Want to know how to get into travel writing? Or what really happens on a travel writing trip? In this podcast featured on Bondi Beach radio's travel program, Wanderlust, I talk about the difference between a holiday and a travel writing trip, the realities of sharing 'talent' and how to get paid to travel. Some great tunes at the top of … [Read more...]
The #1 question all travel writers should ask
WOOEE. You're on the road. You've planned a great travel writing itinerary, maybe even sold a story or two, and you're out there doing it. Nice work! But now what? I know what you're thinking: "Oh god. The pressure's on. I need to get me some great material." Good plan. But where is this great material going to come from? Part of the answer … [Read more...]
Travel writers’ survival guide: having a backup plan.
No, not an accounting degree, or a fallback career. I’m talking technical back up, so that all those almost-finished drafts aren’t lost if the technological termites take over while you’re on the road. I admit, this is easy to be lazy about (backup being about as sexy as tax), but it's one of those boring yet essential keys to success. 5 backup … [Read more...]
7 secrets to building your first travel writing itinerary.
When people fantasise about life as a travel writer, they tend to focus on the trips to exotic locales (OK: true); the free flights (sometimes true); and fantasies of hanging out by the beach, pool, spa, waterfall etc. (kinda true but not in the way you think). They forget that there’s also the small matter of building a robust travel writing … [Read more...]
5 biggest mistakes new travel writers make
You've landed a travel writing gig and now you are off to explore a new destination. Congrats! Just make sure you get the next part right. The Australian Writers' Centre recently asked me to share my tips on how to avoid the five biggest mistakes aspiring travel writers make. … [Read more...]
3 tips for travel writers
The world of travel writing can be quite competitive, so knowing your angle and how to get noticed is essential. Head on over to the Writing Bar to check out my latest tips on how to be a successful travel writer. … [Read more...]
Heading to Canada. Should I buy my iPad in Nth America?
What do you think? Cheaper to buy an iPad while I'm in Canada? (Off tomorrow on a travel writing trip.) Am passing through LAX so could also enjoy US pricing. Also interested in hearing from anyone who uses their iPad to write long documents (ie: stories) rather than just tweak around. Did you buy the extended keyboard? Tips appreciated. … [Read more...]
Want a travel writing scholarship?
Wow - here's a great opportunity for budding travel writers - the 2012 World Nomads Travel Writing Scholarship. Winners will be sent on assignment to South-East Asia, be mentored on the job by working travel writers including author of The Rough Guides To Singapore, and have a fantastic foot in the door of the travel writing industry. More … [Read more...]
This week I’m…unplugged
This week I’m...on holiday! Unplugged from all technology. Well, almost. As you read this I’m traipsing around South America sans phone, twitter, FB. That's right, nada. Of course, thanks to the wonders of technology, I’ve been able to schedule this post in advance, but here’s what I’ll be doing over the next few weeks. (In the name of full … [Read more...]
This week I’m…
Travelling Heading to Fiji tomorrow for 8 nights, mostly for work purposes. I'll be visiting the Jean-Michel Cousteau Eco Resort on assignment for an upcoming story. Can't wait! Organising My travel writer's toolkit, to make sure I've got everything I need to write and interview from the road, as well as checking in with my students doing … [Read more...]
This week I’m…
It's all deadlines and dinner dates in the lead up to Christmas. The publishing world slows to a halt over the break, which means it's currently in fast forward mode to prepare. Editors are flat chat. Writers are desperately trying to catch interviewees before the holidays. Deadlines are looming! Here's what I'm... … [Read more...]
Here’s how to travel in your own town
As a travel writer, I spend plenty of time each year jetting across the planet. Exciting? Obviously, yes. But hang on – I live in Sydney, a city that millions of tourists visit every year, might there not be some merits in staying home occasionally? … [Read more...]