For many, the idea of Travel Writer Jobs conjures up images of sun-drenched beaches, luxurious hotels, and exotic adventures – all while getting paid to explore the world. And while elements of this dream exist, the reality of travel writer jobs, especially in today’s fast-paced digital landscape, is often far more demanding than it appears. Behind the envy-inducing Instagram posts and captivating articles lies a world of tight deadlines, constant content creation, and a relentless work ethic.
Press trips, often seen as the pinnacle of travel writer perks, perfectly illustrate this dichotomy. While these trips offer incredible opportunities to experience new destinations, they are frequently described as exhausting by seasoned professionals. Jennifer, a writer who has navigated numerous press trips, explains, “When you want to switch off and relax at night time because you have been on the go since 5am, you still must attend that dinner on a press trip.” The expectation to be “on” and engaged continues long after the sun sets, blurring the lines between work and leisure.
The brief moments of downtime are often filled with the demands of social media. “Before dinner, you know to keep your hosts (and PRs) happy you should post that Insta story,” Jennifer continues, highlighting the immediate need to curate and share experiences online. This involves not just snapping a quick photo, but “gathering facts and editing photos to present the highlights of your destination” – tasks that require time and focus, even when exhaustion sets in.
Veteran travel writer Kerry Heaney, from eatdrinkandbekerry.net, emphasizes the packed schedules that are typical of travel writer jobs, particularly on press trips. “Most people wouldn’t realise travel writers fit three times the activities they would do into every day,” she states. While this density of experience leads to “great stories and see[ing] a tremendous amount,” it comes at the cost of personal time and relaxation. The meticulously planned itineraries, designed to showcase a region, often leave little room for spontaneity or simply “soaking it in.” Kerry points out the contrast: “For example, who would go on a half-day boat trip when they are catching a plane that afternoon? Most people would just relax by the pool and pack at leisure.” Travel writers, however, are expected to maximize every moment, turning leisure activities into work opportunities.
Digital influencer Kerri McConnel of www.beerandcroissants.com echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the intense workload behind creating engaging travel content. Kerri approaches each trip with a dedicated mindset, focused on delivering a strong return on investment for her hosts. Her description of a typical “famil” trip is revealing: “Our days are very full and most evenings have finished around 11pm. This isn’t because we’ve been kicking back having a few drinks either.” These trips are often “pure business,” involving dinners hosted by senior management and days filled with “listening, taking notes and thinking about the angle for our stories and what questions we need to have answered.”
Beyond the writing itself, travel writer jobs in the digital age demand a diverse skillset. Kerri elaborates on the extensive content creation involved: “As someone who writes for my own website, there’s so much more to do than just my articles.” This includes capturing content in multiple formats for various platforms: “I spend all day taking hundreds of photos and capturing so many moments on video. I have to take all of this in many different formats depending on what I might need them for (website, Instagram, Facebook etc).” The technical demands are significant, requiring writers to be proficient with various devices – “normal DSLRs, iPhones, a drone, GoPro” – and editing software.
Travel writer editing video on laptop
Evenings are often dedicated to post-production and content management. “At night when the official duties are finished I then need to download and categorise the images and video to ensure that if I have an equipment failure I don’t lose my content. Then there’s the curating and post-processing,” Kerri explains. A seemingly short two-minute video can require “two days to edit and produce,” highlighting the time-intensive nature of content creation for travel writer jobs. Furthermore, the need for constant social media engagement means that even travel time is utilized for work: “If we get a moment during the day (e.g. travelling between venues) then you’ll find me on the phone posting Instagram stories or Facebook posts or just generally trying to get some traction with social media.” This constant connectivity and the pressure to maintain an online presence are now integral aspects of travel writer jobs.
In conclusion, while the allure of travel writer jobs remains strong, it’s crucial to understand the dedication and hard work required to succeed. The reality extends far beyond idyllic scenes and encompasses long hours, demanding schedules, and a constant need to create compelling content across multiple platforms. For those passionate about travel and storytelling, and willing to embrace the challenges, travel writer jobs can be rewarding careers. However, aspiring travel writers should enter the field with a realistic understanding of the effort involved in turning the dream into a sustainable profession.
