How to Be Travel Writer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 1, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

Tourism has become an increasingly important industry in many parts of the world, with its positive effect on local economies. The rise of travel writing has played a significant role in this trend, as it has helped to bring attention to lesser-known destinations and promote the value of experiencing different cultures. In turn, this has led to an increase in the number of travelers visiting unfamiliar destinations, creating more demand for travel services such as hotels, restaurants, and transportation.

Furthermore, this has created jobs for locals and injected funds into local businesses, helping to stimulate the economy. As a result, local communities have been able to take advantage of new opportunities for economic growth and development.

Steps How to Become

Develop your writing skills. Writing is the most important skill for a travel writer to have, so it's important to hone and develop these skills. Take classes, read articles and books, and practice writing as much as possible.
Get travel experience. To become a successful travel writer, you need to have experience travelling to different places. Visit different countries and cities, explore different cultures, and document your experiences.
Research the market. Before you start submitting your travel writing, research the market to find out which publications are looking for travel writers and what kind of writing they prefer.
Build a portfolio. Create an online portfolio of your travel writing to showcase your work. This will give potential clients an idea of your writing style and make it easier for them to decide if you are the right fit for the job.
Network with other writers. Networking with other writers is a great way to get your name out there. Join travel writing groups, attend conferences, and make connections with other writers in the industry.
Pitch your ideas. Once you have a few ideas in mind, start pitching them to editors and publications. Be sure to research the publication before submitting a pitch and tailor your pitch to the publications needs and interests.
Don't give up. Rejection is part of any writing career, so don't be discouraged when you receive a few rejections. Keep submitting pitches and continue to build your portfolio and network with other writers.

As the travel industry continues to evolve, travel writers must stay ahead and remain competent in order to remain competitive. This can be achieved by staying up-to-date with the latest trends in the industry, by reading industry related journals and publications, and by attending conferences and workshops. it is important to develop a strong network of contacts within the travel industry and to maintain a presence on social media.

staying ahead and competent requires travel writers to continually hone their skillset by developing and refining their writing style and content. it is important to keep abreast of current affairs that may affect the industry, such as changes in government regulations or new technologies. By being proactive and adapting to new trends and technologies, travel writers can remain ahead and competent in an ever-changing industry.

You may want to check Digital Journalist, Book Reviewer, and Political Reporter for alternative.

Job Description

Tour Operator: Coordinates and plans tours for individuals or groups, including arranging transportation, accommodations and activities.
Travel Agent: Helps customers plan and book their travel arrangements, such as flights, car rental and hotel accommodations.
Airline Representative: Assists customers with booking tickets, checking in luggage and other services related to air travel.
Cruise Ship Representative: Helps customers book and plan cruises, including finding the best deals, booking shore excursions and answering any questions.
Travel Writer: Writes about destinations and travel experiences for publications, websites and blogs.
Travel Photographer: Captures photographs of destinations and attractions to be used in promotional materials.
Destination Expert: Provides advice and assistance to travelers regarding attractions and activities in specific areas.
Travel Blogger: Creates content about travel experiences and destinations for websites, blogs and social media channels.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Research skills
Knowledge of different cultures and customs
Writing skills
Editing skills
Photography/Videography
Interviewing skills
Public speaking skills
Budgeting and financial planning
Ability to work independently
Ability to work collaboratively
Experience with social media platforms
Knowledge of various travel destinations
Conflict resolution skills
Organizational and planning skills
Ability to multi-task
Networking abilities

Good writing skills are essential for a successful travel writer. The ability to clearly articulate ideas, describe places, and bring to life the emotions of the journey is essential to captivating an audience. A travel writer should be able to think critically and evaluate different angles for their stories.

Research is also an important part of being a successful travel writer. Understanding the history, culture, and politics of the place visited can provide the writer with a better understanding of the area. having an eye for detail and being able to capture the beauty of a place in words is a valuable skill for any travel writer.

Having creativity and imagination is also important for any travel writer, as it allows them to come up with unique stories and angles. travel writers need to have excellent communication skills in order to effectively convey their stories to readers.

Medical Writer, Radio Journalist, and Broadcast Journalist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to become a travel writer?
What is your experience writing about travel and tourism?
How do you come up with ideas for new stories?
What challenges have you faced while writing about travel?
What areas of the world have you traveled to for research?
How do you stay up to date on current trends in the travel industry?
How do you ensure accuracy in the destinations and activities you write about?
What techniques do you use to make your writing engaging and informative?
What strategies do you use to attract readers to your writing?
Do you have any tips for aspiring travel writers?

Common Tools in Industry

Microsoft Word. Word processor that allows you to write, edit and format text documents (e. g. Word documents).
Google Docs. A cloud-based word processor that allows you to create and edit web-based documents (e. g. Google Docs).
Grammarly. A powerful grammar and spell checker to help you catch errors and improve your writing (e. g. Grammarly).
WordPress. A content management system used to create and manage websites (e. g. WordPress).
Adobe Photoshop. Image editing software used for creating and editing digital images (e. g. Photoshop).
Hootsuite. A social media management platform that helps you schedule, monitor and measure the success of your social media campaigns (e. g. Hootsuite).
Travel Planning Software. Software used to plan and manage trips, such as flights, hotels, and car rentals (e. g. TripIt).
Adobe Illustrator. Vector graphics software used for creating logos, illustrations, diagrams and other artwork (e. g. Adobe Illustrator).
Dropbox. A cloud storage platform used to store, share, and back up files (e. g. Dropbox).
Evernote. Note taking and organizational software used to capture ideas, organize notes, and collaborate with others (e. g. Evernote).

Professional Organizations to Know

Society of American Travel Writers (SATW)
National Association of Travel Journalists (NATJA)
International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance (ITWPA)
North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA)
Professional Travel Bloggers Association (PTBA)
International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA)
Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA)
Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA)
International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance (ITWPA)
International Society of Travel and Tourism Educators (ISTTE)

We also have Education Reporter, Chief Editor, and Data Journalist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Itinerary. A detailed plan or route of a journey, typically including a list of places to be visited.
Destination. A place to which a person or thing is going or being sent.
Travelogue. A written account of the experiences of a traveler.
Sightseeing. Visiting places of interest for pleasure.
Culture. The customs, art, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or other social group.
Local cuisine. The traditional food and cooking of a particular area or region.
Adventure. An exciting or extraordinary experience.
Transportation. The act of moving people or goods from one place to another.
Travel photography. The art of taking pictures that capture the beauty and culture of a place or region.
Tourism. The activity of traveling for pleasure, especially to visit places of interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Travel Writer?

A Travel Writer is an individual who writes about their experiences while traveling, usually for a newspaper, magazine, website, or blog.

What skills are needed to be a successful Travel Writer?

To be a successful Travel Writer, one needs to have excellent writing and research skills, an eye for detail, the ability to tell stories, and the flexibility to work in different environments.

How much money can a Travel Writer make?

The amount of money a Travel Writer can make depends on many factors, including the frequency of assignments and the size of the publication. On average, experienced travel writers can make between $50-$200 per article.

What type of topics do Travel Writers cover?

Travel Writers typically cover topics such as culture, history, cuisine, nature, and adventure.

What is the most important piece of advice for aspiring Travel Writers?

The most important piece of advice for aspiring Travel Writers is to start small and build your portfolio. Submit articles to smaller publications and websites, and grow your network of contacts in the industry.