The Work Behind the Wanderlust: Advice for Aspiring Travel Writers

Travel writing attracts people who love movement, storytelling, and curiosity. What it doesn’t always prepare them for is the reality of building a sustainable career around those things. A lot of advice for aspiring travel writers focuses on getting published. Very little prepares you for what happens after the byline — when the emails slow, the compensation varies wildly, and you’re expected to build a career inside an industry that rarely explains its own rules.

One of the highlights of my year was speaking on Carnival Cruise Line’s lunch panel at the 50th-anniversary National Association of Black Journalists convention in Cleveland, Ohio. I’ve done speaking engagements before, but this was the first time I was being flown out for it — and also one of the first times I’ve been able to share the wisdom I’ve gained since stepping into travel journalism.

Whenever I meet aspiring journalists exploring travel and tourism, they often don’t know where to start or what to ask. And given the mysterious nature of the industry, I get it.

How do you get that first byline?

What resources and spaces, both physical and virtual, should you start engaging with?

And how exactly does all of this work?

I, too, had lots of questions when I first joined Travel Noire as a staff writer in 2022. But I was passionate, and more aligned than I’d ever felt doing anything else, so I was committed to learning along the way and doing everything I could to close the knowledge gap, and fast.

I’ve had lots of wins since then, and now serve as one of two senior editors on the team. I’ve also taken some L’s that left me saying, “Welp, I’ll never do that again.” And through all of that, I’ve quietly stored these career lessons in my memory bank, sharing them in real-life one-on-ones or occasionally hopping in the comments to share advice in travel writer Facebook groups.

If the desire to explore travel writing won’t go away, here are the top pieces of advice I’d recommend saving for later (and #6 is probably the most important and least talked about).

1. Say yes to your own writing (and mean it)

Your writing is a worthy cause, regardless of whether an editor or publisher picks it up. If you feel called to write, then write. Whether you start a Substack or create your own blog, at the risk of sounding hella cliché, just do it.

If I hadn’t written the three blogs — yes, three — that showcased my work when applying to write for Travel Noire, I would have scrambled to come up with something at the last minute, waiting for someone to greenlight those stories. 

Be who you say you are, and be willing to do it even if travel publications won’t play ball right away.

2. In the pursuit of your passions, don’t forget about the part people can play in your story

This is easily one of the top pieces of advice I have to share about travel writing. I can’t emphasize enough how many people delay or deny themselves opportunities by simply not prioritizing making genuine connections with the people that cross their path. 

For example, I recently shared space with a couple of young women who were moving in an actively avoidant manner. Now, you never know what people’s perception of you is, nor is it any of your business. However, I found it odd because we were but a few Black women in an otherwise very white environment, as well as what I would come to learn later through a mutual connection.

Sidebar: This is totally a me thing, but one of the community-building rules I deliberately set for myself years ago was that I wouldn’t be in a space with other Black women, especially when there are only a few, and not say hello or introduce myself. Again, personal rule, so I don’t expect these women to follow it, nor does it always go as I imagine. I’m just aware that choosing not to do so is an interesting decision.

What I later learned was that one of these women had recently graduated with an Ivy League degree and was struggling to land work. Considering this was an industry-related event, it was interesting that her position wouldn’t be to put herself out there. Or, at the very least, say hello.

Could I have? Absolutely. But am I the one currently actively looking for work in this season? No. 

Which leads me to my next point…

3. Less Transactional Interactions, More Authentic Relationship-Building

As a former publicist who has navigated the celebrity and entertainment space before stepping into the travel and tourism space, I am, unfortunately, intimately familiar with how self-serving people can be. Being a giver in a world full of takers is a rarity — a blessing on most days, a hindrance on others — and most people aren’t moving through their careers to be an asset to others because they’re too focused on their own trajectory.

Focus on making deposits along the way. Focus on the long term. As a colleague recently said, consider moving in ways where your first transaction isn’t a request. Approach new connections authentically by sharing something they said or did that resonated with you. When I’m asking for favors within my circle, I always include something like, “… and if there’s any way I can support you in this season, please do let me know.”

Givers often don’t know how to answer that question because they’re so used to their attention being pulled elsewhere that they haven’t had time to show up for themselves in the same way. Meanwhile, takers are asking for meetings to, well, take as much information or resources as the other person is willing to give.

I’m a big believer in pouring into others, but I’m also more selective. Some people will ask for your time and then run off with the plug, never to be heard from again. It’s icky and tacky, so avoid being that person at all costs.

