How to Get a Job As a Travel Journalist

You can make money traveling the world.

Travel journalists report for various media, including travel websites, newspapers, magazines, trade journals, television and radio, or guidebooks. Imagine traveling the world to exotic locations like Bora Bora or fun-filled Disney World, and eating at fine restaurants and getting paid for it. Although you will enjoy many perks that come with the job, your primary purpose is to advise readers on where to go, what to do, where to lodge and dine, and why. You must tell about locations in descriptive terms, enticing readers to travel there or bringing the places alive for them at home..

Instructions

1. Earn a four-year degree. Most travel writers have a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, English or another liberal arts major. You must be able to be a good writer, reporter and researcher.

2. Get experience. Travel writers are well-versed in a specific area or have traveled extensively. If your finances are tight, take a weekend trip or stay in your own town and find an angle to write about. Also, intern at a magazine or newspaper.

3. Specialize in a niche. Readers have various interests, so writing for a special group such as pet owners or families will set you apart.

4. Freelance. Another journalistic route is to be your own boss and write on contract. Freelance travel writers are paid per word, page or project. Contact travel magazines to see what assignments are available and submit a query letter pitching your idea to an editor.

5. Prepare for travel inconveniences. Travel writing is not all glamorous. Be mindful of airport security checks and long lines at restaurants.

Tips & Warnings

• The salary range for staff and freelance travel writers is $10,000 to $76,000.

• Some unions and associations to learn about and to join are the Society of American Travel Writers, International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association (IFW&TWA), International Travel Media (ITM), and North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA)

• Freelance writers must be able to work well with different editors. Focus on cultivating good working relationships with editors.

References

• American Writers and Artists Inc: Live Your Dream Lifestyle and Get Paid for It!
• The Travel Writer's Life: Travel Writing Resources
• Page Rank Studio: Travel Writer Job Description, Careers, Salary, Employment, Definition, Education and Training Requirements

Resources

• The Travel Writer's Life: Writer's Guidelines to Major Travel Magazines