Modern Freelance Travel Writing: Pitch, Publish & Get Paid

Stand Out & Build Your Freelance Travel Writing Career in 2025

What you'll learn

How to generate original, publishable travel story ideas that editors are looking for

How to craft compelling pitch emails that get noticed by magazine and website editors

A clear understanding of the modern travel writing industry and how to break into it

Where to find the right publications for your story—and how to tailor your pitch to each one

The key differences between travel blogs, print magazines, digital media, and branded content

How press trips, media perks, and payment work in professional travel writing

How to build your confidence, your bylines, and a long-term freelance travel writing career

Requirements

You should be comfortable writing in English and have a basic grasp of grammar and storytelling.

You’ll need access to a laptop or computer with internet so you can research publications and send pitch emails.

No prior experience in journalism or publishing is required—this course is designed for beginners.

A passion for travel and a willingness to learn are the most important things you’ll need!

Description

Modern Freelance Travel Writing: Pitch, Publish & Get Paid is a practical, step-by-step course designed to help you get your travel writing published in today's competitive environment. Whether you want to write for glossy magazines, websites, blogs or digital publications, you'll learn how the industry works, and how to stand out in an era of AI and ubiquitous copy.With the rise of bloggers, influencers, and ChatGPT-generated content, breaking into travel journalism is even harder than before. But it’s still possible with the right approach and mindset, a clear strategy and ideas that are well-researched and timely.No journalism experience required. All you need is a positive mindset, strong writing skills and a willingness to learn and practice.What You’ll Learn in the CourseHow the travel writing industry works todayHow to tailor your ideas to different outletsHow to come up with angles and publishable story ideas (and avoid the clichés)How to write winning emails that grab editors’ attentionHow to stand out, use your experience and write with authenticity The different genres of travel writing (and which to try first)How press trips and sponsored travel actually works (and it's not how you think)How much you can expect to be paid, and how to negotiate better rates.Who This Course Is ForWriters who want to break into travel journalismBloggers and creatives who want to get published in mainstream mediaStorytellers and anyone with a passion for travel and a talent for storytelling.About Your Instructor:Katie is a professional travel writer and journalist who has written for The Guardian, The Telegraph, The Sunday Times, Conde Nast Traveller, Women’s Health, Jamie Oliver Magazine, and many more. She’s successfully pitched and published hundreds of travel stories, and now she’s here to show you how to do the same. Katie also wrote a book, There She Goes, and she helped shortlist winners for the TravMedia Awards UK, where she had the privilege of reading hundreds of top travel articles and guidebooks from some of the best writers around today. This gave her a unique insight into what makes a good travel story tick.

Overview

Section 1: WATCH FIRST: Introduction and Resources to download

Lecture 1 Skills Needed

Lecture 2 Travel Writing Today

Lecture 3 Tools & Resources for Travel Writers

Lecture 4 TOP TIP

Section 2: Where to Get Published

Lecture 5 The Many Genres of Travel Writing – From Features to Reviews

Lecture 6 Where Can You Get Published in This Day & Age?

Lecture 7 Thinking Like a Business

Section 3: Coming Up With Story Ideas

Lecture 8 How the Travel Writing Process Works: From Idea to Commission

Lecture 9 Angles & Pegs

Section 4: Challenges & Opportunities in the Industry Today

Lecture 10 Challenges & Opportunities

Lecture 11 Writing in Your Unique Voice

Lecture 12 Country Insights & Pay Comparison

Lecture 13 Getting Paid

Section 5: Setting Up Your Trip & Selling Your Story

Lecture 14 How to Sell Your Story and Pitch Like a Pro

Lecture 15 Behind a Successful Pitch: What a Strong Email Looks Like

Lecture 16 Writers’ Guidelines & Forward Features — Your Secret Tools

Lecture 17 Press Trips & Sponsored Travel

Section 6: That's a Wrap!

Lecture 18 Conclusion and Thanks

Aspiring travel writers who want to see their stories published in magazines, newspapers, or online media,Bloggers and content creators looking to break into professional travel journalism,Freelancers who want to pitch and write travel articles for paying outlets,Writers who are passionate about travel and storytelling, but unsure where to start,Anyone who can write well and wants to learn how to turn personal adventures into publishable content