We’re often asked “What’s the difference between travel writing and travel journalism??”
The answer is …..not a lot. But it IS more than just semantics!
While they are similar in many ways, often overlap, and both sometimes share the narrative essay format, there are key differences.
So what IS travel journalism?
The difference between Travel Writing and Travel Journalism
- …a travel writer generally writes about a place, and does so in a way that allows the reader to visualize the experience. Travel Writing can — and frequently does — serve as a ‘review’ of sorts (aka “service pieces”) intended to encourage travel and tourism, to make readers want to go visit that place, whereas…
- … a travel journalist generally tells a story involving people that is unique to that place, and does so in a way that relays the facts. The intent of most Travel Journalism is to encourage a broader view and wider understanding of the world we live in, to make readers want to meet those people.
When a story takes on elements of creativity that have no basis in fact, then it’s still Travel Writing, but definitely NOT Travel Journalism!
How to Become a Travel Journalist
Before Diving In – Key Factors to Consider:
- If you want to become a travel journalist, first and foremost you must love to write. You must be articulate and skilled at communicating. And — obviously — you must enjoy traveling, meeting people, researching facts, and crafting a compelling story from what you learn.
- It’s also important to know that most media outlets have dramatically scaled back their ‘staff’ writer positions, and instead rely on freelance submissions for content. This means there are very few ‘jobs’ available and a large pool of highly qualified travel writers and travel journalists competing for them.
But don’t get discouraged! An expert essay writer who works hard can make a good living as a freelance travel journalist, as the vast number of online media outlets coupled with a ceaseless demand for content means that there are more opportunities than ever before for getting published, and there are still outlets that will pay for good quality articles and stories. (Be sure to check out our page “Top 10 Travel Writing Courses“, which lists several that – in addition to writing skills – will teach you how to take your earnings from writing to the highest level.)
Tips on How to become a Travel Journalist
- Choose the right course of study. You can go for a four-year general journalism degree at a top journalism school, which will certainly open doors, OR (to save a boatload of money) consider an online writing course specifically for travel journalism (as well as travel photography) such as Roy Stevenson’s , which can help open the RIGHT doors.
WHILE a degree is NOT necessary if you plan to remain a freelancer, if you’re looking for a steady-paycheck type of job, it can make a difference, as typically when a job opening for a travel journalist is announced, often the majority of applicants are those with journalism degrees and many years of experience that qualifies them. - Consider a mentoring relationship like the one offered by (the aforementioned) Roy Stevenson, who offers both group and one-on-one coaching – although you must already have good writing skills and some byline history, Roy is a very successful professional who can teach you how to take your career to a higher level of publication and earning. (Be sure to scroll down to view his requirements – this is NOT a writing course, it’s a coaching class for working writers and journalists).
- Consider an internship. Sometimes the best way into a staff job at a media outlet is to start as an intern, and although interns are often selected from an applicant pool filled with journalism or communications students, it’s not always the case – sometimes those with good writing skills, a passion for the job, and a positive and enthusiastic mindset will get the internship. It’s a great way to learn the ropes and build a network (see below) of industry contacts, that you can then use to learn about upcoming-but-unposted job opportunities.
Sometimes you have to create your own internships….if a travel writing internship isn’t advertised, call an Editor at a publication (online or offline) that you’d like to work for and offer to be an intern. - Decide the type of travel journalism you would like to pursue — such as newspapers, magazines, television, or online — each has a different style and requires different skills.
- Develop a network of other travel writers, editors, and publishers. The best way to do this is to attend writing workshops and writers conferences where you can continue your education, learn to improve your writing, and make new professional contacts.
- Start small, with your local paper or a local magazine – read enough back issues to see what types of stories and articles they generally publish, and what they’ve not published lately – if you can provide them with something that fits, contact the editor and pitch your idea.
- Visit job boards. For example, check out freelancewriting.com.
High Quality Resources for Travel Writers & Travel Journalists:
In our opinion, before you ever put pen to paper, you should check out these very affordable ebooks to learn how to get started:
- 125 Websites That Want to Publish Your Travel Stories
- 100 Print Magazines That Want to Publish YOUR Travel Articles
- How to land Press Trips and Fam Tours (special report)
- How to Break into the Luxury Travel Writing Market
- The Complete Guide to Marketing and Selling Your Travel Articles
- The Complete Guide to Query Letters for Travel Writers
How to become a Travel Journalist — Additional Resources:
Consider joining a writer’s organization such as the Society of Professional Journalists. A one-year membership will cost you $72, but a journalism organization is a great way to find opportunities to learn and improve your skills, develop a network, build relationships with publishers and editors, and find market leads.
Don’t forget to read Top 10 Travel Writing Courses – our curated list of editor-approved online courses that are very affordably priced and will teach you everything you need to know about building a career as a travel writer or a travel journalist.
Disclaimer: SOME of the above links are ‘affiliate’ links and TWE earns a small amount from your purchase – this helps us to maintain this website and continue to provide valuable information. HOWEVER, we only promote products and services that we believe will be of greatest benefit you in the pursuit of a career in travel writing and/or travel journalism.
