In Business Since 2001 We accept Paypal
Home Article Directory
More from Bill Platt
"Bill Platt for Book Authors" Youtube Channel
Training for Book Authors
Other Resources for Book Authors & Publishers
FictionPlots.com (350+ Plots & counting)
Please Support Our Advertisers

 
D9 Hosting


Try This Cost-Free Way To Roam The Globe And Write About It

Copyright (c) 2009-2023

Ah, joy. The cushy life of a travel writer.

Off to glamorous places. Air fare paid. No cost for accommodations. Treated royally. Paid handsomely for all this "suffering."

That's the dream, but unfortunately, it's a bit of a misconception as well. But that shouldn't stop you. Travel is a major activity for most Americans, and writing about it adds a wonderful new dimension.

Nearby or distant. Whether it's a luxury cruise from Rome to Istanbul, an epicurean visit to the Napa Wine Country or a challenging trek though the rain forests of remote Borneo, travel offers discovery. And discovery makes fascinating stories.

Seeing new cultures and very different parts of the world is wonderful fun, but it does come with a price if you plan to write about what you find. You're not just on vacation; you are working too. To do it right, you'll spend long hours researching the destination even before you leave. Much of your time after arrival will be devoted to following up the leads your research uncovered.

But there are delightful rewards as well. You will discover people and places you never dreamed of visiting before. And you will have the satisfaction and joy of telling others about them.

For non-professionals, writing can represent a way to help finance the cost of more and more travel. But, of course, the quality of the articles you turn out will determine whether or not they are saleable. So don't embark on this route unless you are ready to spend the time and effort required to make your articles worthy of publication.

For most, especially newcomers, the compensation is quite low, usually not enough to cover the cost of the trip. But smart travel writers compensate by sending out their stories to multiple non-competitive publications as you will learn later in this article.

Before You Go

Careful preparation is mandatory if you are to succeed in this specialized field. Once you arrive at the destination, you don't have the luxury of time to begin your research. Every professional travel writer spends long hours learning all there is to know about the destination he/she's headed for. I begin researching several months before departure so when I actually arrive I know exactly where I want to go and what I want to see and what I want to write about.

Every destination has its own unique features. They may be physical (superb beaches, challenging hiking trails, remarkable architecture) or cultural (excellent museums, fascinating folklore, unusual customs or costumes). Before you depart, it is essential that you know which of these you want to pursue.

Once there, you'll be able to supplement the knowledge you gained in your research. You'll flesh out what you learned by mingling with locals and meeting with tourism or government officials. Possibly even with local journalists. It's best to plan those formal meetings in advance and book them while you are still at home. Then you can schedule your exploration around them and be certain not to miss an opportunity.

Finding the Unexpected

The real fun of travel is discovering something you never found in your advance research. Often the unexpected provides an entirely new angle to the original piece you planned to do. Or better yet, it may give you a second story to write and market.

Many times these discoveries develop from talking with local folks. Sometimes other tourists comment on a sight or an experience that they enjoyed or found particularly impressive. So mingle, mingle, mingle. Talk to everyone.

Try to find elements that are unfamiliar, distinctive, even strange to the average American reader as you describe the place and the people. Create an in-depth piece that will not only impress a travel editor, but also intrigue his/her readers. Quoting the people you meet (in moderation) humanizes your story, and can help readers imagine they are there with you.

Having Fun

A smart travel writer will divide his/her time between work and play. Most times, the two seem to intermingle. Enjoy the fact that you are in these new surroundings. I try to divide my day into a morning and afternoon segment.

I spend the first four or so hours of the day confirming and expanding what I have researched, completing the interviews I scheduled and concentrating on what it is that forms the essence of the destination.

The afternoons are left for exploration. Wandering about the area, discovering things I never read about, enjoying museums, beaches and whatever else the destination offers. Just having fun. It's during these moments that the unexpected usually surfaces. Keep your eyes and ears wide open so that you can respond to any and every situation that may lead to a new article or a new angle for the piece you had originally planned.

Don't be afraid to let your curiosity run wild. It may have killed the cat in the old aphorism, but it never dulled a travel writer. Be alert to sights, scenes, tastes, smells and describe them all to your reader. They too will help you transport him/her to the places you are describing.

Marketing Your Story

One of the stumbling blocks faced by travel newcomers is the inability to convince a travel publication to give them an assignment in advance. It is mighty tough to break into any of the leading travel magazines even when you submit a superb story.

