As a travel writer Stephen Stepaniuk has been fortunate enough to earn a living while experiencing the world. New cultures, foods, people and experiences are all part of his nine to five, as it were. While travel writer is a dream job for many people, it also has it’s unsavory parts. Here Stephen helps us dis-spell the myths regarding travel writing.
1. You’ll make tons of money!
Travel writing can often be extremely financial risky. Writers are often expected to fund their whole trip in advance, and then companies, magazines or publishing outlets will recoup their expenses at the end. This arrangement carries many risks, including that the piece could be bumped, refused, or the company could simply decline to reimburse a writer for their travel expenses. The going rate that publishers pay for travel articles is always in flux, but generally even under the best circumstances an article won’t pay for the whole trip.
2. You’ll travel under the most luxurious circumstances!
Travel writers write what needs to be written and what there is a market to sell. Certainly, many companies publish high-end travel articles that focus on luxurious hotels, glamping (glamorous camping), or private jet services. However, budget topics are even more popular. As a travel writer Stephen Stepaniuk has been asked to review some places that were downright rustic. Budget options aren’t for everyone, but if you’re a travel writer, your personal preferences won’t matter all that much. Your job will be to report on the story, not pick a location that’s most relaxing for you.
3. You don’t need a background in journalism!
Many new or aspiring travel writers think that travel writing is easy as can be; pick a place, visit, write about the location, and ta-da! You’ll be paid for your efforts! It’s important to remember that most good (and therefore marketable) travel writing isn’t just about the place. Good travel writing should tell a story, and the story should be refreshing and eye opening, not just a hotel review! A strong background in journalism is a requirement, whether you are self-taught or have a degree.
4. It’s all about your personal experiences!
While some articles or publications may be interested in your personal experiences while traveling, very often the real story lies outside of the travel writer’s personal experiences and more in the details of the location. Political, environmental, or spiritual experiences are all interesting flavors to add to the story, but they often aren’t enough to be the focus of the main article. There are so many travel writers and journalists that are seen as personalities in and of themselves, that it can seem like that is how all travel writers will be. This is simply not the case, and can be quite a blow to the ego for a new travel writer.
5. A travel writer only writes about travel!
As a travel writer, that’s your only point of view, right? Wrong! The best travel writers are able to paint a picture of a destination that includes details such as political climate, economic advancement or any other myriad of complex circumstances that make each destination so unique. Hone your skills in other types of writing as well, and it will make your travel writing all that much more successful.
