Don’t Become A Travel or Holiday Writer
Travel or holiday writing is a bit like poetry - everyone thinks they can do, but few can. So if the holiday bug has got to you and you think you can cover your expenses by writing on the marvelous holiday well then here’s five reasons why you should not write that holiday report
If however these reasons don’t apply to you then go for it. Get to know an editor and you can quite easily pay for that holiday abroad if you are prepared to put in a little effort and a little research.
1. Don’t attempt holiday type writing if you are not a seasoned traveler. If this is just your first or second trip abroad then the chances are you’ll not have that little extra that comes with regular travel. It stands to sense that if you are not filled with that “Indinia Jones” curiosity, about really wanting to know what makes the locals tick, and what they have for the breakfast - stay clear, and just enjoy your holiday
2. He’s at it again your going to shout. Well I make no apologies keep writing. What did you see today, did you visit a museum, where did you take your diner, what were the staff like? Go back to your room take out your notebook and write it down, believe me if you don’t commit it to paper you’ll forget the little details that editors want. If nothing else, you’ll at least have an account of your trip, something to read back after a few years.
3. I’m primarily a researcher, I enjoy writing and I write mainly fact based articles some writers I know don’t like research, they’ll only do it when absoloutly necessary if that’s you then stay clear of holiday or travel writing. If you are not prepared to read up on your destination before you go forget it. You got to treat it like you would any other job and do your research. If you don’t like research, just enjoy the holiday.
4. Read any travel journal and you’ll see that a lot of it focus on unusual details. Are you good at spotting small interesting facts about a place, bits that the ‘normal’ tourist misses. Your previous journeys should tell you if you are. Are you the one who always says: ‘I never noticed that.’ Editors want unusual detail, emphasis on detail, can you supply it?
5. Have you carried out your research. Have you approached a friendly editor and suggested that he might like to look at an article you are planning to do on ‘Wherever.’ Have you selected the audience you are going to write for. I could write for middle aged people I’d get it very difficult to write for those 25 and under. Their idea of a holiday is different than mine.
There are the reasons not to engage in holiday or travel writing. That said sharing your experiences of holidays and foreign places is an art that can be learned easily provided you have two things- an insatiable desire to visit places and know different areas of the world and secondly, an ability to see and note down the details that would interest others! If you have got these then go for it!!
