Become a Travel Journo
The job: Researching new and exciting travel destinations and activities. You also propose story angles for coverage, plan the travel itinerary and execute photo shoots to convey information in the most enticing way possible. Writing, of course, is a major part of the job.
The challenge: You get to enjoy luxury hotels, fine dining, spa treats, you name it. To sound less like a free-loading vulture, you have to travelling to unusual places, discovering a different side of destination, including diving in some of the most pristine marine havens on earth. Nothing beats the feel of the wide open road and the adventures that lie around the next bend.
Downside: Getting stung by jellyfish and polishing off a can of insect spray in an attempt to ward off leeches in our beautiful rainforest. Long hours on shoots are to be expected of course.
The income: If you’re in it for the money, you’re in the wrong job. But, the experiences gained are priceless. Freelancing is a good way to supplement your pay. But this requires funds to subsidise travel expenses.
The customer: Travel writers may either go on to write for international publications or become editors of travel mags. One could even release a book, travel guide or brochure or start up a travel website.