Do you find yourself daydreaming about sipping espresso in Rome, hiking the Himalayas, or island hopping in Southeast Asia — and getting paid for it? If you've ever wished you could turn your love for travel and storytelling into a full-time gig, you're not alone. The good news? You can become a travel writer. And no, you don’t need to be a best-selling author or have thousands of Instagram followers to start.
Travel writing is no longer just for glossy magazines or newspaper travel sections. The digital era has opened the floodgates for blogs, travel websites, content platforms, and even online courses to guide you on this exciting journey.
So, how do you go from travel enthusiast to published travel writer? Let’s take the first step together.
Why Travel Writing?
Travel writing is more than just describing beautiful places. It's about storytelling that transports readers. Whether it’s uncovering hidden gems, documenting cultural experiences, or giving practical tips to fellow travelers, good travel writing informs and inspires.
It also opens doors — from free trips and hotel stays to sponsored assignments and freelance contracts. But the biggest reward? Sharing your unique perspective with the world while doing what you love most — exploring.
Step 1: Understand What Travel Writing Really Is
Before diving in, it's important to understand that travel writing isn't just journaling about your vacations. It requires structure, voice, audience awareness, and sometimes research. The best travel writing informs, entertains, and offers value — whether that’s a new perspective, practical tip, or emotional resonance.
There are different types of travel writing, including:
Travel blogs
Destination guides
Hotel or tour reviews
First-person travel narratives
Listicles ("Top 10 Places to Visit in...")
Travel memoirs
Understanding your preferred style helps shape your niche.
Step 2: Start Writing — Without Waiting for the Perfect Trip
Here’s the secret: You don’t have to travel far to start travel writing. You can start with your hometown, nearby attractions, or even past trips.
Create content around:
Weekend getaways
Local food spots
Cultural experiences
Hidden corners of your city
Use what you already know and begin building your portfolio. This also gives you room to experiment with voice, tone, and format without the pressure of impressing an editor right away.
Step 3: Take a Course That Shows You the Roadmap
If you're serious about becoming a travel writer, structure and guidance are invaluable. That’s where online learning comes in handy. We highly recommend checking out this How to Become a Travel Writer course. It offers an actionable, no-fluff approach to starting your travel writing journey, even if you have zero experience.
Whether you're stuck on how to pitch to editors, unsure how to format your blog, or wondering how to monetize your content — this course lays it all out in a step-by-step fashion.
Step 4: Develop Your Voice and Style
What sets apart compelling travel writers is not just what they write about, but how they write it.
Your voice is your unique flavor. Are you humorous, poetic, informative, honest, cheeky, or raw? Use your natural personality — the same tone you'd use to tell a story to a friend.
Tips to develop your style:
Read lots of travel articles and note what draws you in.
Write regularly. Don’t edit while writing — just let it flow.
Try writing the same experience in multiple tones to see what feels natural.
Step 5: Learn to Tell a Story
Good travel writing isn’t just about sights and activities; it’s about the experience.
Rather than writing:
“I went to Paris. The Eiffel Tower was beautiful.”
Try:
“As the golden hour bathed the Eiffel Tower in amber light, the air smelled of freshly baked croissants. Tourists snapped photos, but I stood still, soaking in the magic like it was my first time — even though it wasn’t.”
See the difference?
Great stories have:
A beginning, middle, and end
Emotion or reflection
Sensory descriptions
A moment of transformation or insight
Step 6: Learn the Basics of SEO and Online Visibility
If you're blogging or writing for the web, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) matters.
A few beginner tips:
Use relevant keywords like “things to do in Bali” or “solo travel in Spain”
Optimize your title and headings
Include internal and external links
Use alt text for images
Keep paragraphs short and scannable
When writing for digital platforms, your story should still be engaging — but also searchable. That balance is key.
Step 7: Create an Online Portfolio
Whether you’re applying for freelance gigs or pitching to magazines, you’ll need samples.
Your portfolio can be:
A personal blog
A Medium account
Guest posts on travel blogs
Articles published on platforms like Matador Network or Lonely Planet
Build a simple website (WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace are great) and showcase your work. Include:
A short bio
Writing samples
Contact information
Links to social media
Step 8: Pitch Like a Pro
When you're ready to pitch to travel publications or websites, make it professional.
Here’s a simple pitch formula:
Greet the editor by name (do your research)
Introduce yourself briefly
Share your article idea with a headline and short summary
Mention why it’s a good fit for their audience
Include 1–2 writing samples or links
Example:
Hi [Editor’s Name],
I'm a travel writer based in [Your City], and I’d love to contribute a story to [Publication Name]. I have an idea for an article titled “How to Spend 48 Hours in Budapest on a Budget.”
It’s a practical, photo-rich piece ideal for solo travelers and students. I’ve attached two samples of my previous work for reference.
Thanks for considering!
Best,
[Your Name]
Step 9: Explore Income Opportunities
Travel writing can be more than a hobby. Here are a few income streams:
Freelance assignments (magazines, travel blogs)
Affiliate marketing (promote gear, tours, or bookings)
Sponsored posts (hotels, tour companies, travel brands)
Selling eBooks or guides
Creating travel courses
Running a monetized blog
It might take time, but with consistency, you can build a sustainable income.
Step 10: Keep Learning and Growing
The world of travel writing is constantly evolving. Stay current by:
Following travel writing blogs and newsletters
Joining writer communities and forums
Reading travel books and essays
Enrolling in refresher courses like How to Become a Travel Writer to keep sharpening your skills
Mistakes to Avoid
Here’s what not to do as a new travel writer:
Writing only about yourself with no takeaway for the reader
Using cliché descriptions (“breathtaking views,” “hidden gem,” etc.)
Submitting unedited work to editors
Ignoring grammar or spelling
Giving up too soon
Remember: the first draft doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be written.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a travel writer isn’t about being perfect from day one. It’s about being passionate, curious, and consistent. If you love travel and storytelling, there's absolutely a place for you in this space. And today is a great day to start.
Your next adventure — and your first byline — could be closer than you think. All it takes is the decision to start, the willingness to improve, and the courage to share your voice with the world.
Need a jumpstart? Let How to Become a Travel Writer be your roadmap.
Your passport is ready. Your pen is waiting. Where will your story begin?
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