Newspapers seldom give an advance assignment, but are far easier when it comes to placement. The problem is that newspapers are reducing the size of their travel sections and are very miserly payers. However, it is relatively easy to send your story to a number of non-competitive papers and aggregate a decent return for your work.

Non-Travel Publications

Smart writers recognize that there is a world of opportunity awaiting them from non-travel publications. Stop for a moment and think. Every major newspaper has a weekly food section. Some magazines are devoted exclusively to food; others offer food sections. All of them are delighted to fill their pages with well researched stories on foods and delicacies in foreign countries.

If you are a trained architect, prepare a piece on the unique buildings, homes, palaces, shanties, whatever you find that is characteristic of the area. Perhaps you are an educator. Contact the education offices overseas, visit classrooms, and do a story on some aspect of education that is unique to the destination.

If you have a hobby, contact hobbyists who live in the destination and write a piece for magazines that deal with the subject. Describe the similarities or differences in the way your special interest is pursued elsewhere. As a professional or businessperson, compare operations and techniques in the country you visit with those you and your peers use here in the United States

This broad approach expands your potential market exponentially. So break out the guidebooks, do your homework, pack your bags and discover a brand new way to experience the globe.




About The Author: Shop Amazon - Top Gift Ideas
Celebrated author and writing coach Charles Jacobs has published hundreds of travel articles and captured numerous rewards for his work. His latest book "The Writer Within You" has been named a Best Book of the Year buy seven organizations and won both gold and bronze medals. It includes a chapter on travel writing and a world of information on writing and publishing. Buy it at the web site: http://www.retireandwrite.com/

VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE
Needs Work >> 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 << Excellent Article

Tell our authors what you think about their article.



Top-Level Category: Travel and Leisure Articles || Related Categories: Writing and Speaking Articles and Business Offline Articles

10 Most Recent Articles Written by Charles Jacobs

Retirement Is the Perfect Time to Fulfill Your Cherished Dream of Writing
Written by: Charles Jacobs | Distributed: 2009-07-14 | Word Count: 1105 | Page Views: 4759 | Votes: 13 | Rating: 1.92
Retirees are particularly qualified to fulfill their dreams of writing. They can call on years of life and work experience. Don't succumb to the myth that only a chosen few can see their words in print. You can do it too, but it is essential to think your project through and complete the research necessary to create quality content, whether your choice is fiction or nonfiction.

Write a Book and Catapult Your Company to New Heights by Branding Yourself As an Expert
Written by: Charles Jacobs | Distributed: 2009-07-07 | Word Count: 847 | Page Views: 4385 | Votes: 15 | Rating: 2.53
New advances in publishing technology make it possible to turn yourself into a recognized expert and to grow your business by publishing a book inexpensively and easily, despite your lack of experience in the publishing field.

All of Author's Articles on this site:

Most Recent "Travel And Leisure" Articles

The Top 10 Cities Chosen by Italian Tourists for the Autumn Bank Holiday
Written by: Ilaria Aglietti | Distributed: 2011-12-12 | Word Count: 312 | Page Views: 569
A study carried out by Italian travel comparison engine VoliLowCost.it reveals that London was the Italians’ favourite destination for the Halloween weekend.

South Texas Quickens with Wildlife
Written by: Jeff Parker | Distributed: 2011-09-14 | Word Count: 706 | Page Views: 5215 | Votes: 4 | Rating: 0.25
While many of the world's other destinations lose species, the Brush Country's heart beats a steady rhythm. Nature here still thrives along the full spectrum of the food chain and today more wildlife roams per acre in the Brush Country than anywhere else in the United States. In fact, South Texas' rich biodiversity has made it one of North America's liveliest places for nature-lovers and wildlife photographers to visit.

Honduras Delivers Wildlife Wow!
Written by: Jeff Parker | Distributed: 2011-09-13 | Word Count: 502 | Page Views: 569
Adventure to Honduras' north central coast and discover for yourself the untamed beauty and incredible wildlife that await you and your lens. Here, its friendly Carribean people aren't jaded from a constant onslaught of tourists and you can still blaze your own trails, yet enough of a path has been cleared so that you can comfortably enjoy the thrill of the jungles, seashores, and mangrove estuaries of this often-overlooked Central American jewel.

