How to Become a Freelance Travel Writer
Have you ever thought about becoming a freelance travel writer? If you enjoy traveling and have a passion for writing, freelance travel writing could be an exciting career option.
There is something very appealing about being a digital nomad – working remotely and exploring the world – but getting started on that path might sound like a daunting endeavor.
This post will tell you everything you need to know about travel writing and will even provide you with a valuable opportunity to jump-start an exciting new career.
What Is Travel Writing?
Travel writers are people who get paid to write about travel. Some travel writers research destinations around the world, visit different places, and write about their experiences. Other travel writers research and write about destinations closer to home, providing in-depth guides to visitor attractions in their local area. Anything that involves the subject of travel would qualify as travel writing.
Travel Writing Examples
You have a lot of options when it comes to what type of travel writing you want to do. Here’s a brief overview of a few:
- Hotel, restaurant, and destination reviews
Visit different places and businesses, describe your experience there, and then rate and write a descriptive review of them. - Travel itineraries
A good itinerary will be broken down into days (or hours for shorter trips). After a brief overview of all the stops on the trip, you need to provide interesting information about each destination so your readers will know if the trip is right for them. - Travel guides and advice
These should be based on personal experience. The writing should be factual but casual in tone and describe an experience you’ve had on a trip with the intent to educate others on what to do or what to avoid. - Blog or social media content
There is a broad range of writing opportunities here, so it is best to pick your niche (e.g., travel for families, backpackers, couples), do some research, figure out a schedule so you can post on a regular basis, and then start writing engaging content for your desired audience. - Travel books
If you feel like you’ve got a lot to say about a certain trip or destination, why not write a whole book?
Travel books are more than just a diary. You want to be able to write creatively so your readers will feel like they have taken the journey with you or form a desire to follow in your footsteps.
What Does a Travel Writer Do?
As mentioned above, travel writers write anything related to traveling. While most travel writers take trips and write about them, you can also write based solely on your own research, depending on the type of writing you want to do.
Typical tasks include:
- Describing specific travel destinations
- Giving tips on how to prepare for a certain trip
- Making recommendations (or criticisms) about hotels, restaurants, or excursions
- Drawing attention to religious or local holidays, festivals, specialized markets, architecture, etc.
- Providing advice or information about seasonal weather conditions, events, or concerns
- Writing about personal experiences you’ve had while traveling
The way you format your writing will depend largely on how it will be published. You may need to include interesting photographs if you’re writing for yourself, as opposed to if you’re working for an established magazine or publisher.
How to Become a Freelance Travel Writer
Finding travel writing jobs isn’t always easy. But here are a few easy-to-follow steps that can help you succeed.
1. Develop the Relevant Skills
You need to have the right skills to successfully pursue any career. To become a freelance travel writer, you not only need to have a good sense of observation and an understanding of technology and the internet, but you also need to know how to write effectively and have excellent knowledge of grammar and tense use, among other things.
If you feel any of your skills are lacking, consider taking a course or doing some training.
2. Build Your Portfolio
Write as much as you can to gain experience. Try to make sure that your portfolio is easily accessible online. If you don’t have clients that you currently write for, try starting your own blog to improve your writing skills and show your writing to the world.
As you write more, you will quickly develop your unique tone and style, which is valuable as a freelance writer. If you don’t have many clients giving you assignments, consider letting family and friends read and critique your writing.
3. Read a Lot
Many authors have said that to be a great writer, you need to read as much as you can. So, make sure you read other travel writing in the same niche that you want to write for.
4. Market Yourself
If you want to be a successful freelance travel writer, you need people to read what you have written. That requires a little self-promotion.
Having a website, improving your social media presence, and networking with other freelance writers are all great ways to improve your visibility.
5. Find Work
Once you’ve followed the steps outlined above, it’s time to look for travel writing jobs. Luckily, there are plenty of websites that offer freelance writing work. Some sites you may need to pay for, but many are free as well.
Social media sites like LinkedIn are also a great way to find jobs and network with other professionals. You can even publish your blog there!
Becoming A Freelance Writer
If becoming a freelance travel writer is something you’re interested in, you’re in luck! We can help you get started. Our Becoming A Freelance Writer course will teach you how to develop the relevant skills.
Building a portfolio is an important step. With our work guarantee, you could gain three professionally edited pieces of work after completion of the course. Start your free trial today and see for yourself!
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