Many aspire to the life of a Travel Writer, envisioning glamorous trips and effortless exploration. While the perks are undeniable, the reality, as numerous travel writers confess, is often far more demanding than it appears. Press trips, in particular, though seemingly idyllic, can be incredibly exhausting.
Jennifer, a seasoned travel writer, highlights this contrast: “When all you crave is to unwind after a day of constant motion since 5 am, the schedule demands your presence at yet another dinner. There’s barely a moment to rush back to your luxurious hotel room for a quick shower and change. And before you can even think about dinner, the unspoken rule is to keep your hosts and PR representatives happy by posting that engaging Instagram story – which means quickly gathering facts and editing photos to showcase the day’s highlights.”
Veteran travel writer Kerry Heaney of eatdrinkandbekerry.net emphasizes the compressed nature of a travel writer’s itinerary. “Most people wouldn’t realize travel writers pack about three times the activities they normally would into a single day. This intensity allows us to gather incredible stories and experience a vast amount, but it’s undeniably tiring,” she explains. “This pace is often facilitated by dedicated organizers who expertly showcase their region. However, it also means we seldom have the luxury to truly immerse ourselves in a place, and experiences are often condensed. For instance, the average traveler might opt for a relaxing afternoon by the pool before catching a flight, whereas a travel writer might find themselves on a half-day boat trip right before heading to the airport.”
Kerri McConnel, a digital influencer from beerandcroissants.com, echoes this sentiment. She approaches each trip with fresh enthusiasm, committed to delivering substantial returns for the brands, destinations, and experiences that host her. Reading Kerri’s typical itinerary is, in itself, an exhausting experience.
“I’m currently on a familiarization trip with a packed schedule, representing multiple brands simultaneously,” Kerri recounts. “Our days are incredibly full, often concluding around 11 pm. And this isn’t due to leisurely evenings with drinks. Many dinners are hosted by senior management from the represented brands – they are purely business engagements. Throughout the day, we are actively listening, taking meticulous notes, and constantly brainstorming angles for our stories and identifying crucial questions that need answers. And then, of course, there are the photos and videos.”
“As someone who creates content for my own website, my responsibilities extend far beyond just writing articles,” Kerri elaborates. “I spend the entire day capturing hundreds of photographs and recording countless video moments. I have to capture all this content in various formats, anticipating the diverse needs of different platforms – my website, Instagram, Facebook, and more. A video for Instagram Stories demands a vertical format and a strict 15-second limit, while clips for YouTube, Facebook, and website videos require horizontal shooting.”
“This often translates to shooting two videos for almost every scene. It’s a constant juggling act, and I only have one pair of hands! My toolkit includes DSLRs, iPhones, a drone, GoPro, along with gimbals and selfie sticks for stabilization and versatility. Once the official day concludes, I need to download and categorize all the images and videos to safeguard against potential equipment failures and data loss. Then comes the curation and post-processing. Editing and producing a two-minute video can easily consume two full days of work. If I manage to find a spare moment during the day, perhaps while traveling between locations, you’ll likely find me on my phone, posting Instagram Stories or Facebook updates, or simply trying to build social media engagement. This isn’t just about randomly posting any photo. I have to carefully consider which image will generate the most engagement, craft a compelling caption, add relevant tags, and so on.”
The life of a travel writer is undoubtedly enriching and exciting, offering unique opportunities to explore the world. However, it’s crucial to recognize the demanding workload and dedication required. Behind the captivating articles and stunning photos lies a reality of long hours, constant multitasking, and relentless content creation. For those passionate about travel and storytelling, and prepared for the hard work, the rewards of being a travel writer are well worth the effort.
