Who does not dream of getting paid to travel? You get to see the world, you get to report your experiences, and earn lots of cash and fame in the process. The whole idea sounds too good to be true, and — let’s be completely honest —it is. Sure, there are plenty of amazing and fun travel writing jobs out there. However, you have to stay realistic about the options, the compensation, and the overall stability of these jobs, which are described below.
#1 Freelance writing for travel magazines
This one is definitely a dream job for many, as freelance contributors to travel magazines get an average of $300 per 1000 word article. However, this job comes with a catch. Unless you are specifically contracted by a magazine, you will have to send your submission to multiple platforms. If one of them eventually accepts, it might still take up to 6 months for the piece to be published (and compensated).
#2 Guest posting for travel blog
Travel blogging is usually paid less than submissions to glossy magazines, but the competition is still steep. On the other hand, guest posting can be done on a more regular (and more predictable basis) as compared to magazine submissions. The payment, however, is much lower. Here, the compensation generally starts at $50 per 700-1000 word article. However, blogs with an established audience can sometimes offer more.
#3 Maintaining your travel blog
This undertaking leaves quite a lot of room for creativity; however, it requires some initial investment. You can surely choose from a number of free blog hosting platforms (such as WordPress or Blogger), but you will still have to invest time in designing your site template, figuring out your target audience, etc.
Then again, you will have to think about the compensation. The general practice today are affiliate links. Some other bloggers use their sites for self-advertising. Whatever your case may be, get ready that blogging takes more time and responsibility than it seems at first. Then again, you will have to pay travel expenses out of your own pocket — unless you find means to travel for free, of course.
#4 Content writing
There are plenty of websites — hotels, tour operators, and even cafes — in need of promotional, travel-related content. The compensation in this niche varies greatly, so a lot will depend on the employer. You can find travel content writing job on freelance sites, such as UpWork, or by joining specialized writing agencies, such as http://essaywritersite.com/. And yes — you’re right, academic writing teams work on web content as well.
#5 Guidebook writing
Not the most common type of travel writing gig out there, but some tour operators might be willing to sponsor the undertaking. Alternatively, you can self-publish (either as an e-book or a printed edition), but this idea is associated with some financial risks and time expenses. All in all, writing a guide e-book can be a great idea for travel bloggers with an established subscribers database — this way, you’ll have more chances of monetizing your work (that is, if some of your subscribers choose to buy it).
#6 Ad and brochure writing
Another blooming field for travel writers, and — once again — you can find plenty of those jobs on freelancing sites. Hotels, tour operators, restaurants, and pretty much the whole range of local business target tourists and want to invest in advertising. Once again, the compensation varies a lot depending on the employer’s budget, but it is possible to find very lucrative opportunities — especially if you know how to write copy that sells.
#7 Travel journalism and reporting
Another amazing job for anyone who would like to get paid to travel. The downside is that professional reporting is usually covered by professional journalists. Also, mind that you usually have to be a staff writer for that.
#8 Travel fiction writing
Just like in case with the guidebook writing, you can invest in yourself and transfer your travel experiences into fiction. Sure, this may time quite a lot of time, and you will probably have to look for a publisher yourself (that is after you’re finished with the book).
#9 Translation and localization
If you speak several languages, you can find plenty of jobs, related to other cultures, and a translation is one of them. For example, you can collaborate with hotels to translate and localize their marketing materials, or you can even apply for a job in the same hotel locally, thus, combining your language skills with real-life immersion in the culture.
#10 Editing and proofreading
Finally, do not disregard editing and proofreading opportunities for travel experts. A lot of travel magazines are looking not only for article contributors but also for editors. This, of course, is usually a stay-in-your-own-country job. But, if a magazine collaborates with remote staff, you can combine work and travel.