Becoming a world traveler is a dream that very few people get to indulge. You likely have limited vacation days, and those might already be taken up with other obligations. There is also the expense of constant travel, which can really add up quickly. However, if you become a freelance travel writer, you can actually earn a living traveling and writing about it for numerous publications. For many, it is a dream job that is well within reach as long as you arm yourself with information about this career field.
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.
Since you do not work for a magazine or newspaper directly, you will have to come up with an article idea and pitch it to an editor at a publication. Or, if you have already traveled quite a bit and wish to write a guide book, you can pitch that idea to an editor at a publishing house. Based on your pitches, each editor decides if they want to hire you.
If the editor in question decides that they want your article, they will hire you. Always do your best work, because based on that, they may ask you back for other assignments as a recurring freelance writer. The assignments they could give you are endless, and may include traveling abroad, or going local and reviewing specific hotels, a new resort, or even a local attraction or restaurant for people who have not been.
Some pieces have a more specific focus, such as adventures and thrills, ecology, culture, food and more. You will usually have strict deadlines, so as soon as you arrive, you must get to work. You are paid per assignment, and may be asked to pay for your own expenses up front, with reimbursement to come later. In other cases, the editor will make and pay for the travel arrangements up front.
It is a good idea to show proof of previous published pieces to the editor, as this will increase the likelihood that they accept your pitch. Having a degree in English or journalism helps, but is generally not required in order to get hired.
Though you are not necessarily a journalist, when freelancing as a writer, you should still hold your self to the industry standards as observed by the Society of American Travel Writers. They stipulate that you should never copy from anyone else, even partially. You should not receive payment for a positive review, instead only accepting money for an objective review. Finally, always be considerate of hosts.
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.
Since you do not work for a magazine or newspaper directly, you will have to come up with an article idea and pitch it to an editor at a publication. Or, if you have already traveled quite a bit and wish to write a guide book, you can pitch that idea to an editor at a publishing house. Based on your pitches, each editor decides if they want to hire you.
If the editor in question decides that they want your article, they will hire you. Always do your best work, because based on that, they may ask you back for other assignments as a recurring freelance writer. The assignments they could give you are endless, and may include traveling abroad, or going local and reviewing specific hotels, a new resort, or even a local attraction or restaurant for people who have not been.
Some pieces have a more specific focus, such as adventures and thrills, ecology, culture, food and more. You will usually have strict deadlines, so as soon as you arrive, you must get to work. You are paid per assignment, and may be asked to pay for your own expenses up front, with reimbursement to come later. In other cases, the editor will make and pay for the travel arrangements up front.
It is a good idea to show proof of previous published pieces to the editor, as this will increase the likelihood that they accept your pitch. Having a degree in English or journalism helps, but is generally not required in order to get hired.
Though you are not necessarily a journalist, when freelancing as a writer, you should still hold your self to the industry standards as observed by the Society of American Travel Writers. They stipulate that you should never copy from anyone else, even partially. You should not receive payment for a positive review, instead only accepting money for an objective review. Finally, always be considerate of hosts.
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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