’ll share other information like how many hours per week they work – and you’ll be surprised by what you hear!  You’ll learn about the money they’re making from their travel writing, and what kinds of press trips they’ve landed.

“Loved hearing from the Success Panel – real people sharing their success stories honestly.” Becky Breshears, 2018 Master Class Participant

“These success panels are always helpful to bridge the gap between the novices (me) and the veteran professionals like Roy and Nick.” Kim Kortum, 2018 Master Class Participant

If you weren’t able to attend the Live Travel Writing & Marketing Master Class in Seattle, don’t miss this opportunity to attend at home. Live participants paid as much as $1697 for this course and another $1500+ in travel expenses, spending over $3000 to attend the Live event. Although there's nothing like being there, it's also very convenient to have the entire course at your fingertips. The regular price for access to the online Master Class is $799 – only a fraction of attending the Live class.  You’ll save as much as $2500 and more if you have a discount (promo) code! 

More testimonials from attendees at our Travel Writing & Marketing Master Class :

“I cannot say enough about how valuable this workshop has been. Roy is a wealth of knowledge and just a joy to work with! I love his enthusiasm, encouragement and passion for helping new travel writers.” Pam Baker, April 2017 Master Class

“This workshop has been very valuable to me because of the building blocks Roy presents. The “Links-in-the-chain” strategy provided much insight. In addition, the premise of sending out query letters to multiple magazines is brilliant!” Barbara Wertz, April 2017 Master Class

“It is one thing to try and increase your skills, or learn a new skill, from reading books. It’s another to have someone to properly teach you how. If you’re looking to improve or learn, travel writing skills, there is only one person that I recommend. "At Roy Stevenson’s travel writing and marketing master class, you’ll learn everything you need to know about travel writing. The workshops are intense, in-depth, and a lot of fun, all at the same time. There are no holds barred. "Roy is a master of his trade of travel writing and teaching. He imparts his knowledge and experience in a way that makes it very easy to absorb. He isn’t afraid that you’re going to steal business from him. His ambition is to help you to become a master at travel writing. Be prepared for the guest speakers who will also pass on their knowledge about other skills associated with travel writing." Peter Safe, Travel Writing & Marketing Master Class Chiang Mai, Thailand, October 2016

“Thank you, Roy, for all your help, education and support. Your writer’s Master Class has been extremely helpful and I so enjoyed your class. You have given me the confidence that I need to go forward in my new career as a freelance travel writer, photographer and destination video producer-artist.” Shelley Pittman, Freelance Writer & Photographer 2016 Chiang Mai Master Class

“Home and ready to go to Barnes and Noble this morning. Thanks so much to Roy & Linda for this amazing weekend and thanks to all the participants for your support and generosity with advice. Looking forward to your success stories!” Mary Lou Osmond, Master Class Attendee April 2018

“Learning and getting inspired! Wohoo!” Kari Dahlstrom, Master Class Attendee April 2018

“Great class, already working on first pitch at the airport.” Charlene Scott, Master Class Attendee April 2018

“What a great learning weekend! Great workshop...hope to see everyone again next year. I’m looking forward to what happens in the future with the knowledge I’ve picked up.” Becky Breshears, Master Class Attendee April 2018

“It was great to really hear Roy drive home how to be professional & to have integrity in your travel writing career.” Kim Kortum, Master Class Attendee April 2018

Questions? Problems Registering?  Use the form below to contact us.

Mastering the Art of Travel Writing: Tips for Students

D o you love writing and traveling? Do you dream about seeing the world and discovering hidden gems in every country you go to? Then you might have considered becoming a travel writer. Even though this is one of the dream jobs many students have, it comes with challenges too. Mastering the art of travel writing is not hard, but you have to put in a lot of dedication, effort, and time. This is a captivating genre that allows you to share your experiences, observations, and adventures from your journey. Writing about travel is what you, as a student, might aspire to.

So, you are probably looking for some tips and tricks on how to get started. What is travel writing? Are there more types of travel writing? Learn more about some travel writing tips that can enhance your craft and help you create engaging stories. While some spots can inspire you to write fascinating posts, you can take matters into your own hands and improve your skill.

Immerse Yourself in Traveling

Well, you cannot be a travel writer if you are not traveling. This is why it is essential to travel extensively. Explore distinct places , cultures, and landscapes. Get to know the locals, talk with them and find out more about the local traditions and social norms. Every country is different from another one. And even though some beliefs or lifestyles might be similar, there are so many things that tell them apart. And you can learn more about this by traveling and talking with locals too.

However, as a student, you have academic responsibilities too. Getting an education in school is not only about attending classes or what notes you take during teaching but about writing essays and assignments too. And traveling around the world is time-consuming, which might make you fall behind your deadlines. Thankfully, there are essay writers for hire, essay writers that are skilled and professional and can help you complete your assignments. Getting some much-needed help will help you follow your passion and travel around the world. This way, you will gather experiences you can write about.

Maintain a Travel Journal

To write a travel short story or an article for your blog, you need to travel. But you also need to observe the peculiarities of every place you go to. You may not have time every day to write an article, but there is a solution. You could maintain a travel journal. Have it with you everywhere you go.

Write down your thoughts, impressions, and experiences while they are still fresh in your mind. This way, you make sure you do not forget anything worth mentioning. When you will sit down and write your articles later, this journal will be an invaluable resource.

Take Photos

If you want to become a travel writer, you have to write, of course. But photos can add more value to your travel stories or articles. So, whenever you can, aim to capture high-quality photos . Learn more about the art of photography to complement your words with images.

Read Widely

Besides practicing the art of writing more and traveling around the world, you could hone these skills by reading too. It is known that reading helps you expand your vocabulary as you learn new words that will help you convey the message effectively.

But, reading what other travel writers have published will help you learn more about writing techniques. How do they tell a story? How do they hook you and capture your attention? Reading widely does not mean that you will end up copying others. It just serves as a source of inspiration that will help you develop your unique voice.

Honesty and Authenticity

Many students who are aspiring to become travel writers think that they only have to share positive experiences from their travels. Indeed, when you discover new places and cultures, everything you see might be through some pink lens.

However, readers appreciate honesty and authenticity. So, help them see your experience through your eyes. Do not be afraid to share the parts of the trip that were not as pleasant. This will help them have a clear idea of what to expect from specific places. They are looking for genuine insights.

What to Keep in Mind?

Writing about traveling and trips around the world is an art. To excel in this craft, not only do you need to improve your writing skills, but also gain as much traveling experience as you can. For those who might not have the time or expertise, there are paper writers for hire who specialize in travel content. However, do not forget that travel writing is a journey in itself. Embrace the process, keep practicing, and let your passion for exploration and storytelling shine through your words.