Make Travel Writing Work for You. Here’s How.

Updated: Mar 28th, 2010

Most travel writers want to know how to make travel writing work for them. Here’s a hint: it takes dedication, perseverance, education, research, time, and writing. Travel writers whose dreams are to write for magazines or newspapers, work in television, or write books will put the extra time and effort into their dreams. It’s that simple. Dreams only come true if they are developed and nurtured.

Jonathan Crossfield has a five part series called “The Professional Writer.” According to Jonathan the professional writer: self-promotes, has many customers, looks the part, writes everything, and keeps an eye on the bottom line. These are the realities for travel writers, especially those who are freelance travel writers.

Travel Writing: The Basics

  1. Travel writers must write. Truth be told, writing on diverse topics such as conservation and environment, human rights, animal rights, or whatever passion lies within will help you obtain travel writing opportunities. One way to do this is to blog about them.

    Cath Lawson’s blog, Bold Advice for Business Success, gives readers links to “131 star bloggers.” Visit and review some of the blogs. What are people blogging about on a daily basis? What is their style? Learn from other peoples blogs.

  2. Education can either be formal or informal. Writing skills can be strengthened by taking a travel writing course or two at a local community college or online. Joining a writing group is not a bad idea for three reasons. First, it’s a great way to network. Second, constructive criticism goes a long way. Finally, there may be writers in the group who can become great mentors.

    A new skill such as photography can enhance travel writing. Many publications such as magazines and newspapers require photographs with travel articles. Travel writers who use digital photography can enhance their chances of receiving many writing opportunities. Software programs such as Adobe Photoshop are great for those photo touch-ups.

  3. Research job opportunities daily. Sign up with TravelWriters.com to receive their newsletter. Many job opportunities are posted in the market news section. Take it from me, it works! Also, visit JournalismNext.com and Media Bistro and start searching their jobs section. Please note, Media Bistro requires people to sign up with them. Go ahead because it’s free!

All of this information may seem daunting to some travel writers, especially those who are new to the world of travel writing. Take it in stride and one day at a time. Know that you are good enough to accomplish anything you desire in life. It may take some longer to reach their dreams, but what’s the rush. It’s just life. Enjoy the journey and have fun!

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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