Travel journalism can be an alluring field to explore: the opportunity to see places you have never seen before and explore cultures, experiences and food that you wouldn’t ordinarily get to. But it’s not all roses, as some journalists, especially freelancers have to fund their trips and while the allure of travelling to unknown places may seem exciting, it can also be risky and dangerous. It’s a mix of good, bad and ugly.
The Good: Travel journalism allows writers to explore the world and share those experiences with readers. It’s about uncovering hidden gems, digging into local cultures, and providing insights which go beyond the usual tourist traps. One exploration can lead you towards another and you have a trove of rich stories to share with your readers. It takes special writing skills to use your words to transport your reader to the scenes you bear witness to, and the collection of work you put together, be it in a blog, website or magazine can serve as a powerful portfolio to showcase your writing skills and dedication.
The Bad: The path to becoming a successful travel journalist does not come without its challenges. Unlike the perception of all-expenses-paid trips and cushy assignments in luxurious hotels, the reality is far less glamorous. Many travel journalists, especially freelancers, are responsible for their own travel expenses, which makes it heavy on the wallet. A typical assignment might involve extensive research, planning, and days of writing and editing. One might encounter surprises and they’d have to be quick to navigate issues in a foreign setting. At times, the pay is rather modest, especially in the challenging media landscape.
The Ugly: Beyond the logistical and financial hurdles, travel journalism requires more than just a passion for travel and writing ability. It demands the skills to dig deeper, find unique angles that guidebooks don’t cover, and present factual, engaging content that resonates with readers. It’s not enough to merely recount a journey; travel journalists must offer fresh perspectives and insights that add real value. Breaking into the field can be tough, with competition for limited opportunities, especially with major publications that are increasingly selective and often prioritise experienced writers.
It may be rewarding, but also challenging and before stepping into this world of wander, travel and journalism, it’s important that you think through all the possible scenarios and when you do decide to go on the expedition, you have enough money, skills and tact to keep you going.
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Content Writer