5 Secrets to Being a Travel Writer Like Steenie Harvey

Updated: Mar 28th, 2010

Steenie Harvey is a well known travel writer. For the past 14 years, she has been writing for International Living. Steenie is the expert “Euro editor” for the magazine and travels every month. Steenie’s travels outside of Europe as well. For example, she wrote about real estate in Thailand, Austria, and Spain; just to name a few.

So, what does it take to be a travel writer like Steenie Harvey? Is it years of college writing courses, travel experience, and brilliant writing? Is it luck? The answers may come as a surprise to some travel writers.

Resourceful Links

  1. DeliciousBabyJournal. An inspirational blog for women travel bloggers.
  2. Photography Passion For Fun. Is travel writing rocket science?
  3. Michael Emily. Provides writers with a great list of resources.

The 5 Secrets

  1. Curiousity. The most important quality for a travel writer.
  2. Speak with People. Ask the locals where to eat and shop. Inquire about current events.
  3. Be observant and Take Notes. Notice what is all around you and write down what you see. Describe the people, buildings, the smell of the air, and other pertinent “tidbits” that can be useful to your travel article. Use short phrases and words.
  4. Learn Photography. Travel writers can sell more travel articles and stories by submitting photographs with them.
  5. No experience or special training required. It helps to have a passion for writing and traveling. Writing skills can be developed along the way. It’s just another adventure!

Travel writers who have a love for traveling and writing can make their dreams come true. Whenever you have the chance to travel, write about it. Travel as much as possible, even if it’s in your own backyard. Consider writing for a niche travel market. Those who have experience “traveling with children” would be surprised how many people would appreciate any advice on the topic. Do research and find out what areas are lacking when it comes to content. Go from novice to expert in no time!

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

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