How to Break Into Travel Writing: One Writer’s Journey and the Lessons She Learned

During summers in high school and into college, I worked part-time at a local travel agency. I vividly recall one afternoon flipping through pages of a national travel magazine, reading about faraway places that I’d never heard of, dreaming of visiting them one day. But what I recall even more vividly is the thought that stuck in my mind: “I want to do that. I want to be a travel writer.”

Fast forward 10 years. After graduating from college and trying out a few different jobs, I applied for — and landed! — a full-time travel writing and editing gig with a branch of a national travel organization. Accepting the position was risky — it required my brand new husband and me to move about 15 hours away, at our own expense. It was also risky on the part of my new employer, as I didn’t have travel writing experience, just the passion.

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Unfortunately, the travel writing position didn’t pan out the way I had hoped, and I made another career move where writing was still the focus — public relations. Though my career went in another direction, I continued to write and began pitching myself as a part-time freelance travel writer. Editors bit, too — my first freelance assignment was with Women’s Health & Fitness, for which I wrote about learning to surf and rock climb.

Another 10 years or so of part-time freelancing later, I decided to focus more on my travel writing. A year ago, I decided to give up my fulfilling full-time job, working with a terrific group of people whom I respect, to follow my passion into the unknown. Today, I’m writing features regularly for duPont Registry, a lifestyle magazine in Tampa, and GirlsGetaway.com. I also occasionally contribute to the New York Post, Denver Life, Startle.com and more, as well as my own sites, travlingirl.com and newly-launched TheCoolAunt.com.

Here are some things I’ve learned over the years that may be of help to others looking to break into travel writing:

Do what you love. Writing, whatever type you may be doing, should come from the heart. When you’re passionate about the topic, it comes through in your words. I’m passionate about travel, and I love to tell stories that will not only entertain my readers, but teach them a bit, too.

Make valuable connections. Networking continues to be key, as with any profession. I’ve found that travel writers and bloggers are a strong community, and many of us introduce our colleagues to editors we work with if the fit is right. I’ve had the opportunity to write for a large daily newspaper, thanks in large part to a fellow writer I met on a press trip. And don’t forget to use social media for connections. I recently e-introduced myself to a new editor and her publication I’d read about on Twitter and made a few pitches I thought would be a fit — we’re now in conversation about assignments. It’s all about making the right pitch!

Market yourself. Years ago I joined Mediabistro’s Freelance Marketplace, and it paid dividends. Soon after I joined, the editor of an in-flight magazine contacted me via my profile, and I wrote a bi-monthly column for him for four years. I continue to be a member and update my clips regularly. You never know when an editor will be looking for a writer just like you!

Get inside information. I also read Mediabistro’s How To Pitch articles. Not only do I look at the travel-specific magazines, but also the lifestyle titles to find out how travel pieces I have in mind might fit into their books.

At the end of the day, as with all freelance writing, it’s about being innovative and finding unique perspectives on topics that have already been covered, and making the pitch. It’s sometimes scary, nerve-wracking and uncertain. But then again, what great adventure isn’t?

Susan B. Barnes is a freelance writer based in Tampa. Contact her on Twitter @travlin_girl.