Journalism is a uniquely challenging and equally rewarding career, and there are so many different niches within the industry, all with various specialisms that have important associated skills.
If you’re considering the competitive world of travel journalism, then you’ve certainly clicked on the right article, and here are four top tips to help you on your way.
1. Partner with a Mentor
Even if you have no connection to the world of journalism and feel as if you’re starting at a disadvantage because of this, with tenacity and perseverance, you can create your own opportunities to put yourself out there and get ahead.
Once you’ve determined the type of travel journalism that you’re most interested in, reach out to newspapers, online magazines and other publication forums (including reputable social media travel pages) to search for a mentor.
Partnering with a mentor offers numerous benefits, including:
- Advancing your skills
- Leadership and career development
- A fresh and professional perspective
- The ability to connect with other travel journalists
- Personal development
2. Create Your Own Opportunities
The best way to improve your writing skills and find your voice as a writer is to create your own opportunities, and instead of waiting for a company to offer you a travel writing role, head to a tourist spot, or attend an annual festival in another state and get to work.
Packing everything you need for a working vacation as a journalist is more complicated than you may think; there may be long days waiting in position for a certain event, or circumstances may mean that you need to stay away longer than you anticipated.
This is why you should concentrate on everything from stylish and comfortable travel shoes to outfits for all weathers, so you can keep your mind on the job and produce the best work possible.
3. Consider Applying for an Internship
Even the most reputable degree program in the world can’t prepare you for the unpredictability, not to mention the excitement, involved in travel journalism, which is why if you can get your hands on an internship, you won’t regret it.
If you can’t find any suitable placements in your local area, don’t be afraid to contact a local newspaper, magazine, or even an online publication, and offer to become an intern.
If you’ve been a moderately successful travel blogger for some time, an internship will bring a new level of recognition and credibility to your work and will also educate you in the nuances of the profession.
4. Networking is Essential
Immersing yourself in writers’ conferences and writing classes and workshops is a fundamental necessity if you’re serious about entering this competitive career, and what’s more, you should also seek to continue to build your contact list.
Networking is a crucial part of many career pathways, but for journalists, the more reliable professional bonds you make, the more embedded in the world you’ll become. Due to the competitive nature of travel journalism, (who wouldn’t want to make money while on vacation?), the more people you know, the better placed you’ll be.
