Write From Home Ideas: How to Break into Travel Writing

Some people say there is simply no way to succeed in travel writing unless you have experienced life on the road. What they seem to forget is that no matter where you live, people visit. In order to break into travel writing you do require a published clip, but that doesn't mean you have to travel abroad. You can write travel articles from home.

First, research the markets. Well-known newspapers and glossy magazines are difficult, if not even impossible, to break into with no or little experience. Eventually you can query these publications, but in the beginning you stand a much better chance by starting small and build up a portfolio. Your local newspaper is probably the easiest one to approach as they often have more space for freelance writers.

Think about your own city, town or village. Every place usually has something that attracts visitors. If you live on the country side you might need to do a more thourough research. Brainstorm; try to find something you would feel passionate writing about. Are there any popular events or festivals where you live? Any famous sights or attractions?

Do your local restaurant serves an unusual or delicious specialty? Write about culinary delights in your area. Maybe you live in a house surrounded by vineyards? Write a travel article on where to savor local wine and attend a wine tasting. Contact a connoisseur of wine for a short interview. Quotes are a perfect way to add freshness and ingenuity to a travel story. You can even look up a wine expert on www.experts.com and ask your questions via e-mail.

If you have no idea what to write about, contact your nearest tourist office for free tips and brochures. Some tourist offices also have their own web site with specific media pages where you can find story ideas. If you live in New York or Los Angeles you obviously have a wide range of writing subjects at hand, but you have to remember that a destination is not a story. People have already written about these areas. Find a fresh and interesting angle.

For an editor to take a chance in your writing you need a theme to your articles. If you can find the central theme before you sit down to write it will improve the finished result. World Hum (www.worldhum.com) has many good examples on travel stories with a clearly defined theme. Also, beware dreaded clichés like crystal-clear lakes, off the beaten track and bustling market places. This reveals a lack of creativity and will likely cause an editor to delete your submission.

If the editor at your local newspaper requires a published clip you can write an article with the same or a similar topic for a website aimed towards traveling. The internet has loads of them, for example Bootsnall. They don't pay for your articles, but you get to promote your writing and have clips to show editors.

Last, read many travel stories 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 hone your craft.

Consider these paying print and online publications:

GoNomad

Transitions Abroad

Live Life Travel

The Travel Itch