4. Decide what kind of writer you’re going to be

Aspiring travel writers pursue this life for several reasons, and I just want you to be clear on yours. Whether you have a niche interest you wish to explore around the world or tell meaningful stories that amplify cultures, make sure your ‘why’ can weather the industry’s volatile state. Because hanging your interest flag on surface desires, like wanting to travel for free, is the fastest path to disillusionment. 

For those who like to interview celebrities and want to be the go-to person for travel-related celebrity tips, faves, etc., interview away.

If you’re from unique diaspora destinations like the Caribbean, Africa, or the American South, and you want to amplify travel stories in those spaces, do that.

If you love to keep up with breaking news and want to be the first to get trending stories out, do that.

Try to focus on writing about things you love — unless for creative exploration, of course. I learned this the hard way early in my writing career, when I accepted a story from my then-editor that hadn’t been fully verified. I did my best, only to find out it was just a rumor. When I pointed this out, they tried to justify it by saying other publications had run it too. My trust in that editor was instantly broken, and personally, I wouldn’t want to work with them again.

Honestly, though, looking back on it, it was my fault. I should have just said no and kept it moving. But alas, I took that L to teach you this lesson: Don’t wade in writing waters that you don’t feel good about, no matter what the pay is. It’s not worth it.

5. Take up space in the right spaces

I am always fascinated by people who make sweeping statements about what’s possible, often erring on the side of impossible. Earlier this year, my mentee expressed on our monthly call that there weren’t any industry events in the metropolitan US city where she lives. After a quick 2-minute Google search, we found at least three upcoming events she could attend that would fare much better than trying to cold-email or, worse, DM every contact she wanted to work with.

If you really want this life, you need to be intentional about it to create anything lasting. The women and men working in travel and tourism at the highest levels, whether as creators, journalists, or business owners, are usually only seen “outside” when a purpose is connected to it.

Now, I’m not saying give up your personal life or stop doing things that bring you joy. However, instead of operating like the travel consumer you’ve been, start thinking like the travel professional you want to become.

Prioritize travel around annual travel and tourism conferences or other industry events that align with where you want to go. Because yes, you could absolutely take six personal vacations with zero obligations. Or, you could break those trips into a few personal and a few professional. That way, you’re moving with intention without putting yourself on the road to burnout.

6. Last, but not least — building a solid community is one of the most important things you’ll do as a new travel writer 

Being a travel writer can sometimes feel lonely. It’s an industry that people not involved in often don’t know how to support. Most folks will dismiss the low pay, invoice payment delays, or the constant anxiety that comes with working in such an unstable industry because you get to “travel for free.”

But here’s the thing: it’s not free. Nothing ever is. The exchange of my time and talent directly helps amplify their stories. Travel writers don’t just go on vacation, and the job is done. We’re often juggling multiple assignments and writing for various publications, all while being stretched thin on itineraries that are almost always way more packed than they should be. The dual feelings of deep gratitude and exhaustion wear you down over time, and the anxiety, second-guessing, and self-doubt I’ve seen some writers battle due to a broken system are real.

But all that said, you need people. And honestly, that’s how the most experienced travel journalists have navigated the industry for decades. The fellow writer friend you make today could be the next editor of your dream publication in a few years. Or, your industry acquaintance who’s obsessed with entertainment writing always sends you potential leads on new travel-focused opportunities. 

Fair warning: The travel writing community can be a little weird, at times. Not everyone, of course, but you absolutely have those who gatekeep, aren’t willing to share, and aren’t pouring anything but doubt and discord into the people around them.

Be intentional about building your travel writing tribe.

Travel Writing Networking Groups You Should Know About

If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few organizations that have been helpful on my journey:

• TravMedia, a platform that connects travel journalists, bloggers, editors, and content creators with destination reps and PR managers around the world (free)
• Black Travel Alliance (BTA), an organization that helps bridge the gap between the travel and tourism industry and Black creators, writers, etc. (free/paid)
• Society of Black Travel Journalists, a private Facebook group for Black travel writers to connect, share resources, and talk about industry happenings (free)
• Honorable Mention: Society of American Travel Writers (SATW). This recommendation earns an honorable mention because I’m not a member of SATW and have never been. However, I do know plenty of writers who find value in being a part of the organization.

Join a few spaces and show up in the ones that resonate most with you. And — as #3 points out — don’t enter any of these spaces with a taker mindset. 

That’s all I’ve got (for now). I’m sure I’ll continue to learn and grow, so there’ll be more lessons worth sharing. May your travel writing journey blow your mind and take you places you’d never imagine. Some may try to talk you out of it, but you deserve to see what’s out there.

Happy writing!

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