The WMF Archives

By Rebecca Sebek


It's time to answer a mailbag question. This one is from Michael Haas who wants to publish his travel writing and photographs. Michael writes:

Hi,

Thanks for sharing your experiences on the web. That´s quite helpful and very friendly.

I am German and live in Bali. I am a writer and photographer, a video guy and a diver. I worked as a teacher in Japan before I came to Bali. When my contract expired I wanted to do something else.

I am interested in environmental issues – there is a big garbage/pollution problem in Indonesia – animal protection issues. I write about traveling and take photos.

And I need to publish writings and photos to make money and get some feedback on what I am doing.

For photo samples: http://www.flickr.com/photos/9038210@N07/

Very glad if you find the time to give me some advice on how to publish stuff.

Best Regards,
Michael Haas

Michael, thank you for asking this question!


Travel writing is a fun genre. Popular niche markets for travel writers are eco and adventure travel. Volunteer travel is gaining momentum because people want to give back and make a difference. Like Michael, if you incorporate photography and video, you'll be an in demand travel writer.


Travel writing organizations

Joining a travel writing organization gives you tremendous benefits such as meeting other travel writers, journalists, editors, and videographers. Also, you can attend media trips and conferences. Some organizations charge an annual fee but the benefits you receive are worth it.


One of the most popular travel writing organizations is The International, Food, Wine, and Travel Association. I had the opportunity to meet board member Maralyn D. Hill in 2009 at a luncheon in Phoenix, AZ. She's very passionate about the IFWTA and its members. The benefits of joining IFWTA range from being surrounded by other travel writers to conferences and media trips. They have a strict membership policy. Writers must provide URLs, clips, or books from two years ago. IFWTA retains the right to audit members.


International Society for Travel Writers was founded in 1997. You can join ISTW at anytime and will receive a discounted subscription to Studies in Travel Writing which is published four times a year. Membership fees are $90.


Society of American Travel Writers is another popular organization for travel writers. You can apply as an active or associate member but need a primary sponsor who's a member of SATW or a secondary sponsor and two written references.


Connect with other journalists, editors, photographers, and tourism professionals by joining the
North American Travel Journalists Association. The annual membership fee is $150, plus a one-time administrative fee of $25. This may seem high but you receive benefits such as a resource center and forum; conferences, professional development, member database, eWire service, and much more.


Popular travel writing websites

If you want to connect with other travel writers and have your work published, visit the following websites.


Brave New Traveler
World Hum (Rick Steves writes a blog here)
BootsnAll
Vagablogging (Website of Rolf Potts)


Travel Magazines

If you're interested in publishing your travel articles along with photographs and videos, query these magazines.


National Geographic
National Geographic Traveler
Travel+Leisure
Outside (I just discovered this one -- fabulous magazine)
Budget Travel
Conde Nast Traveler


If you love being in front of the camera, contact The Travel Channel and pitch them a show or two. You must be affiliated with a production company; otherwise they won't accept your ideas.


Travel writing isn't for the faint of heart. As Michael pointed out, he's interested in environmental issues and animal protection. If you travel to a country that can be hostile to outsiders, you could face some extraneous circumstances. However, writers who are passionate about exposing and uncovering the truth will risk everything.


You can travel the world and get paid for it! Travel writing opportunities can be found on Craigslist, Freelance Writing.com, and other websites. Make sure you build your portfolio online and in print because publishers will request clips. If you don't have a blog, start one today. You can put samples of your work, i.e., writing, photographs, and or videos on it or have a separate portfolio website. Most importantly, remember what Mark Twain said, "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness."


*Photo by Justin Phelan_Stock Exchange

Get Paid to Travel the World