( This is a downloadable eBook )
How I got started in travel writing
Like many people, I loved to travel but could rarely afford to take more than an annual vacation. That's when I began to discover the world of travel writing. I started slowly and my wife would joke that this was just a hobby. Later, however, when we were able to take international trips and make money as well, she changed her opinion and saw this as a viable means of making a living.
As my publication list increased, I became the Editor in Chief of JustSayGo.com, an online travel E-zine. I'm also a travel columnist for several newspaper syndicates including The San Diego Community News Group, The Women's Newspapers, and 50Plus Marketplace News. I was the media coordinator for the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) for five years, and have authored hundreds of articles that have appeared in national and regional publications such as Shape, Mobil Travel Guides, Visit Los Cabos Magazine, Key Biscayne Magazine, Power & Motorboat, The Bismarck Tribune, The Jamaican Observer, Voyaging, La Jolla Today Magazine, San Diego Downtown Magazine, and many others.
Jennifer Kellog
I'm an avid photographer and have used my skills to illustrate most of my stories. I have also sold my photos to magazines and newspapers worldwide.
Bob Mann
I've been teaching travel writing for over nine years now at community colleges and other venues. I maintain a busy speaking schedule for one of my other talks called Fly Cheap, Stay Cheap, Travel Cheap. This talk has been so popular that one library had to call security after 60 people were turned away from the already packed room. I've presented this talk all over Colorado including libraries, senior centers, banks, museums, Whole Foods, and elsewhere.
Do I need to have any special skills to do this?
Kevin Dennehy
Beyond basic reading and writing skills, there is nothing extraordinary that you need to get started. I have taught this course to thousands of people from all walks of life and occupations—from housewives to doctors and even college professors.
One common mistake is to send off stories to editors that contain mistakes in spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc. I will show you how to make sure that never happens to you. In fact, even if you are just a mediocre writer, I will show you can find somebody who will work with you to make your writing shine.
Paul Nikkel
Why is your course called How to be a Travel Writer—The Easy Way
There are many shortcuts to success in this business and I want to give you the benefit of my experience. I will teach you how to build up a portfolio even if you have never had a single word published in print. Simple things like business cards, websites and books can instantly establish you as an expert in a particular area of travel and launch your career. There have been many others who have done this and you can too. I will show you how to use your skills, knowledge, and experience to create an area of expertise that you can then parlay into a successful travel writing vocation.
Thanks for your inspiration. Amy Henry
Here are some of the things that my book will teach you:
- What makes a salable idea?
- What constitutes an “outlet?” today, this is much more than just print.
- Where to find markets looking for writers.
- How to research the markets, including working backwards.
- Simple ways to build up a portfolio.
- Increasing your cash flow by writing for non-travel markets.
- Creating a niche or specialization based upon your passion for travel.
- How to conduct an interview.
- How to research, write, and send a query letter or make a query phone call.
- Ways to obtain an “assignment” and why this is so crucial to travel.
- Using tools like websites as a fast-track to your success.
- How to understand and deal with public relations reps, and tourism boards.
- The difference between press trips and FAM tours.
As a matter of fact, all of these were hosted by others based on my assignment or outlets. I provided articles for all of these destinations and got paid as well. What could be a better job? I will show you how to do the same.
Christine Zipps
In my book, How to be a Travel Writer-- The Easy Way I will give you the tools you need in order to be successful and travel the world for free based on the outlets you develop. Here are just a few of the places I have been privileged to visit with somebody else paying the bills:
- Costa Rica
- Switzerland (three times)
- Genoa, Italy
- Florence, Italy
- Belize
- Hawaii
- Germany (various locations)
- Colorado dude ranches
- Florida (many locations)
- Ireland spas
- Madrid, Spain
- Silversea cruises
- France
- Mexico- (various locations)
Jason Steele
This is also one reason why many satisfied students have come to visit me in person through www.vocationvacations.com. This website allows people to “test drive your dream job” by arranging 2-day visits with experts in over 500 different occupations, including travel writer.
For instant download just click on the link. Your credit card will be charged $9.95 but consider this an investment in your future.
( This is a downloadable eBook )