Dream job, real hustle. Here’s how today’s travel writers turn wanderlust into a sustainable living.
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Ah, the life of a travel writer: sipping coffee in a sunlit piazza one day, hunting Wi-Fi in a budget hostel the next. Sure, it’s glamorous—but it’s also a grind of deadlines, pitch emails, and jet lag.
Even in a world overflowing with travel bloggers, influencers, and AI-generated beach lists, professional travel writers still stand out. Why? Because real stories and real voices matter more than ever.
Today’s travel writers juggle everything—freelance gigs, content marketing, social media, and sometimes a full-time job—to build a career that goes beyond wanderlust. Want to know what it really takes? Let’s go behind the scenes.
The different types of travel writing
Professional travel writers don’t just chase sunsets—they chase assignments, deadlines, and a portfolio that spans every corner of the industry. Here’s how the most successful writers diversify:
1. Traditional travel journalism
This is the big leagues: researching and reporting for print or digital magazines and newspapers like The New York Times, National Geographic, or Condé Nast Traveler. You’ll craft destination features, profiles, and deep dives that require strong interviewing, fact-checking, and the ability to pitch irresistible story ideas. Landing a byline here means credibility—and the thrill of seeing your name in a travel publication that’s actually read on airplanes.
(Want to earn $1 a word or more writing for top publications? Here’s our free masterclass on how to make that happen.)
2. Guidebook writing
Guidebook contributors are the unsung heroes of the travel industry. You’ll spend days (or weeks) on location, checking restaurant hours, opening days for museums, bus routes, and which new wine bar in New Zealand actually lives up to the hype. Guidebook work requires stamina, a taste for accuracy over adjectives, and a willingness to update listings at 2 a.m. before the publisher’s deadline.
3. Content writing for travel brands
Travel companies, airlines, hotel chains, and tourism boards need writers to create SEO-driven blog posts, city guides, newsletters, and social media blurbs. This is the realm of the versatile freelance travel writer—someone who can switch between a warm, branded tone and the practical details that Google (and customers) crave. You might not get a byline, but you will get repeat work if you deliver copy that makes readers want to pack a bag.
4. Personal travel blogging
Running your own blog means you’re the writer, editor, photographer, and tech support. Success stories come from building a distinct voice, growing an audience, and learning to monetize through affiliate links, partnerships, or sponsored content. Many travel bloggers now use their site as a digital portfolio, landing assignments with travel magazines, or securing invites to exclusive press trips.
5. Social media travel content
Travel writers who master Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube can reach huge audiences—and get brands to pay for it. You’ll need to tell a visual story in just a few seconds, balance authenticity with brand partnerships, and handle DMs about “how to get free trips.” The best influencers blend honest experiences with gorgeous shots, turning a fleeting moment into a compelling mini-narrative.
6. Press trips and sponsored travel
Getting paid (or comped) to visit a destination is a dream gig for many travel writers—but it comes with fine print. PR firms and tourism boards expect coverage, and it’s your job to walk the line between honest storytelling and meeting sponsor expectations. Ethical travel writers disclose sponsorships and avoid letting perks turn their article into a brochure.
📌 Pro Tip: The field is crowded, but every type of travel writing offers its own brand of adventure, from chasing breaking news in the travel industry to quietly updating your own blog on a rainy Tuesday.
Skills every successful travel writer needs
You don’t need to speak ten languages or summit Everest to make it as a travel writer—but you do need a toolkit that goes way beyond passport stamps. Here’s what sets the pros apart:
1. Strong writing skills
Engaging travel writing is about more than “the beach was nice.” You need to paint scenes, evoke emotion, and make readers crave the destination—even if it’s just a bus station in Brussels. Editors and audiences want vivid, original stories in crisp, clear English (or whatever language you write in). The best travel writers turn every article into a mini-adventure.
2. Research and accuracy
No one wants to follow your “hidden gem” recommendation to find a restaurant closed since 2018. Great travel writers dive deep into the local culture, history, geography, and food scene—and double-check every fact. Responsible reporting means respecting your subjects, following editorial standards, and not repeating tired travel myths (no, Australians don’t actually wrestle kangaroos daily).
3. Pitching and networking
Whether you dream of writing for Lonely Planet, major travel magazines, or new digital brands, you need to know how to pitch. That means scanning travel writer job boards, sending direct outreach emails, and—most importantly—building real relationships with editors and PR reps. Assignments often go to the writer whose name pops up first when an editor thinks “who can file this piece on New Zealand by Friday?”
4. SEO and digital strategy
If you want your travel articles to be found, you’ll need a crash course in Google. Learn how to write SEO-friendly headlines, optimize for search intent, and craft content that stands out in a sea of “Best Travel Destinations 2025” lists. For freelance writers and bloggers, SEO isn’t just optional—it’s what brings the steady traffic (and future assignments).
Even a killer story sometimes needs a killer shot. A basic knowledge of photography and video goes a long way—whether you’re pitching to a glossy magazine, running your own blog, or chasing that viral Instagram moment. Many editors now expect a travel writer to supply images with their work. Bonus: good photos make your pitches pop and your stories easier to sell.
6. Adaptability
The travel industry is always shifting. One month you’re crafting long-form magazine features; the next, you’re churning out punchy Instagram captions or TikTok videos. The most successful travel writers are chameleons—able to shift formats, styles, and even topics as the industry demands.
