Many publications and websites exist that offer rewards for people who write articles related to travel and tourism. Some of these work-at-home opportunities will even pay you to sign up for a trial offer, and if you’re at least 18 years old, you can certainly become a full-time freelance writer with very little effort! You’ll be able to contribute to established publications such as Conde Nast Traveler, Delta Sky, Frommer’s, and Lonely Planet, among others. You can also start your own blog and then use a platform like Google Adsense to earn money from online advertising.
If you’re looking for a way to make money online, consider pursuing a career in travel writing. The demand for travel content is growing, and many freelancing platforms like Upwork, Freelancer.com, and PeoplePerHour have numerous job offerings in this arena. You’ll likely encounter freelance travel writers who work directly for travel brands and destinations, as well as for larger media organizations and publication houses. Once you’ve gained some experience, you can then branch out and land a salaried position at a travel company or media outlet.
The Rise in Demand for Travel Content
While the travel industry has experienced significant changes in the last decade, from increasing online booking to the spread of smart phones and the rise of the sharing economy, travel writing as a freelancing opportunity is still a lucrative one. Between 2016 and 2025, travel content will grow by 17% according to Market Pro’s Future of Travel Media.
Over the last five years, the number of people reading travel blogs has increased from 16 million to 27 million, and the number of people visiting travel websites has increased from 23 million to 35 million, according to HubSpot Blogs’ research.
With more people reading blogs and engaging with content on social media, it’s important for businesses to keep up with the trend and provide quality content regularly. If you can land a gig with a popular publication or website and churn out some articles on the travel industry, you’ll be able to establish yourself as an authority in your field and build a steady stream of income.
Platforms Where You Can Find Work
If you’re looking for a place to find work, it would be best to approach established travel publications and websites with a pitch for freelance writing work. Most travel companies and brands will have someone on staff who deals with this, so there’s no need to go through an agency to get paid to write about your travels. Pitch these places first, as they are likely to have already received many similar pitches from amateur writers.
The best part about approaching a top travel website is that you’ll already have the opportunity to pitch your articles to a large audience and establish yourself as an expert in your field. The downside is that you might not get paid much. It’s not unusual for travel websites to only pay a few hundred dollars for an article in the month before the publication goes to press. However, if you can get some good reviews and establish yourself as a reliable author, your income could spike up significantly.
The Best Way to Get Started As a Travel Writer
If you’re looking to get started as a travel writer, consider using a platform like Upwork to find freelance writing gigs. The great thing about this site is that you can filter the results based on your desired rate per article. After submitting a bid, you’ll receive a list of assignments that match your criteria. It’s best to work your way through this list and take on as many jobs as you can handle, in the hopes of eventually building a steady stream of income.
Another great option is to write and submit articles to content-based websites that are relevant to your niche. For example, if you’re keen on exploring the Italian culinary scene, you could look into reviewing restaurants and food trucks in your area or taking a look at the country’s best pasta dishes. In return, you’ll receive a small fee for each accepted piece and can build a portfolio of work to show to prospective clients.
Additional Income Streams
Besides the opportunities that exist to get paid to write about your travels, there are other ways to earn some extra cash. For instance, you could try selling and distributing your own branded merchandise related to travel. You could also become a copywriter for an aviation or travel insurance company and pitch articles to help promote their products.
Travel can be a lucrative industry, and it’s continuing to grow, so it’s well worth exploring the various work-at-home opportunities that exist in this space. If you’re keen to get paid to travel, keep your eyes open for freelancing gigs that pay well and allow you to travel the world as a digital nomad.