Travel Writer on the Road

How to work smart while travelling as a travel writer

When you are actually out in the field it is important to really take in your surroundings and fully immerse yourself in your destination.

There are various methods that can be employed to assist with this. For instance you can try and actually dress like the locals and attempt to blend into your surroundings. In fact this is good advice for anyone travelling long term.

Another good piece of advice is to wake up before you environment does. Walk around and watch the city awake. It can be truly inspirational to see a place come alive like this.

Look beyond your guidebook or better still don't take one

Attractions that are in guide books are usually there for a reason. As a freelance travel writer you need to look beyond the guidebook and potentially find attractions that could become popular.

Niche attractions make great travel writing material

Guidebook attractions have been written about for centuries in some cases. Thereforeyiu should try and look for niche attractions. Things that might not appeal to everyone but is likely to have an appeal to a certain group of people, however small the numbers. You might be the travel writer that uncovers this attraction to the masses and therefore become famous in your own right!

Time is important for the travel writer

Lets take two scenarios here. The first one being when you only have a short time in a particular place to get the necessary information to write your travel story. Don't be afraid of joining a tour group if your time is precious. Tour groups can be a very informative way to see a place or attraction. You are tapping into local knowledge in many cases.

If you have time on your hands when you travel and write then be sure to relax and take it easy. It gives you much more time to consider your travel writing subject and also allows for more in depth research. Don't forget to head to a beach one day and relax!

Travelling around your travel writing destination

If you a have time then consider taking local transport as oppose to tourist transport. This has two benefits. You'll be able to see things as the locals see them. This could greatly enhance your article and provide a better insight for the reader into the destination.

Secondly local transportation is always cheaper!

Some things to remember while you are on your travel writing project

- Always find time to unwind while you are away.

- Visit the local bookstores and read all the local press, even if it appears dull. There could be some real nuggets in there.

- Go the the local tourist information office and pick up all the freebies.

- Have fun. Why be a travel writer anyway!