📌 Pro Tip: If you can blend these skills—and keep learning new ones—you’ll not only survive, but thrive as a professional travel writer, no matter where in the world (or the web) you land next.
How travel writers make money
Let’s bust the myth: very few travel writers get paid just to sip cocktails on the beach. The pros hustle and piece together multiple income streams. Here’s how they actually pay the bills:
- Freelancing for major publications: Pitching travel magazines and newspapers for those coveted bylines—and per-article fees. Building a portfolio with published stories opens doors to better assignments and bigger names.
- Copywriting and content marketing: Writing website copy, ad campaigns, or email newsletters for travel companies, tourism boards, or adventure brands. This is a reliable, often repeatable source of income for the modern travel writer (and those juggling multiple social media accounts).
- Running a monetized travel blog: Earning money through affiliate links, Amazon ads, sponsored posts, digital products, or even paid newsletters. Smart travel bloggers don’t rely on just one revenue stream—they diversify.
- Publishing books and guidebooks: Writing travel books, memoirs, or guidebooks—either self-published on Kindle and Audible, or through traditional publishers. Some travel writers build a brand around a region or specialty and spin out multiple titles.
- Public speaking and teaching: Leading workshops, launching a travel writing podcast, or speaking at industry events. If you can teach others how to break into freelance writing (or just tell a great travel story on stage), this can be a fun and lucrative side gig.
📌 Pro Tip: Successful travel writers mix and match these strategies—often all at once—to keep the adventure (and income) going year-round.
Breaking into travel writing: A step-by-step guide
You don’t need a golden ticket to start your travel writing career—just a little hustle and these simple steps:
Step 1: Start writing now
Build your portfolio before you do anything else. Guest post on travel blogs, contribute to smaller magazines, or launch your own website to showcase your stories, photos, and expertise.
Step 2: Target the right publications
Research magazines, websites, and job boards that fit your style and travel experience. Tailor your pitches—editors appreciate writers who understand their audience and vibe.
(Want to know where all the high-paying editors are hiding? We’ve put together a list of 200+ publications that pay $1 a word or more. Download it here for free.)
Step 3: Master the art of pitching
A killer pitch is your foot in the door. Highlight your unique angle, share a bit of your background, and explain why you’re the perfect fit for the assignment (not just another wanderluster).
Step 4: Develop a digital presence
Keep your social media and blog updated. Editors and clients will check your profiles, so make sure they showcase your best travel writing, photography, and personality.
Step 5: Keep evolving
The travel writing world never stands still. Stay up-to-date with trends in travel journalism, influencer marketing, and digital storytelling. Try new formats, experiment with platforms, and don’t be afraid to reinvent your style as the industry changes.
📌 Pro Tip: Getting started takes grit, patience, and a willingness to write wherever you are—even if your current “exotic locale” is your own backyard.
The future of travel writing: Is it still a viable career?
Travel writing is not dead—it’s just wearing a lot of new hats (and probably checking its TikTok notifications). The field is changing fast, but there’s still room for talented storytellers who can do more than just string pretty sentences together.
What’s changing (and why you should care)
- The role is evolving: Being a travel writer in 2025 often means being more than just a writer. You’re expected to pitch, photograph, shoot video, post to Instagram, maybe even narrate your own travel podcast. It’s not just about the words anymore—it’s about the whole package.
- AI and SEO: Robots can now write passable “top ten” lists, but editors (and readers) still crave original stories, insight, and a voice that’s unmistakably human. Smart travel writers pair creativity with SEO savvy.
- Diversifying your skill set: The best gigs go to those who juggle freelance writing, blogging, social media accounts, content marketing, and even on-camera storytelling. A single specialty is risky—diversity is survival.
What matters most now
- Experience trumps degrees. Editors want to see a track record—clips, pitches, published stories, and the ability to meet deadlines.
- A bachelor’s degree in English or journalism? Useful, but not required. Hustle, curiosity, and a willingness to learn matter more.
Predictions for 2025 and beyond
- Expect even more multimedia assignments (video, podcast, AR travel guides).
- Content strategy will be as crucial as beautiful prose.
- Human perspective will always set the best travel writers apart—even as AI tools become more common.
So, do travel writers still have a future? Absolutely. But tomorrow’s pros are part travel journalist, part marketer, part creator—and all in for the adventure.
Is travel writing right for you?
Building a career as a travel writer isn’t just about racking up passport stamps (though, let’s be honest, that part is pretty great). It’s about adaptability, persistence, and a genuine appetite for new stories—plus a willingness to reinvent yourself as the industry changes.
Travel writing isn’t a job you clock into; it’s a calling for people who want to explore, connect, and bring the world to life for others. Whether you dream of full-time travel or plan to squeeze in stories between Zoom calls, there’s room for your voice and your adventures.
Ready to turn your wanderlust into words—and maybe even a paycheck? Sign up for our free newsletter for tips, travel writing jobs, and a supportive community that knows exactly what it takes to thrive in this ever-changing field. The journey (and your next great story) starts here.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:
Something Extraordinary is Coming
This November, The Wordling is launching a once-only opportunity for writers who plan to stay in the game for life.
Join the waitlist today. You won’t want to miss this.
