How to Become a Travel Writer in 2025

What does it take to become a travel writer in 2025? The rules have changed since I started 20 years ago, but it’s still an open field for new and seasoned writers. You need three things to get started: solid writing clips (published or samples), a way to connect with the travel industry (that’s covered below!), and the skill to pitch stories that editors want now (that’s what you’re here to learn, right?).

The great news? You can start from anywhere. And ironically, you don’t need travel first to get published. You can start by writing great articles about your own region before booking international tickets. Here are the answers you need, whether you’re a beginner, career shifter, or just interested in becoming a travel writer.

What opportunities exist for new travel writers?

Travel writing has evolved, especially since 2020. Between media consolidation and a more focused approach on local storytelling, it’s not the same game it was even five years ago. Traditional print magazines still exist, but most assignments today come from:

• Digital travel publications with niche audiences (think food-focused travel sites, luxury lifestyle blogs, or eco-tourism outlets)
• Hospitality and tourism board content (travel guides, itineraries, and brand storytelling for hotels and resorts)
• Content marketing for travel-related brands (copy for airlines, hotels, gear companies, apps)

Pro tip: You don’t need to start with a passport stamp. In fact, most editors prefer articles by local writers and people who spend a significant amount of time in the areas they cover. Local stories—like “48 Hours in [Your City]”—can be your stepping stone to publication.

How do you build a travel portfolio (without leaving home)?

Before you can land paying gigs, you need writing samples that prove you can deliver high-quality, engaging travel content. If you’re new to travel writing, start building out articles and content about your city or region.

• Write destination guides or “best-of” lists for your own blog, Medium, or LinkedIn
• Offer to contribute to local lifestyle magazines or city travel blogs
• Submit essays to open-call travel anthologies (many are listed on freelance job boards)

Don’t have a writing portfolio yet? Here’s how to build one.

What about networks like TravMedia and Matador Network?

You might have seen or heard about platforms that specifically connect travel writers with hospitality PR pros. There are a few, and the most widely known are TravMedia and Matador Network. If travel writing is your career goal, travel and tourism platforms should be on your radar. TravMedia is the one most travel journalists join.

• What it is: A global network that connects journalists, editors, and PR professionals in the travel industry
• Why it matters: You’ll see press releases about new hotel openings, tourism campaigns, and press trip invitations—all opportunities for timely pitches
• Pro tip: Build your TravMedia profile with clear links to your best work, even if you’re just starting out

Other platforms worth exploring:

• Matador Network – Known for its contributor program and travel writing workshops; a solid place to get bylines and experience
• WritersWeekly.com – Freelance market roundups that often include travel publications
• Media Kitty – Another PR/journalist platform for travel opportunities
• Journo Resources – Journalism opportunities (including travel) in the UK and beyond

Some platforms have a portfolio review or require you to have published bylines to join. But no worries! Get a couple of local bylines under your belt and apply away. Don’t be afraid to reach out and pitch ideas even if you’re new.

Level up: Once you have professional travel clips, aim to attend International Media Marketplace (IMM). This is TravMedia’s invite-only event where writers meet one-on-one with tourism boards and brands. Many pros say it’s where they secured their biggest travel writing assignments.

How do you pitch travel editors?

Landing assignments comes down to sending the right idea to the right editor at the right time. To make a successful connection, you need to include:

• A timely, unique hook (why this story now?)
• An angle that’s specific, not generic (“How to spend 48 hours in New Orleans during Jazz Fest” vs. “A trip to New Orleans”)
• A short bio that demonstrates why you’re the one to write it (your personal connection)

Example email pitch subject line:

Story pitch: “5 Small Towns in Italy Where You Can Live Like a Local”

Want to know more about pitching editors? Check out how to craft successful freelance pitches and pitching mistakes to avoid.

What about ethical considerations around comps?

Comps is short for complementary items. A free meal, hotel room, or tour. Anything free. Here’s where you need to understand the publication or organization’s ethical guidelines. All publications have policies around whether a writer can accept comps. In most cases, it’s either not okay or there are disclosure requirements if you’re acting in a journalistic role.

But the rules can be different for tourism and PR publications. When you land an assignment, it should be spelled out whether you can accept freebies. If it’s not clear, feel free to ask. It’s better to get clarification than to accept something when you shouldn’t.

For content marketing projects, it’s generally accepted that if you’re hired to write about a new resort and they provide free meals and services, that’s fair game. In that case, you’re writing PR or marketing materials for the brand. When in doubt, confirm.

Do travel writers travel for free?

Sometimes. It depends on the type of writing and the publication. When I wrote for magazines aimed at convention planners, it was typical for restaurants and venues to provide meals and drinks. They were being featured regardless, so it wasn’t a big deal. Sometimes resorts would offer to host editorial teams for a weekend or invite us on tours. That wasn’t as typical, but it can happen.

When you get into the world of PR and brand writing, it’s a whole different game. There, it’s common for trips to be comped, in full or in part. You might line up several assignments and take a trip where nearly everything is paid for. These days it depends on whether you’re visiting as a paid influencer (#ad) or a journalist providing content.

Unless you’re explicitly hired to promote a brand, it’s best not to accept free stuff in exchange for coverage. It reads as inauthentic and could go against the publication’s guidelines.

Can you start local and grow global?

Short answer: yes. In fact, that’s expected. Unless you already live in a global destination, you probably aren’t going to land Paris and NYC assignments straight out of the gate. Start by crafting engaging stories in your own backyard. Profile a historic district, spotlight a regional festival, or review a new boutique hotel.

Local stories can lead to:

• Invitations to cover regional events
• Relationships with PR reps who later recommend you for bigger assignments
• Clips you can show editors at national and international publications

Action Step: Start getting involved now. Sign up for a free account on TravMedia and follow Matador Network’s pitch guidelines. Join hospitality professional groups on LinkedIn and follow tourism boards, travel publications, editors, and PR folks on the socials (particularly IG). Even if you don’t land your first assignment right away, you’ll be plugged into the conversations that lead to opportunities.

How do you stay motivated?

Writing is a long game. Breaking into travel writing is a mix of persistence, timing, and relationship-building. Remember that when it starts to feel like a slog (and yes, sometimes it can feel like a slog). Here are a few ways to stay motivated with your writing.

Most pros started with a few regional wins and built from there. Keep refining your pitches, expanding your network, and looking for ways to offer editors exactly what they need.

Need a structured way to get started with pitching? The 7 Days to Freelancing course is free and delivered to your inbox. You can do this!