The perks and pitfalls of being a travel writer

There I was, donned in snorkel and fins, treading water in the tropical seas off the coast of Isla Mujeres in Mexico, when a whale shark swam towards me.

Its head was large and flat, and its meter-long mouth opened and closed in search of food.

Time stood still as I swam beside one of the ocean's most enormous creatures. Just a meter away, I marvelled at the pattern of pale yellow spots and stripes on his back and watched its large gills move rhythmically.

I asked myself: "Am I really getting paid for this?". The answer was, "yes". My job was to come to Mexico, enjoy incredible experiences, and write about it afterwards. I had reached the end of the rainbow. I was a travel writer.

Travel writing is often romanticised as a dream career, blending the allure of adventure with the creative art of storytelling. But what is the reality of the job? Surely, it can’t all be white sandy beaches and Michelin-starred restaurants?

Here’s a balanced look at the perks and pitfalls of the job, along with some essential advice for those eager to launch their travel writing career.

The Perks

Exploration and adventure

My insatiable wanderlust led me to travel writing. I fell in love with travelling in my early 20s while backpacking in South East Asia. Determined to support my passion, I pursued a job that would allow me to immerse myself in travel. Being a travel writer has opened doors to incredible experiences, diverse cultures, and fascinating people.

While many jobs involve travel, few compare to the unique role of travel writers who get to 'road-test' holidays. Tourist boards and tour operators often host travel writers on 'press trips’, ensuring we experience the best of the destination.

This career has taken me on adventures I had only dreamed of, such as salsa dancing my way through Cuba and conquering the mighty Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

Always learning

Travel writers are perpetual students, constantly learning about geography, history, and cultures. This ongoing education is like food for a curious mind, enhances writing and broadens one’s worldview. As American travel writer Rick Steves aptly put it: "The ultimate souvenir is a broader perspective".

Travellers have played a crucial role in bridging cultures and sharing knowledge for millennia. This process of learning and sharing has taught me new skills and, more importantly, fostered a more profound sense of connection and empathy toward our human family and the natural world.

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Meeting new people

Networking is a significant part of working in the travel industry. It’s a business that brings together diverse people, creating opportunities for rich and varied interactions. As a travel writer, you’ll meet a range of professionals, from fellow writers and bloggers to hospitality staff and tour operators. But it’s the connections you make with the local residents that enrich your stories, touch your heart, and open doors to new adventures.

The freedom

Forget the monotony of a nine-to-five desk job; travel writers work from hotel rooms, cafés and beach huts. The diversity of the work environment keeps the job fresh and exciting. There is also freedom in the craft of writing. Travel writing offers a platform to express your experience and opinions. Each trip becomes a new story waiting to be told.

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The Pitfalls

Unstable income

I've heard it said that being a travel writer is a "champagne lifestyle on a beer budget". One of the most challenging aspects of travel writing is the inconsistency in income. Many freelance travel writers experience financial instability and usually have to diversify their income. A mix of commissioned articles, blog earnings, and side jobs help many make ends meet.

I’ve always had a day job and have done travel writing as a side hustle. The industry has changed a lot in the last 20 years. When I started in 2008, newspapers had more money and paid well. Now, that’s not the case, and the modern travel writer is a content creator on social media, blogs, and podcasts. They are their own publisher and are not waiting for a commission from an editor to make content. Monetising this has its challenges, but many do it very successfully.

Work-life balance

For many travel writers, the line between work and leisure is blurred. It can be hard to relax when away as you’re constantly thinking about story angles or getting the perfect shot for your Instagram. Yes, I hear you playing the world's smallest violin, but for some, the joy of travelling gets watered down by being constantly switched on and researching a destination.

This can even happen when travelling for fun, and family trips abroad become a bit of a ‘busman’s holiday’. In this era of social media, travel writers are under increasing pressure to have active social media accounts with large followings. This can be time-consuming and feel like an extra job at times.

Loneliness

While travel can be exhilarating, it’s not without its difficulties. Being away from family and friends can take its toll; sometimes, one can feel lonely on the road. I have found myself in pinch-me moments in the most stunning of locations without my loved ones to share the joy of the experience.

Fatigue

Travel can take its toll both physically and mentally. Travel writers often endure long flights and many hours spent in transit. Press trips can be fairly boozy* affairs with lots of temptation by the way of free wine. Hangovers combined with jet lag and irregular meals can lead to exhaustion.

Often, travel writers will have short periods in a destination and be on the go all day exploring and researching. This relentless pace has sometimes made me feel like coming home is the holiday.

Top tips for aspiring travel writers:

• The key to success is to write consistently. Hone writing skills by taking courses, reading works by admired travel writers, and practising regularly. There's no need to be in distant lands to develop these skills; writing about one's hometown or nearby locations can be just as effective.
• Building an online presence is crucial. Creating a blog to showcase work and embracing social media can help reach a wider audience.
• Network with other travel writers online and diversify your income.
• Being skilled in photography and videography can complement writing and enhance storytelling.
• Pitch articles regularly to newspapers, magazines, websites, and blog travel editors. Tailor each pitch to match the publication's style, increasing your chances of success. Know that rejection is an inevitability and can be a great learning opportunity.

With perseverance and dedication, the world of travel writing can open up, offering a rewarding career.

*Always drink responsibly