Becoming a travel journalist can be a fun, exciting, and rewarding career! As with any career, you must have dedication and passion! A good education (formal or informal) complemented with hard work is key. But then again, if you love what you do and do what you love it will not be hard work! Some say that you must love competition, but there are enough stories for everyone. Just open your eyes and look for them!

Key Factors to Consider!: You must love to write, especially about travel! Do you have a good “nose” for a story? Do you possess “communication powers?” Are you able to get people to speak with you? Are you be able to “breathe” life into a story with your words and make it come alive? Can you work under pressure? You may want to consider these “key factors” before you embark on a journey to become a travel journalist.

Here are some steps in becoming a travel journalist

1. Choose the right course of study. Either pursue the typical four-year degree or other course work. Visit The Travel Writers Life for information on the course work they offer. FYI: if you go the four-year route make sure to apply for an internship!
2. Decide the type of journalism you would like to pursue such as newspapers, magazines, television, or online.
3. Networking, networking, networking! Speak to as many people as you can! Who knows, some of them may become your mentor.
4. Get your name out there. Send out resumes to different media outlets across the USA. This is a great way to build relationships with editors, publishers, producers, directors, etc…
5. Devour job boards! For example, check out suite 101, solo gig, or
   freelancewriting.com.

Write Now!: Check out The Citizens Journal. You can post articles about anything on this website. Excellent! This means you can begin to build your travel writing portfolio, obtain feedback from other writers and readers, and you have a place for uncensored citizen journalism.

Let’s see, what else can you do? Oh! Yes! You can visit Society of Professional Journalists. FYI: a one-year membership will cost you $72! I chose not to apply for a membership at this time. Not to fear! The website is full of FREE goodies! Happy reading!

Article Alert!: Check out the following article on bravenewtraveler.com. You will receive a “down and dirty” guide to travel journalism.

I hope this information helps all of you aspiring “travel journalists” out there. Good luck! Chin up!

Getting the scoop,
~ Rebecca