Fundamentals of Travel Writing

Travel writing—and getting paid to travel—seems like an unattainable dream. But don’t let the naysayers fool you. It is absolutely possible to live that dream, and make a living doing so. Accomplished travel writer Jennifer Billock will show you how with this course on the fundamentals of travel writing. Learn how the industry works and how to make your trips work for you.

This eight-week class combines weekly writing workshops with readings. You’ll learn the basics of writing about travel for publications and the web. We’ll cover types of travel writing, press trips, what it’s like on the trip itself, writing a feature, and being mindful of issues within the industry. Participants in the class will receive a list of potential travel writing markets. Each week includes a writing assignment. Class members are encouraged to participate in critiques of one another’s work.

Jennifer is great! She truly cares about what she’s teaching and she is very open and responsive.
—Sequoia Armstrong

Travel Writing Course Outline

Each week includes suggested readings, all of which will be available on the web.

Unit 1. The Wide World of Travel Writing

I will introduce the class and how it works and go over discussion participation guidelines and best practices. Then we will discuss several different types of travel writing, including how-to, front-of-book, service, essay, and feature.

Assignment: Post your bio in the discussion section. Write a 500-word essay about your most meaningful travel moment.

Unit 2. Traveling at Home

First we will have a short discussion about the last assignment and critiques, and any comments on the suggested reading. We will then discover the world of travel writing at home and stories you can find in your own community.

Assignment: Go to a public place in your community and observe for 30 minutes. When you come back, write a 500-word piece about what you saw.

Unit 3:  All About Press Trips

First we will have a short discussion about the last assignment and critiques. Media trips are the bread and butter of a professional travel writer’s job. This unit discusses everything you need to know about them—including how to get them, how to find the best stories, publication guidelines, and ethics.

Assignment: Prepare an introductory letter.

Unit 4:  Before and During Your Trip

First we will have a short discussion about the last assignment and critiques, and any comments on the suggested reading. We will then discuss the pre-work that needs to be done before a trip, including research, finding contacts, and brainstorming potential stories. Next, we will discuss the work to be done while on a trip, including interviews with locals, photography, taking evocative notes, and discovering the real story.

Assignment: Go to an event or happening in your community. While you’re there, take notes, interview people, and take some photos (this can be done with a cellphone). When you return, write an 800-word travel story about the event and what it was like.

Unit 5:  Travel Features

First we will have a short discussion about the last assignment and critiques, and any comments on the suggested reading. We will then have a more in-depth discussion about travel features, including setting, characters, perspective, scenes, and narrative arc.

Assignment: Create a thorough outline for a travel feature based on a travel experience you’ve had (or feel free to road trip and find a story that way).

Unit 6:  Issues in the Travel Industry and Your Role as the Writer

First we will have a short discussion about the last assignment and critiques, and any comments on the suggested reading. We will then discuss current issues in the travel industry, including over-tourism, inclusion, colonialism, and sustainable tourism. We will also discuss your role and responsibilities as a travel writer when it comes to these issues.

Assignment: Write a 1,200-word travel feature from the last assignment’s outline with these considerations in mind.

Unit 7:  All About the Travel Publication

First we will have a short discussion about the last assignment and critiques. Then, we will break down the travel publication, including publication tiers, demographics, and how to “read” the publication to know exactly what to pitch.

Assignment: Write a breakdown of your favorite travel magazine.

Unit 8:  Market List and Pitch Workshop

Each student in the class will receive a list of publications looking for travel-related content. After discussing the reading and assignment critiques, we will talk about best practices for pitching stories and read some successful queries.

Why Take a Travel Writing Course with Writers.com?

• We welcome writers of all backgrounds and experience levels, and we are here for one reason: to support you on your writing journey.
• Small groups keep our online writing classes lively and intimate.
• Work through your weekly written lectures, course materials, and writing assignments at your own pace.
• Share and discuss your work with classmates in a supportive class environment.
• Award-winning instructor Jennifer Billock will offer you direct, personal feedback and suggestions on every assignment you submit.