Travel Writing Careers

By Mary Gormandy White

Travel writer making notes on his device — Does a travel writing career appeal to you?

For individuals who love to write and are interested in exploring various corners of the world, travel writing careers may be appealing.

About Travel Writing Careers

If you're thinking about pursing work as a travel writer, it's important to consider that a large percentage of professional writers work as freelancers. While some publications that provide travel content have full time travel writers on staff, these types of jobs are coveted and limited in number. Competition can be fierce, and the most highly sought after positions are likely to go to experienced authors with impressive portfolios.

Entering the Travel Writing Field

There are no specific licensure or educational requirements for travel writers. Many employers prefer to hire individuals with degrees in English, journalism, communications, and related fields. Without fail, companies that hire writers are concerned about writing skills and abilities. Before you start applying for work as a writer, it's important to develop strong writing skills that you can demonstrate by providing samples of your work.

If you really want to work your way into a full time travel writing job, getting real-world writing experience is essential. Employers are going to want to see print clips and/or links to web content with your byline. When you first start seeking entry into the travel writing field, you might find an entry-level opportunity with a magazine, publishing company, or even a public relations firm that works with clients in the travel industry.

As an alternative, if you aren't able to locate suitable employment that involves direct travel writing experience, then it's a good idea to seek employment in a field related to the travel industry while building an impressive portfolio of published freelance work to show to prospective employers. You might try for a position with an airline, hotel, cruise line, or other business within the hospitality industry. Your experiences are likely to give you plenty of material to write about.

Keep in mind that the publishing field is very competitive; you must be willing to start at the bottom and work your way up to the job of your dreams.

Freelance Travel Writing Options

It's important to keep in mind that the vast majority of travel writers do work as freelancers. There are many benefits to freelance writing, particularly if you are looking for a flexible career choice.

Pay varies widely in freelancing, depending on your experience, the types of clients you work with, and other factors. Many hard-working and dedicated freelance writers make a nice living writing about various topics, travel included.

If you're interested in freelance magazine writing, it's a good idea to invest in a current copy of Writer's Market. This publication is full of information about book and magazine publishers, submission formats, how to write query letters, deadlines, etc. Additionally, many print publications have specific submission guidelines published on their websites.

Many freelance writers get their start writing web content. Many informational websites, such as LoveToKnow.com, recruit freelancers on a regular basis. There are also freelance writing opportunities with companies that specialize in creating web content, organizations that perform search engine optimization services, and web development companies.

If you want to focus your efforts on the travel niche, you may find it beneficial to write for Constant Content, a writing company that allows writers to submit work on spec. You can draft articles about your travel experience and submit them for sales. Once they are approved, clients looking for content related to travel will have an opportunity to purchase your work, along with that belonging to other authors.

Where to Find Opportunities for Travel Writing Careers?

There are many different travel magazines and websites, each of which needs content to deliver to readers. There are also several publishing companies that publish travel guides and other types of books related to travel.

The following websites frequently include listings for staff and freelance travel writing positions:

Keep in mind that many of companies that utilize the services of travel writers don't advertise job openings, because they are in such high demand. In many cases, the best way to get your foot in the door is by following the submission guidelines specified in Writer's Market.