Here’s a Quick Way to Publishers and FREE Travel

Updated: Mar 28th, 2010

The lifestyle of a travel writer can be adventurous, fun, and romantic. Oooh lala! Two obstacles to travel writing are getting published and paying for travel. If you are a novice writer, you probably suffered from numerous rejections from editors and publishers. Perhaps you’ve been turned down for press trips, even though they matched your writing interests. Most novice travel writers experience “growing pains” in their development. Remember what Ralph Waldo Emerson said “Every artist was first an amateur.”

Overcome Publishing Obstacles

  1. Ask for HELP! If you know someone in the industry “chat” them up. Even if they do not have any clout, they can point you to people who do.
  2. Find your target. Choose travel publications that interest you. How long are the articles? What is the target audience of the publication? What is the demographic? Average age and income? Do not send your travel articles to every publication in the world! Select a few and submit your work.
  3. Research. Who is the editor or travel editor? Find an email address and phone number. Correctly spell the editor’s name. Review guidelines for submission.
  4. Present your article to publications before your write it. Give a synopsis and ask if they would be interested. You may even receive some FREE advice on how to tailor your article to their needs.
  5. It’s about the needs of publications. Sell, sell, sell! You must market and sell your article. Does it fit with their audience? Do you have photos to accompany your article? Publications like to fill their pages with quality content. How can you help?
  6. Don’t give up! Editors are busy people. Keep writing and submitting your articles. Your article may be published without you even knowing it! This is what happens if the publication is going through organizational changes. Ask for feedback if your article is rejected. Try smaller publications versus the “big guys.” Stay the course!

Steps to FREE Travel

  1. Embrace the joy of travel. Explore new places, meet people, learn a language, try new foods, and learn new things about the world and yourself.
  2. Be a minimalist. Travel with a backpack and bring the “bare” minimum. Do not pack your entire closet! Bring just the basic essentials! If you need something, just buy it!
  3. Trust people. Most people will open their homes to travelers. Perform a couple of chores and you will receive a FREE meal. Visit Couch Surfing and WWOOF to find a local host. CouchSurfing members will give travelers a place to stay for a night or two. WWOOF connects travelers with organic farmers who exchange room and board for an extra hand.
  4. Use your craft or skill. Do you have musical ability? Are you able to “whip” up a meal in 30 minutes or less? Can you draw, sketch, or paint? Is English your fist language? Use your native English speaking skills to travel the world for Free by teaching language classes in each destination you visit. Through your craft or skill, you can barter for food and shelter.
  5. Leave the city behind and go country! The countryside is filled with people who are relaxed. Food and space are plentiful. Unroll your sleeping bag and enjoy the starry night!
  6. Find a job that includes travel. The bills must be paid. You may as well find a job that involves extensive travel and take advantage of the perks! Visit The Travelers Notebook for your next opportunity.
  7. Go with the flow. Plan your travels in advance and have a “can do attitude” when staying with a host. Seize opportunities when they “knock” at your door!

Bonus!

Listen to “The Litopia Podcast which is the Net’s first and foremost podcast covering the worlds of publishing, film, television, and new media. Anyone can subscribe – and of course, it’s entirely free!” Witty entertainment for writers “from the writer’s point of view.”

Cheers,
~ Rebecca

About Amandah Blackwell 198 Articles

Amandah Blackwell is a creative, freelance and ghost writer for industries that include but are not limited to the arts & entertainment, travel, publishing, real estate, pets, personal and professional development, and much more.

Amandah's personal writing projects include screenplays, teleplays, YA, non-fiction, short stories, and poetry. 

You can find more of her writing at www.MisticCafe.com, savvywritingcareers.wordpress.com, and www.savvy-writer.com.

You can follow Amandah on Twitter at:  http://twitter.com/savvy_writer

2 Comments

  1. Another opportunity for free travel is exploring your backyard and staying local. If you live in an area that is a tourism hotspot, or even one that has an interesting travel angle, become a local expert to build a portfolio and open the doors to opportunities beyond your front door.

  2. JoAnna,

    Totally agree with this. I’ve written articles for an online magazine on the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Spirit Ranch. That’s one thing about Arizona, it’s a tourist destination.

Sorry, Commenting is automatically closed on all Posts older than two years.

Some links on this page do earn us a small amount of money if you click on them and make a purchase. Not much, maybe enough for a cup of coffee or a beer, but we would never recommend any item if we didn't believe in it's value to you. Plus, every little bit helps keep this site going and helps us continue to provide you with great information.  We appreciate your support!