The Oxford English Dictionary defines ‘travel writing’ as ‘A genre of writing in which the author describes places they have visited and their experiences while travelling’.
This can include writing for guide books, websites, blogs, magazines and 600-page novels.
Travel writing celebrates the people, places, experiences and cultures that make this world so truly diverse and amazing.
Some travel writers do it for enjoyment but many also do it for a living, which is the type of travel writing on which we are going to focus. Notable contemporary English-language travel writers include Paul Theroux, Bill Bryson, Mary Morris, Dennison Berwick, Jan Morris, Tony Horwitz and Tom Miller, among others.
With a bit of work you can soon become a high quality travel writer too and get paid for doing so.
Career Development
As a travel writer for a publication like Lonely Planet or National Geographic the rewards are limitless as many travel writers go on to produce other forms of media. A travel writer can expect a salary of $50k++ as experience and reputation grows.
Course Review
The Travel Writing Course from Enjoy Online Courses clearly defines successful writing and shows you how to get there with a hands on approach that allows you grasp important points quicker than other providers. Excellent job. Thank you. Highly recommended!
Course Outline
Introduction
Welcome to Enjoy Online Courses and our course on Travel Writing.
Critical learning factors underpinning this high quality accredited course
Cognitive Processes
Metacognitive Processes
Mindfulness
Module 1: Key Reflections on Travel Writing
Module Objective
How do you become a high quality travel writer?
The 4 Critical Elements for Success
Knowledge
Abilities
Skills
Habits
When will you know when you’ve succeeded?
Module 2: Critical Element 1: Knowledge
Know how to make a sound decision
Six Thinking Hats
Know how and what to research
Read, read, read
Check out the competition
Keep an eye on your finances
Know how to achieve your goal by setting SMART objectives
Know everything there is to know about the country/place you will be writing about
Know how to write well
Know how to get the best out of your camera and produce high quality images
Know how to make money from your hard work
Know the importance of reflection
True Story: Changying
Module 3: Critical Element 2: Abilities
Module Objective
Keep fit and well
Be ready to adjust to the weather
Identify and avoid insects and other biting/stinging creatures.
See the big picture and give a balanced view
Soak up the pressure
Be empathic when chatting with others on your travels
Be descriptive and non-judgemental
Be optimistic
Be patient
Be curious
Listen without judging
Ask questions
Embrace surprise
Make time for it
Don’t be afraid to admit you don’t know something
Be motivated
You need to be motivated to motivate your readers
Everyone can be motivated in some way or another
Motivation doesn’t last
Think outside the box
Module 4: Critical Element 3: Skills
Module Objective
Writing Skills
Clarity is crucial
Work on your tone
Use simple sentences and short paragraphs
Use a writing frame
Let it flow
Entice with your title
Humour is welcome…in small doses
Grammar, spelling and punctuation are fundamental
Evaluate your piece (before presenting it to publishers)
Seek out help if need be
Time management and planning skills
Observation skills
Influencing skills
Blogging skills (potentially)
Photographic Skills
Networking skills
Visibility
Credibility
Profitability
Have the tools to network with you at all times
Listen and ask questions
Give help whenever possible
Manage your time efficiently
Follow up!
Module 5: Critical Element 4: Habits
Module Objective
Tools at the ready
Look after your tools
Always have a backup plan
Don’t look like a tourist
Respect national laws at all times
Stay fresh
Get up early and go to bed early
Reflect
End of Course Assessment
Take the End of Course Assessment and get rewarded with your Accredited Certificate