How to Get Paid to Travel: Sponsored Travel & Press Trips

In an age of boring AI-generated content, is there still room for human travel writers? I think yes, absolutely. This lesson explores the wide world of publishing opportunities, from traditional print magazines and newspapers to digital platforms, niche trade publications, in-flight magazines, and even self-publishing. You'll learn how to identify outlets that align with your interests, and why writing about your own region or profession can give you a unique edge. Whether you're looking to pitch major publications or start a blog of your own, there are countless ways to break in and build your portfolio. You'll also discover how editorial teams differ between print and online, and how to make the most of your location and lifestyle to generate original, publishable stories.

You don't need any qualifications but it's helpful if you have some key skills.

In today’s fast-changing digital landscape, travel writers need more than just talent and a passport, they need the right tools to stay organised, productive and competitive. In this lesson, I'll discuss some of my favourite and most useful platforms and resources available in 2025, from writing and editing aids to pitching tools, portfolio platforms, social media networks, and travel planning apps.

You’ll learn how to streamline your workflow, connect with editors, build your online presence, and manage the business side of freelance writing. Whether you're launching a blog, pitching international publications, or building a newsletter audience, these tools will help you work smarter and get your stories published.

Travel writing isn’t a one-size-fits-all industry – far from it! In this lesson, we’ll explore the wide range of genres that make up modern travel journalism. From immersive first-person features and tightly structured news stories, to reflective travelogues, punchy listicles and round-ups, and hotel and restaurant reviews – you’ll get a clear understanding of the different forms your travel writing can take.

Each genre has its own structure, tone and purpose, and learning to distinguish them will help you write more effectively and pitch more strategically. Whether you’re drawn to personal storytelling or prefer to deliver useful, fact-based content, there’s a format that suits your style, and multiple ways to get published.

By the end of this lesson, you’ll have a broader view of the varied travel writing landscape and a stronger sense of where your idea fits in.

In this lesson, we’re going to talk about the importance of developing a distinct writing voice and how it can help you stand out in a saturated market.

Travel writing may be creative work, but it’s also a business. In this lesson, we explore what it means to approach travel journalism professionally, with the editor as your client and your story as the product. You’ll learn why it's essential to separate your personal identity from your pitches, and how to market your ideas with clarity and confidence.

Just like an actor auditioning for a role or a tailor creating custom outfits, your job is to present your work to the right audience. Some ideas will sell, others won’t, and that’s OK! It's all part of the process. I'll cover how to tailor each pitch for a specific publication and editor, and why successful freelance writers treat their craft like a business from day one.

In this lesson, we look at one of the most important (and often overlooked) aspects of travel writing: getting paid! You’ll learn how to handle the financial side of freelancing, from creating invoices to negotiating rates.

I’ll discuss tax, insurance, and the importance of treating your writing as a business. I’ll also cover key concepts like payment per word, kill fees, and payment on publication, as well as late payment calculators and professional support available.

There’s no single way to break into travel writing, but most stories follow one of two common paths. In this lesson, you’ll learn how the process typically works, from initial idea to published piece.

In the first scenario, you come up with a strong idea based on a trip, experience, or trend, then research which publications might be a good fit. In the second, you start with a specific publication in mind and brainstorm story ideas that match its style, audience, and content needs.

In both cases, the next step is crafting a pitch, sending it to the right editor, and – if all goes well –securing a commission. We’ll break down each stage so you understand how to approach your work strategically, professionally, and with the best possible chance of getting published.

To stand out as a travel writer today, it's not enough to describe a destination. You need a fresh, original angle. In this lesson, you'll learn how to craft story ideas that go beyond the obvious and avoid clichés. Editors are always on the lookout for timely, newsworthy pieces, so we'll also explore how to use pegs – news hooks tied to current events, anniversaries, trends or seasonal moments – to make your pitches stand out. Whether you're writing about a popular destination or an overlooked gem, your ability to frame a story in a new way is what gets you noticed, published, and (ultimately) paid. By the end of this lesson, you'll understand how to frame an idea that grabs an editor’s attention.

In this lesson I talk about how I got published in The Guardian UK.

Even the best travel story won’t get published if it never reaches the right editor. In this lesson, you'll learn how to turn your idea into a professional pitch that gets noticed. We'll cover the importance of researching each publication’s style, tone, and audience, and why reading the writer’s guidelines is essential before hitting send. You’ll also learn how to find the right editor (not just the generic inbox), tailor your pitch to fit the outlet, and avoid common mistakes that get even good ideas ignored. While this lesson offers a solid overview, you’ll also find I have a dedicated pitching course available here on Udemy if you want to dive deeper into the art of pitching. By the end, you’ll have the tools to approach editors with confidence, and improve your chances of getting a “yes.”

In this lesson, you’ll see exactly what a successful travel pitch looks like. We’ll break down a real email example – one that would catch an editor’s attention and stand a good chance of landing a commission.

You’ll learn why certain elements matter, including the subject line, intro, story hook, and tone. We’ll also discuss how to frame your idea clearly and confidently, show that you’ve done your research, and demonstrate that you're the best person for the job and understand the publication’s audience.

By discussing what works in a strong pitch line by line, you’ll gain practical insight into what editors are really looking for, and how to apply these principles to your own pitching process.

Want to know exactly what an editor is looking for? Start with the writers’ guidelines. In this lesson, you'll learn how these often-overlooked documents can give you vital clues about tone, word count, payment, rights, and preferred content. We’ll also explore forward features lists, editorial calendars that many publications release in advance, outlining the topics they plan to cover in upcoming issues. These are goldmines for generating timely, relevant ideas and pitching with precision. By using both tools, you’ll save time, avoid misfires, and dramatically increase your chances of acceptance. Mastering this part of the process can help you move from generic pitches to targeted ones that editors will actually read, and commission.

In today’s travel writing world, getting a story off the ground often requires more than just a good idea – you’ll also need the support of tourism boards, PRs, hotels, and airlines. In this lesson, we’ll explore the role of press trips and sponsored travel, and how they’ve become a practical necessity for many freelance travel writers.

You’ll learn how press trips vary by region, particularly the stricter ethical boundaries in the US compared with the UK and other parts of the world. We’ll also discuss the balance between maintaining editorial integrity and working within the financial realities of the job.

This is the behind-the-scenes truth of how many travel features come together, and what you need to know to take part professionally and responsibly.