Breaking into Travel Writing

A lot of people ask me how to break into travel writing, and quite honestly I'm never quite sure what to say. It felt like I stumbled into it, as if it were a streak of luck. But in fact luck is a combination of persistence and timing that you have to hit upon over and over again until it works. I always recommend new writers tackle subjects and destinations they know well and work on a kick-ass pitch.

Start with smaller markets in your area and work your way into national publications. But don't be afraid to pitch a few national magazines as well. You don't want to cut yourself out of a large magazine or newspaper due to a lack of persistence or the belief you can't break in. It's also a good idea to develop a niche for yourself whether a family market, elite travel, adventure, or whatever tickles your fancy. I don't have children but somehow fell into a family market. It's something I enjoy and can offer an adult-perspective to parents who want more than just a kid-friendly destination involving Disney World or Six Flags Over (fill in the state here).

However, I discovered an online publication I hadn't heard of called TravelLady.com. Though they don't pay, they do sometimes offer a letter of assignment to writers who have published with them at least 5-times. A letter assignment is crucial and means you can potentially land on a free press trip domestically and abroad. They also accept work from new writers. It's actually a publication I'd like to consider, they have interesting content and a solid page rank.


Check it out!