Many people would love to travel the country, or maybe even the world. Unfortunately, most people only get one or two weeks off per year, so may not get to too many destinations each year, if any. However, if you become a freelance travel writer, you can get not only explore the world, you can get paid for doing so. It is a dream come true for many people, but there are a few things you should know before you embark on this career.
One of the most important things to know is that as a freelancer, you will not be working for one company or publication directly. Instead, you are self employed, and travel on your own usually, visiting cities and attractions.
Instead of getting assignments from an editor, you would instead come up with an idea, called a story pitch. You would pitch that story to various editors, and they will then decide if they wish to hire you or not. The pitch could be for a single story, a series of stories, a column, or perhaps even a book if you have lots of stories to tell all at once.
You may be hired for a one-time article, or a series. You may even become a regular columnist, but still be a freelancer, which means you are free to write for other outlets at the same time. Your articles will have a travel theme, and could run the gamut of that industry. You may be tasked with reviewing a new hotel or resort, a theme park, or write generally about a city, state or even an entire country.
Instead of reviewing specific locations, the piece may have a specific focus such as adventure travel, ecological travels, cultural experiences, and even food reviews that cover an entire cuisine rather than a restaurant. The pay will be per assignment, and may or may not include the travel expenses. You may have to pay those expenses such as lodging and airfare on your own and get reimbursed later.
It is helpful in many ways to go to your meeting with copies of published pieces to help the editor decide if they would like to hire you or not. It is also helpful to have a degree, usually in English or journalism, but is not an absolute necessity.
Many writers are not journalists, but should adhere to journalistic standards in order to become a part of this industry. The Society of American Travel Writers stipulates that all pieces be factual and not plagiarized, even partially, from another writer. You can accept payment for your review, but not specifically for favorable reviews, and you should always be considerate of hosts when traveling for work.
Since you are a freelancer, you do not get medical benefits, vacation days, sick leave or even a retirement plan. You must pay for these out of your own pocket. That is why it is imperative that you only write for outlets that can pay you a good salary that allows you to meet all these expenses on your own. Your pay will fluctuate from month to month, so set some aside and always be prepared, that way you can continue to enjoy this dream job.
One of the most important things to know is that as a freelancer, you will not be working for one company or publication directly. Instead, you are self employed, and travel on your own usually, visiting cities and attractions.
Instead of getting assignments from an editor, you would instead come up with an idea, called a story pitch. You would pitch that story to various editors, and they will then decide if they wish to hire you or not. The pitch could be for a single story, a series of stories, a column, or perhaps even a book if you have lots of stories to tell all at once.
You may be hired for a one-time article, or a series. You may even become a regular columnist, but still be a freelancer, which means you are free to write for other outlets at the same time. Your articles will have a travel theme, and could run the gamut of that industry. You may be tasked with reviewing a new hotel or resort, a theme park, or write generally about a city, state or even an entire country.
Instead of reviewing specific locations, the piece may have a specific focus such as adventure travel, ecological travels, cultural experiences, and even food reviews that cover an entire cuisine rather than a restaurant. The pay will be per assignment, and may or may not include the travel expenses. You may have to pay those expenses such as lodging and airfare on your own and get reimbursed later.
It is helpful in many ways to go to your meeting with copies of published pieces to help the editor decide if they would like to hire you or not. It is also helpful to have a degree, usually in English or journalism, but is not an absolute necessity.
Many writers are not journalists, but should adhere to journalistic standards in order to become a part of this industry. The Society of American Travel Writers stipulates that all pieces be factual and not plagiarized, even partially, from another writer. You can accept payment for your review, but not specifically for favorable reviews, and you should always be considerate of hosts when traveling for work.
Since you are a freelancer, you do not get medical benefits, vacation days, sick leave or even a retirement plan. You must pay for these out of your own pocket. That is why it is imperative that you only write for outlets that can pay you a good salary that allows you to meet all these expenses on your own. Your pay will fluctuate from month to month, so set some aside and always be prepared, that way you can continue to enjoy this dream job.
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