Erika Jakubassa has traveled to Argentina, Uruguay, and Puerto Rico. Next is Tuscany, Berlin, The German North Sea Islands, and probably Uruguay again. 2010 will most likely be Morocco. Similarly, she describes the Travel Writing course she took with James Sturz as a traveling experience of its own.

Says Erika, "It was a bit like traveling the world with a very nice and dedicated group of people, and a tour guide who was always encouraging and inspiring, and very giving of his considerable expertise as a travel journalist and writer."

She was sad when the course was over and claimed she had to return to everyday life without that weekly 'fix' of sharing stories and expanding her skills with other travel aficionados.

Says Erika, "The students were a great mix of ages, professional and personal backgrounds, and favorite travel destinations- all in class because they were serious about writing."

Erika offers this advice to travel writers:

"Think about the places you've been to and loved. Start writing about one of them in a way that makes other people able to live your experience through your writing. Send your piece to friends and family for comments. Parallel to that, get to know the market for your writing."

--William Battaglia

RELATED: Travel Writing Courses at mediabistro.com