By Remy Raitt

Still, the pros certainly outweigh the cons and consequently, it’s a competitive career choice. “These days, where anyone can be a blogger and take good photos, the competition is ridiculous,” says freelance travel writer Carrie Hampton.

Getting in there

Former Travel24 writer turned freelancer Nadia Krige caught a lucky break getting into the industry. Through a Media24 internship, she was placed at Travel24, who offered her a full-time job after her cadetship. “Obviously it doesn’t work out so easily for everyone,” she says. Like Jill Starley-Grainger says in an article for The Guardian, blogs can be a great ‘in’ into the industry. Krige agrees; “These days the best way to get into travel writing is to have a blog you update regularly with quality travel stories and photographs." She says you don’t have to be jetting off to Europe and unearthing the Amazon to do this. “Travel need not be across continents for it to be meaningful,” Krige says. “The most amazing stories could be waiting in an obscure local ‘dorpie’ less than 100km away from your home.”  

Niche is nice

“As a rather recent entry to the freelance travel writing market, I have come to realise that it’s really important to have a niche or a pet project that people associate you with,” says Krige. Hampton agrees. She personally specialises in safaris, giving her an expert edge.

Hampton suggests picking something you care or know about; a region, country, activity or a specific genre like budget travel or high-end escapes. Blog, tweet and Instagram it, and in time people will associate you with your niche, prompting editors to approach you to cover the topic for their title.

Craft it with style

Travel writers have to be able to craft a story. Hampton says a creative flair is also essential, with great journalists finding the balance between “facts and fun”. “Travel writing is very different from other forms of writing and I think a good travel article is more akin to a short story; it should be a complete narrative which comes to a satisfying end.”

Krige says another way travel journalism differs from beats like news is that the writer has to have their own opinion. “You actually have to be a little bit biased - I mean, people read travel stories to find out what you thought about a place or an experience, otherwise they could just have stuck to the brochure or the official website."

She recommends pitching and writing listicles too. “While pieces like ‘10 best beaches in the Western Cape’ are no doubt useful, I think people always enjoy something a little more personal.”

She says besides that, and the ability to pack a bag in record time, travel journalists should possess all the other mandatory skills found within the broader profession; great grammar and spelling, correct facts, social media skills and ability to pitch and execute interesting, informative and entertaining stories.

Krige and Hampton agree that the perfect travel story will transport readers to faraway places. Krige suggests using genuine personal experiences, a touch of humour and links to real-world topics like politics or current trends.

More skills make an easier sell

The ability to write, take great pictures and handle social media will put an aspiring travel journo in good stead. Hampton says being able to adapt is crucial. She says the advent of the internet forced her to move with the times; “I didn’t grow up with social media but I’ve had to learn and embrace the changes.”

But the most crucial part, according to Hampton, is passion. She says a strong desire to pursue the profession will help overcome obstacles and motivate you to get out there, see the world and then share your stories.

Are you a travel journalist? What are your top tips?