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Travel Writing

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Travel writing is a fascinating and rewarding genre that allows writers to share their experiences and insights with the world. While some people may think of travel writing as simply recounting your adventures, it’s so much more than that. Good travel writing can transport readers, helping them to experience new cultures, learn about different perspectives, and see the world through fresh eyes. It can inspire us to step outside of our comfort zones, embrace new experiences, and appreciate the beauty of the world around us. It can also raise awareness of important issues and bring attention to causes that may not be getting enough attention.

Why Learn About Travel Writing?

There are many reasons why you might want to learn about travel writing. Perhaps you’re an aspiring writer who dreams of sharing your travel experiences with the world, or maybe you’re a seasoned traveler who wants to capture your memories in a more creative way. Maybe you want to use your writing as a way to give back to your community or educate others about the world around them. Whatever your reasons, there are many benefits to learning about travel writing.

One of the biggest benefits of learning about travel writing is that it can help you develop your writing skills. Travel writing requires you to be able to write clearly and concisely, to paint a picture with words, and to engage your readers from the very first sentence. By studying travel writing, you can learn the techniques that professional writers use to create compelling and informative stories.

Online Courses

If you're interested in learning more about travel writing, there are many online courses that can help you get started. These courses can teach you the basics of travel writing, such as how to structure a story, how to write engaging descriptions, and how to market your work. They can also provide you with opportunities to practice your writing and get feedback from experienced writers. Some courses even include opportunities to publish your work in online magazines or anthologies.

Here are some of the benefits of taking an online course in travel writing:

  • You can learn at your own pace.
  • You can access the course materials from anywhere with an internet connection.
  • You can get feedback from experienced writers.
  • You can connect with other students who are also interested in travel writing.
  • You can get your work published in online magazines or anthologies.

If you're interested in taking an online course in travel writing, there are many different options to choose from. Here are a few of the most popular courses:

  • Travel Journaling: How to Write Extraordinary Travel Diaries
  • Travel Writing: Explore the World & Publish Your Stories!

These courses can help you learn the basics of travel writing and get you started on your journey to becoming a successful travel writer.

Careers in Travel Writing

If you're passionate about travel and writing, you may be wondering if you can turn your passion into a career. The good news is that there are many different career paths available to travel writers. Here are a few of the most common:

  • Freelance travel writer
  • Staff writer for a travel magazine or website
  • Travel blogger
  • Travel editor
  • Travel book author

The type of career you choose will depend on your skills, interests, and goals. If you're interested in writing about your own travel experiences, you may want to become a freelance travel writer or start a travel blog. If you're more interested in writing about travel destinations and trends, you may want to become a staff writer for a travel magazine or website. And if you have a book in you, you may want to become a travel book author.

No matter what type of career you choose, there are many opportunities for travel writers to make a living doing what they love. If you're passionate about travel and writing, don't be afraid to pursue your dream of becoming a travel writer.

Conclusion

Travel writing is a rewarding and challenging genre that can open up a world of possibilities. If you're interested in learning more about travel writing, there are many online courses and resources that can help you get started. With hard work and dedication, you can turn your passion for travel and writing into a successful career.

Path to Travel Writing

Take the first step.
We've curated eight courses to help you on your path to Travel Writing. Use these to develop your skills, build background knowledge, and put what you learn to practice.
Sorted from most relevant to least relevant:

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Reading list

We've selected 32 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Travel Writing.
Travelogue of a young Ernesto Guevara's motorcycle journey through South America.
While not exclusively about travel writing, Zinsser's book foundational text for anyone aspiring to write compelling nonfiction. It provides essential principles of clarity, simplicity, and voice that are directly applicable to crafting engaging travel narratives. is widely used as a textbook and is invaluable for building strong writing fundamentals necessary for any level of travel writing.
Provides a comprehensive overview of travel writing, covering everything from finding your voice to crafting compelling narratives.
Considered a modern classic of travel literature, Theroux's account of his train journey through Asia masterclass in observation, cultural commentary, and engaging prose. It's essential reading for understanding the tradition of immersive, long-form travel narrative.
Addresses the contemporary realities of travel writing in the digital age. It's particularly relevant for those interested in blogging, online journalism, and leveraging social media. It provides practical strategies for monetizing travel content beyond traditional print media, making it highly valuable for understanding the current industry landscape.
Bryson's humorous and insightful account of his travels through Britain prime example of how personality and wit can elevate travel writing. It's a highly accessible and entertaining read that demonstrates effective cultural observation and engaging storytelling.
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A highly popular memoir that exemplifies compelling personal narrative within a travel context. While not a how-to guide, 'Wild' demonstrates the power of using a journey for self-discovery and crafting an emotionally resonant story. It's a must-read for understanding the memoiristic side of travel writing.
This guide offers a comprehensive overview of the craft and business of travel writing from a highly reputable source in the travel industry. It covers everything from developing story ideas and conducting research to pitching articles and navigating the publishing landscape. It's a solid resource for beginners and provides practical advice for those looking to professionalize their travel writing.
This classic novel follows the adventures of a group of young people as they travel across the United States.
Offers practical advice on how to write travel articles, essays, and books.
This humorous and insightful account of a hike along the Appalachian Trail explores the challenges and rewards of long-distance hiking.
Another widely read memoir that blends personal journey with cultural exploration. highlights the appeal of narrative-driven travel writing and its ability to connect with a broad audience. It's a good example of a commercially successful travel memoir.
Stewart's account of walking across Afghanistan after the fall of the Taliban compelling example of immersive and challenging travel writing. It highlights the importance of in-depth cultural engagement and provides a perspective on travel in complex and often difficult environments.
Steinbeck's journey across America with hisStandard poodle explores the diverse landscapes and people of the United States. classic example of American travel writing and offers insights into observing and documenting a changing nation.
This textbook delves into the principles and practices of travel journalism, focusing on ethical reporting and providing credible information about the travel and tourism industry. It's particularly useful for those interested in a more journalistic approach to travel writing and understanding the nuances of covering this specific beat.
Chatwin's evocative and fragmented account of his travels in Patagonia celebrated example of literary travel writing. It demonstrates how historical research, personal encounters, and vivid descriptions can be woven together to create a compelling sense of place.
This guide offers practical advice for aspiring and established travel writers, covering everything from note-taking to pitching and publishing. It includes tips from industry professionals and addresses contemporary aspects of the field, making it a relevant resource for today's travel writers.
De Botton explores the philosophy and psychology behind why we travel and what we seek from our journeys. offers a more intellectual and reflective perspective on travel, providing a deeper understanding of the traveler's mindset and the potential for introspection in travel writing.
This guide focuses on the experience of writing while traveling, offering practical exercises and advice for capturing observations and reflections. It's particularly helpful for those who want to maintain a writing practice while on the road, whether for personal enrichment or professional purposes.
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