Las Vegas – One City, Many Destinations
Written by: George Cuthbert | Distributed: 2011-07-26 | Word Count: 816 | Page Views: 6253 | Votes: 23 | Rating: 3.87
Many of the fabulous Las Vegas hotels are themed to represent top attractions and places in other countries. Why go on a round-the-world tour when you can experience everything from the bright lights of Vegas?

5 Reasons Why Las Vegas Visitors Should Take a Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour
Written by: Keith Kravitz | Distributed: 2010-11-04 | Word Count: 606 | Page Views: 4469 | Votes: 3 | Rating: 2.00
Helicopters can take you from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon in just 45 minutes, making these air tours the perfect day trip. The West Rim is the only place where you can fly to the bottom and land. It's also home to the world-famous Grand Canyon Skywalk. Need more reasons to go? Read on...

South Rim or West Rim? How to Pick a Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour
Written by: Keith Kravitz | Distributed: 2010-11-02 | Word Count: 632 | Page Views: 4501 | Votes: 3 | Rating: 2.00
If you are planning a trip to the Grand Canyon, especially from Las Vegas, you will need to choose which rim to visit. This article gives you the tools to pick the rim that's right for you.

Bunratty Castle in Ireland
Written by: Patricia G. McKinney-Lins | Distributed: 2010-11-02 | Word Count: 744 | Page Views: 4594 | Votes: 3 | Rating: 2.00
Bunratty Castle is conveniently located near Shannon Airport in Ireland. You will want to stop for a tour on your way in or out of the country. Enjoy a medieval banquet with food, drink and song and be transported back to the 1500s!

Things to Do With Your Kids in Toronto
Written by: Ryan Hogan | Distributed: 2010-07-30 | Word Count: 1342 | Page Views: 5535 | Votes: 3 | Rating: 1.33
There are a couple of things to keep in mind about Toronto. One is the weather. While Toronto has a pretty mild climate for a Canadian city, and it does experience four distinct seasons, its winters can be a bit harsh. You can expect snowfall from November through mid-April. Second, Toronto is expensive. It's often rated as the most expensive city in Canada in which to live. So while there's plenty for your family to do in Toronto, you'll need to pay attention to the weather and to your budget.

The 10 Best Places in America to See a Play or Musical
Written by: Kelly McCartney | Distributed: 2010-07-27 | Word Count: 531 | Page Views: 4738 | Votes: 5 | Rating: 0.80
Beginning with Radio City Music Hall, Kelly documents ten favorite vacation spots that allow you to take in a play or musical...

Changing Patterns Of Travel For Affluent Parents With Children
Written by: Shelley Cheny | Distributed: 2010-07-27 | Word Count: 544 | Page Views: 4443 | Votes: 2 | Rating: 0.50
One of the increasing trends we are seeing in today's travel scene is the changes in spending patterns in parents with young children. This article presents the case for increased catering for children in luxury resorts and five and six star accommodation.

Most Viewed "Travel And Leisure" Articles

Great Things To Do In Las Vegas Besides Gambling
Written by: Jason OConnor | Distributed: 2007-04-24 | Word Count: 981 | Page Views: 25076 | Votes: 74 | Rating: 2.61
If you want to visit Las Vegas but you are not really into the gambling scene, that isn't a problem. There are many things that the non-gambler can do in Las Vegas. Of course, the big shows are always available. Some of the most popular shows in Las Vegas are Cirque Du Soleil, Elton John and Celine Dion and of course, the fantastic magic of David Copperfield and Lance Burton. But Las Vegas has so much more to offer and there is something for everyone.

RV Showcases Alberta Movie Making
Written by: Travel Alberta | Distributed: 2007-02-23 | Word Count: 1549 | Page Views: 10070 | Votes: 10 | Rating: 2.60
RV rentals and Canadian road trips are rolling as the movie RV (the top comedy in North America when it debuted in theatres) showcases the diversity of Alberta's pristine, mountain-and-prairies scenery.

The David Thompson Explorer's Trail: Drive a Famous Expedition
Written by: Travel Alberta | Distributed: 2007-03-01 | Word Count: 972 | Page Views: 9548 | Votes: 30 | Rating: 2.07
Family road trips can offer the perfect opportunity for an invigorating and educational vacation – and what better place to do that than in Alberta's own backyard? Steeped in history and beautiful scenery, with hiking, museums, scenic drives and plentiful wildlife all at your fingertips, you can put an Alberta road trip at the top of your list of affordable family vacations.

