how to be a travel writer?
 

Hello-- I am 22 years old and getting my Masters in Social Sciences at the end of next year. I have now decided that I want to be a travel writer but I have NO idea how to break into it? Does anyone know? Do you to start freelance and then hope someone takes you on full-time? I have no idea but was thinking some of you might. Reply if you do!

hi may,

Try a text search on this forum for "travel writer". I think there was a discussion not too long ago.

Do you want to write for magazines, newspapers, trade press?
You'll have to narrow your focus. On most newspapers, travel writers come from the general assignment pool. They start out covering school boards, police blotters, municipal zoning meetings and other mundane matters and cut their travel writing chops submitting stories on how they spent their summer vacation to the paper's travel editor. If they're any good -- and there's an opening in the travel department -- they get a shot at the job.
Remember that on most legitimate publications, the travel writer pays for his or her expenses. If you are assigned to a travel story, the publication foots the bill. If you're trying to break into the genre, the cost comes out of your own pocket. If you are working for a legitimate publication and try to snag a freebie by suggesting that you'll be doing a story, there's a good chance that not only will you not get the freebie, you'll be out of a job.

There was a very long and informative discussion on that topic here not long ago. Try doing a search. There are few things more difficult than making a living as a travel writer, but go for it. The main thing you have to do is be a good writer who can meet deadlines.

I think this is it:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34465253

mayall

On that thread Mariyln mentions Book Passage. They have been doing a Travel Writers class for a number of years. They have several well known travel writers on the faculty. That would be worthwhile for you to take a look. Good luck!

That should read Marilyn. Sorry about that Marilyn!

Hi, also check

http://www.bookpassage.com/classes/twc.htm

Whatever your specialty within your MA, that's your USP. Go for it!