What’s your dream destination? I have so much information and so many photos about Bali saved on my phone. I’m sure you have one, too. Maybe you’ve been there already. Or maybe, like most people, you’re still saving up for the ticket. Either way, you likely found out about it from travel writers. People all over the world rely on travel content to research, plan, and budget for their trips. That’s why travel writing for freelancers is one of the most exciting and profitable niches.
If you’re interested in writing for the travel space, it’s about more than just describing a location. Your job is to take readers on a journey, make them feel something, and deliver useful insights. The best freelance travel writers create immersive narratives, stay current on trending destinations, and know how to blend storytelling with practical value.
Young woman writing compelling travel narratives
Why Travel Writing for Freelancers Is in High Demand
More people are traveling than ever before. With remote work and digital nomad culture booming, readers crave content that helps them make smart, safe, and memorable travel decisions. This creates a steady demand for freelance writers who can provide clear, engaging, and well-researched travel content.
Whether full-time or part-time, freelance writers can carve out a successful niche in travel by offering stories, guides, and tips that cater to real traveler needs. And if you combine writing with photography or videography? Even better.
Top Freelance Travel Writing Opportunities
Freelance travel writing offers more than blog posts. You can get paid to create high-value content for a wide range of clients and platforms. Here are some standout paths:
Become a Travel Copywriter
Craft marketing copy for travel brands, hotels, tour companies, and travel agencies. This could include landing pages, product descriptions, promotional emails, or ad copy.
Create Blogs and Destination Content
Write blog posts or destination guides for travel websites. Include local highlights, must-see spots, hidden gems, and travel hacks.
Write Travel Guides and Itineraries
Travelers love clear, useful guides that help them plan smarter. Itineraries, safety tips, neighborhood breakdowns, and budget recs are all great content ideas.
Ghostwrite Travel E-books
Many content creators want to publish travel e-books but don’t have time to write. You can ghostwrite books covering everything from solo travel safety to visa-free destinations.
Contribute to Travel Magazines
Magazines like Lonely Planet and Travel + Leisure often accept freelance pitches. If you have a unique angle, you could get published and paid.
Tools and Techniques to Strengthen Your Travel Writing
To succeed in travel writing for freelancers, research is everything. But it doesn’t stop there. These tools can make your writing process easier and more effective:
Grammarly: Grammarly is a famous tool among writers and even editors. It helps you with sentence structure and arrangement and corrects tiny errors that a writer might miss when writing. This tool is invaluable in improving the final copy of your work as a writer.
Google Docs: Google Docs is one of the many tools Google provides its users. It is such a good tool that, at times, it is hard to believe it is entirely free. This tool does many things for you, like correcting grammar, sorting headlines, and even sentence arrangement. All you need to worry about is putting your ideas into words; then, it does the rest for you.
ChatGPT: This is one of the most efficient AI tools. It comes in handy when researching information and providing several details about a topic.
Semrush: If you are a writer focused on optimizing your content, this is one writing tool you will appreciate. Semrush provides keywords related to any topic you are writing about. This helps your content reach a wider audience and helps them get relevant information about what they were researching.
Always start with thorough research. Then use these tools to organize and optimize your content.
Real Success Stories from the Travel Writing Industry
Looking for inspiration? Here are a few successful freelance travel writers to check out:
- Kym Backer: A lifestyle journalist and travel columnist with extensive magazine experience.
- Bianca Bujan: Known for family travel and food writing, featured in Lonely Planet.
- Demarco Williams: Shares travel insights through captivating editorial-style content.
- Phaon Spurlock: Combines travel, culture, and lifestyle into magnetic stories.
These writers all built their brands with consistent storytelling, niche focus, and a passion for travel.
Getting Started as a Freelance Travel Writer
So, how do you break in? Start local. Write about places you’ve been. Pitch small blogs, create sample pieces, or guest post. From there, build a portfolio that shows your voice, skill, and perspective.
As you grow, consider offering related services like itinerary planning or destination content creation. Promote yourself on social media and freelancing platforms. And most importantly, stay curious.
If you’re serious about making a name for yourself in travel writing for freelancers, remember: the goal is to make people feel like they’re already there. When your words inspire someone to book a trip or see a place in a new way, you’ve done your job.
Ready to take the next step? Check out my services and let’s explore ways to grow your freelance career together!