Newspaper travel sections are known to provide a “wealth” of travel information to its readers. Check out and contact editors at newspapers such as NY Times, Washington Post, L.A. Times, and Guardian UK to inquire about guidelines for travel article submissions.
Many newspapers will ask readers to submit articles and photos of their travels so if you’re just starting out this is also a great opportunity to become published in your local newspaper. Whenever the editor of the newspaper extends an offer to submit a travel article, take advantage of it. You never know what may come of this opportunity.
If you would like to write for a newspaper, contact the editor and pitch a story. It’s best to pitch one at a time and to be sure that you have the correct editor’s name. Make sure you’re familiar with the style and tone of the newspaper by reading previous articles to get a better understanding of the types of stories the newspaper prints.
Another way to introduce yourself to newspaper editors is to send them clips from previous articles so be sure to put together a portfolio of your work even if you haven’t written about travel yet.
Finally, you can always create “mock” travel articles. Write as if your work was going to be published in the newspaper. Make it clear that these travel articles were not actually published. You never know, you may score “creativity” points with the editor. Bonus points for your own photography.