How to Become a Freelance Travel Writer: A Second Career or a Pastime?

One of the distinct advantages to being a freelance travel writer is that you can travel, write and publish regardless of where you are, anywhere in the world. This can be an excellent second career for baby boomers or seniors.

“The great advantage of freelance writing is that it can be done either in conjunction with another career, or as a career in itself. It can also be a very well paid profession, whether part-time or full-time.”

How to become a freelance travel writer is something writers wonder, until they realize that as freelance travel writers, they can actually travel and write about their travels or travel in their writing, in terms of research. Freelance travel writers write and publish internationally, which makes this appealing in terms of a potential occupation or simply as a pastime. 

From an occupational perspective, the London School of Journalism article, “Freelance travel writing” discusses training as a journalist. This is one way to become a professional, freelance travel writer. While it does involve initial cost, it is a well-paying profession.

Consider the following suggestions about ways to become a freelance travel writer.

Find a publishing platform for freelance travel writers.

Writing, travelling and publishing are possible when one finds a publishing platform for freelance writers on the Internet. Recently, Helium.com has offered international writers the convenience of posting their work from any part of the world. This website has provided a viable marketplace for freelance writers.   

Set up a blog as a freelance travel writer.

Many freelance writers prefer to set up their own blogs, as personal or business websites accessible from where they travel. This works well in conjunction with amateur or professional photography. The travel writer advertises his or her written work and photography on his or her blog and when articles sell, he or she receives financial remuneration via an online web site like Paypal.com.    

Find an agent for freelance travel writers. 

Finding an agent who advertises and sells the writings of freelance travel writers is preferable for a person who simply wants to travel and write, rather than engage in publishing or marketing. An agent will seek a percentage of the remuneration a freelance travel writer receives.

Find an organization or company willing to pay freelance travel writers for specific travel-related writing assignments.

There are online companies, as well as others, like magazines, willing to cover travel, accommodation and other expenses incurred by freelance travel writers. Yet others are interested in the personal experiences of freelance travel writers who travel to specific locations.

Become a ghostwriter as a freelance travel writer.

Becoming a ghostwriter for someone who simply wants or needs travel information, can be a challenge for a freelance travel writer. These are usually paid assignments where the freelance travel writer remains anonymous.

Becoming a freelance travel writer can be fun, exciting and interesting regardless of the direction one goes in terms of travel, writing, publishing and marketing.