Riverboat Cruises And Vacations For Families And Couples
Written by: Chuck Saddler | Distributed: 2008-11-18 | Word Count: 800 | Page Views: 9111 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 1.63
The era of steamboats that most people think about is the paddle-wheel steamboats of the Mississippi in the 1800's, but the modern age offers a wide variety of riverboat cruises around the U.S. and around the world.

Ride Into Sunset at Kananaskis Guest Ranch
Written by: Travel Alberta | Distributed: 2007-02-21 | Word Count: 1018 | Page Views: 8351 | Votes: 16 | Rating: 2.00
Brewster's Kananaskis Guest Ranch has changed little since opening in 1923, and guests can still enjoy the pioneering family's tradition of Western hospitality within the rugged splendor of Alberta's pristine mountains, rivers and lakes.

Bear Attacks - Guidelines For Those Of You Hiking Or Camping In Our Wilderness
Written by: Jane Baker | Distributed: 2009-01-21 | Word Count: 1166 | Page Views: 8140 | Votes: 14 | Rating: 1.50
This is about a remote area in west central British Columbia, Canada called the West Chilcotin. Since we have a high density of both black and grizzly bear, this series of articles is intended to help give you an idea of what you are dealing with when vacationing in our area.

The Bahamas: Discover an Island Paradise
Written by: Clinton Douglas IV | Distributed: 2006-08-24 | Word Count: 350 | Page Views: 7642 | Votes: 23 | Rating: 1.91
With more than 500 miles of the world's clearest, turquoise water, this 100,000 mile stretch of 700 petite islands in the Atlantic Ocean is one of the most scenic and secluded vacation spots around. It's uninhabited, pristine beaches are ideal grounds for scuba and deep-sea diving, world-class sport fishing, kayaking and snorkeling by day and extravagant island dining and dancing by night.

The Magnificent Seven (Days in the Saddle)
Written by: Travel Alberta | Distributed: 2007-03-02 | Word Count: 1319 | Page Views: 7187 | Votes: 14 | Rating: 1.79
Once you have an idea where you want to go on your week-long pack trip adventure, it's just a matter of deciding when and how. Here are some of your options when planning a trek into the far alpine reaches of the Rocky Mountains.

Iceland: Tectonic Plate Diving
Written by: Alex J Smith | Distributed: 2007-10-19 | Word Count: 763 | Page Views: 7176 | Votes: 22 | Rating: 2.73
Iceland is Europe's westernmost country, and occupies a strategic location in the North Atlantic, straddling the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, on the edge of the Arctic Circle. One of the coldest countries in the world, it is also one of the world's most volcanically active hotspots. Iceland is known today for its mix of glaciers, bubbly hot springs, rugged fjords and fiery volcanoes.

Untouched Wilderness, Crowd-free Fishing: Central Alberta
Written by: Travel Alberta | Distributed: 2007-03-08 | Word Count: 1371 | Page Views: 7174 | Votes: 17 | Rating: 2.35
Whether you're a novice angler or an expert fisherman seeking to fly fish or explore lakes, the waters of Central Alberta offer opportunities that are among the world's finest. Alberta's spectacular waterways, from gurgling rivers to placid lakes, provide experiences suited to anglers of every skill level.

Highest Ranked "Travel And Leisure" Articles

Las Vegas – One City, Many Destinations
Written by: George Cuthbert | Distributed: 2011-07-26 | Word Count: 816 | Page Views: 6253 | Votes: 23 | Rating: 3.87
Many of the fabulous Las Vegas hotels are themed to represent top attractions and places in other countries. Why go on a round-the-world tour when you can experience everything from the bright lights of Vegas?

Much To Do with Nothing
Written by: Travel Alberta | Distributed: 2007-02-14 | Word Count: 660 | Page Views: 3747 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 3.14
It almost goes without saying that hiking in the Rocky Mountains is a free activity. The same is true of mountain biking, provided you bring your wheels with you.

