Break Into Travel Writing From Home

What many people seem to forget is that no matter where you live, people visit. Even if you haven’t even been outside your hometown, you can break into travel writing.

First, research the markets. Major newspapers and glossy magazines are difficult to break into with no or little experience. Start small to build up a portfolio and save the “tougher” publications for later. Your local newspaper is probably the easiest one to approach since they often have more space for freelance writers.

Think about the town or city you live in. Every place generally has something that attracts visitors. People living on the countryside might need to do a more thorough research. Brainstorm; find something you would feel passionate writing about. Are there any popular events or festivals where you live? Any famous sights or attractions? Perhaps your local restaurant serve an unusual or delicious specialty? Or if you live in a town surrounded by vineyards, write an article on where to savour local wine and attend wine tastings.

Quotes are a perfect way to make your travel story fresh and original. Say you go with the wine angle. Then, contact a wine expert for a short interview. You can easily find an expert through The Premiere Online Experts Directory.

If you have no idea what to write about, contact your nearest tourist office for free tips and brochures. Most tourist offices have specific media pages on their website where you can find story ideas. Keep in mind that a destination is not a story. Find a unique and interesting angle.

Last, study published travel writers’ work to get a feeling for how to mix facts with history and personal observations. Inspiration is great because it gives you your own voice, but imitation is not. Trust your own writing ability and keep going until you get there.