Travel writing is a dream job, but it’s a lot of work. On the surface, it appears that travel writers get to zip all around the world on exciting assignments for flashy magazines and publications like National Geographic and Condé Nast.
The reality, of course, is that travel writing is a lot of work. It’s a fiercely competitive field, and only the best of the best will turn it into a full-time career. Here’s how you can also be a travel writer.
1. Read, Read, Read
You can’t be a writer without being a reader. That rule applies to all genres, not just travel writing!
To have an appreciation for good writing, you have to read voraciously. Practice makes perfect, right? Well, practice begins before you even start writing. If you want to get a feel for what kind of travel writing is out there, pick up a few magazines—even backdated ones. Here are some books also worth checking out:
- A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle
- In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson
- In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin
- The Great Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux
- Wild by Cheryl Strayed
- Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes
2. Take Some Travel Writing Classes
If you’re going to compete with other travel writers creating top content, you’ll have to hone those writing skills. And the best way to do it is with professional guidance.
Personally, attending classes in-person and having the benefits of a peer group is my favorite way to learn. But if you can’t find any such classes, or if you’d prefer online learning to better suit your schedule, there are plenty of other options.
Check out local colleges or universities with online classes. Udemy is another great option, as well as Superstar Blogging.
You might even want to set up a travel blog to start showcasing your work.
3. Start with What You Know
It’s not as glamorous as jet setting off on a grand adventure, but take a good look around your hometown, or where you’re currently living. You might not know it, but you already possess incredibly valuable insider information about where you’re currently living.
The best travel writing has all those insider details. Where’s your favorite coffee shop hole-in-the-wall? The best late-night pizza? The best view in town?
The same goes for finding your niche genre. Travel writers and bloggers often succeed when they become well known for a particular travel style or genre. For example, you might want to make a name for yourself as a solo female traveler, or an adventure traveler. Being an expert is a sure way to get noticed.
For example, helping a traveler better navigate the UK-ETA.com system so they can enjoy a wonderful holiday within the country can be just as useful and important as discussing the best restaurants down the coast and why they appealed to you. Try to include everything you personally find interesting and informative.
4. Hone Your Multimedia Skills
The simple fact is that you need to have more than one skill these days to succeed in travel writing, which is why you’ll find so many people perfecting their photography skills or video skills.
If a publication can send you out into the field with the ability to capture the destination and experience in both written words and imagery, your editor will love you. And trust me, editors talk—you’ll certainly be referred to more gigs.
5. Start Pitching
Pitching is the scariest part of travel writing! Rejection is never a good feeling, but here’s a little secret: even the most successful writers get rejected far more than published.
Most editors don’t care too much about your experience. If you can immediately present a succinct, captivating story idea without wasting anyone’s time, you’ll likely get a chance.
You must master the perfect pitch. You don’t have much time to snag your editor’s attention, so you have to get it right. Read up on how to create that perfect pitch.
Now that we’ve covered how to become a travel writer, what’s your first big story?
