Skills

• 
  Writing
• 
  Research
• 
  Reading
• 
  Networking
• 
  Storytelling
• 
  Communication
• 
  Computer Literate
• 
  Social Media

What should I know?

• It’s important that you are a curious and perceptive traveler .
• You should also be willing to pitch your ideas to an editor and be prepared to promote your work whenever possible.
• As a beginner, you will need to showcase writing talent and a zest for adventure.
• It is very important to network with contacts online and meet face to face with individuals in the industry.
• Search online for travel writer meet up groups that you can join.
• You should have an online portfolio, a personal website, and/or a blog that you update regularly.
• As a beginner focus on writing for local publications like activities in your hometown or city.
• Writing about your hometown can give you access to material that is easy to cover, with very cheap travel fees.
• Have patience and give yourself room to grow into your niche.
• Keep writing and don’t hold anything back, be honest.
• While writing go deep into the culture of the place by connecting with people on more than just a surface level.
• Learn the history, view a variety of art, examine different styles of architecture, listen to all kinds of music, taste varieties of food and drink, and become politically informed.
• Take notes in a real notebook, because you will never remember details or feelings precisely enough if you do not.
• Understand the reader before writing, because most likely they wont be interested or might possibly not understand what the writer is saying.
• Travel writing is a very difficult industry to break into, and doesn’t pay that much in the beginning.

Is this career suitable for me?

Choose this:

• If  you desire to travel and experience new environments and cultures.
• If you have talent for descriptive language, an observant mind, and physical stamina.
• If you are ready to be a freelancer and build your portfolio.
• If you can pitch articles to multiple publications on a consistent basis and write many articles for very little pay.
• If you have enough patience to work from contract to contract for several years until you make a name for yourself.

Do not choose this:

• If  you have fantasies of being sent around the world on assignments with a big commission, all your expenses paid, and endless days people watching in a European cafe.
• If you cannot arrange your own travel accommodations, itinerary and spend several days traveling on your own.
• If you don’t have the ability to sell your ideas and writing to editors.
• If you are uncomfortable in riding whatever accommodation that will take to get to their destination.
• If you are not willing to stay in various accommodations.

Additional Notes

Blogs

• The Lazy Travelers
• The Escape Artistes

Travel Publications

• National Geographic
• Travel and Leisure
• International Living
• Afar

Autobiography

• Kate Adie – The Kindness of Strangers