The Beaches of Puerto Vallarta
Written by: Justin Burch | Distributed: 2006-08-31 | Word Count: 783 | Page Views: 5067 | Votes: 19 | Rating: 3.05
The beaches in and around Puerto Vallarta may be the most diverse in Mexico. Located at the midpoint of Banderas Bay, the area surrounding Puerto Vallarta boasts 34 miles of coastline, 26 of which are sandy beaches. Within the city, the beaches are elegant and pristine, bordered by restaurants and resorts. Beaches to the north of the city tend to be longer and wider, with great opportunities for surfing and swimming. South of Puerto Vallarta, the mountains topple into the sea in places, creating placid coves and intimate sandy pockets.

Songs Drive Alberta's 'Brokeback' Landscape
Written by: Travel Alberta | Distributed: 2007-02-26 | Word Count: 1407 | Page Views: 4082 | Votes: 15 | Rating: 3.00
Movies are changing the way we travel, inspiring tours that revisit the landscapes we see in films. Some movies seem to grab us by the lapels and shove us toward a new world. We want to relive aspects of the movie, but we want to experience the real-world ambience of where the movie happened, beyond what was revealed on screen.

Cheap Air Travel
Written by: Alex J Smith | Distributed: 2007-10-03 | Word Count: 470 | Page Views: 4068 | Votes: 24 | Rating: 2.88
Most people are really wishing to visit other countries or even just a country once in their lifetime. Well, who will not wish such idea? Everybody loves visiting other places, jumping from one town to another and experiencing the adventure of dwelling with other people with different cultures. In addition, traveling will surely be a relaxing experience for anyone. A sound vacation will definitely free you from the exhausting daily chores of your work.

Waterton: Haven't Been There. Ain't Done That
Written by: Travel Alberta | Distributed: 2007-03-09 | Word Count: 513 | Page Views: 4128 | Votes: 15 | Rating: 2.87
The best way to absorb Waterton's many landscapes and spy its wild inhabitants is to trek the Carthew-Alderson Trail.

Why Chicago is a Classic Sports Town
Written by: Ryan Hogan | Distributed: 2009-07-08 | Word Count: 955 | Page Views: 4145 | Votes: 23 | Rating: 2.87
Chicago is one of the best sports towns in America. Not only do they have knowledgeable and passionate fans but they also have some of the oldest franchises and some of the most hallowed playing fields in all of sports.

Family Travel Ideas in California
Written by: Alex J Smith | Distributed: 2007-10-11 | Word Count: 517 | Page Views: 4046 | Votes: 21 | Rating: 2.86
California is a perfect place to go for family, there are many destinations that the whole family would enjoy.

An Introduction To The Paradise Coast of Florida, Surrounding Fort Myers, Florida
Written by: Jeb Maxwell | Distributed: 2010-01-13 | Word Count: 603 | Page Views: 4833 | Votes: 21 | Rating: 2.86
A wonderful place to visit and enjoy is southwest Florida, using Ft. Myers as a base for your explorations. Ft. Myers is 90 minutes south of Tampa on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Ft. Myers and the surrounding communities boast of having the world's best weather from October through May (and it's not too bad the rest of the year either).

Highlights of the National Parks of Tanzania
Written by: Hugh Williamson | Distributed: 2007-03-14 | Word Count: 713 | Page Views: 3043 | Votes: 12 | Rating: 2.83
Tanzania is the place where dream safaris are made. The country is politically stable and the people friendly. Tanzania's National Parks are Africa's most diverse and dramatic wildlife areas. Below is a taste of just a few National Parks on offer in this extraordinary land of Tanzania.











Download an eBook today
 
Directory Navigation
Locate By Category:

ALL Categories
Arts & Crafts
Arts & Entertainment
Automotive
Business - Offline
Business - Online
Career
Computers
Education
Family
Finance
Food & Drink
Health & Wellness
Home & Garden
Humor
Internet
Nature & Pets
Real Estate
Religion
Self Improvement
Shopping
Society
Sports & Recreation
Technology
Travel & Leisure
Uncategorized
World Events
Writing & Speaking

Change Number of Results:
50 - 100 - 200 - 500
Article Reprint Rights
Creative Commons License

This work is
licensed under a
Creative Commons
License


You are not required to show the creative commons license notice when you reprint this work.
Article Statistics
Word Count: 1159

Total Views: 4629

Article Rating: 3.08 of 5
Votes Cast: 24

More Articles By Author:



Last Distribution Date:
2009-07-21 11:00:00

Internal ID: #6786





All Articles are Copyright © 2001-2023 of the Defined Authors.

All other material and images on this site are:
Copyright © 2001-2023, ThePhantomWriters.com