How Travel Writers Fund All Their Trips in Advance

Travel writing is one of those writing genres few people tackle, probably because they expect to fund their trips to the tune of hundreds or even thousands of dollars long before they make their first dollar from their writing. Not so as these tips will reveal:

* Long before you travel you should make a list of prospects and contact them with your proposals and request a deposit on your work with a specific amount also being payable on your return.

* Be sure to send detailed ideas and synopses to people with authority to commission your work and offer you a deposit. This usually means speaking to the person in charge of advertising. For small companies ask to speak to the owner or manager.

* Editors and publishers are the best people to approach first, along with travel firms, and others publishing travel guides and newsletters. But don't forget also to contact academics, historians, genealogists, import/export agents, and other individuals and businesses that frequently need travel articles and photographs.

* Do not make the mistake of seeking purely well-paid assignments such as travel books and travel catalogues. Instead consider all potential money-makers, even the odd few pounds likely to be earned from a simple readers' letter or filler or photograph in your local paper.

* Learn as much as possible about your chosen country or group of countries before you travel. This gives you an idea of what areas to visit and what subjects to write about and ensures you don’t waste valuable time looking for ideas on arrival. Contact Embassies, Consulates and government tourist offices. Most addresses will be in the capital. Get details from ‘Yellow Pages’ for major towns and cities and write for further information on the country concerned.

* Chambers of Commerce, in your own country, and in the country you intend to visit, are excellent sources of background information. Learn as much as possible about: the people, customs, geography, history, politics, traditions, culture, sport, famous personalities, transport, national dishes, fashion, health, education, and anything else concerning the country you will be visiting.

* First and foremost, always have pen, paper, and if possible a laptop computer and pocket recorder with you at all times. Collect information as you travel; pick up any literature you can lay your hands on; interview interesting characters; photograph them (with their approval); look for unusual subjects and angles to focus on.

* Don’t start writing proper until you return home; you’ll waste valuable research time, so while you are away try to stick to taking notes and photographs, and looking for even more markets for your work.

* When you arrive home, first fulfill your commitments to clients who have paid in advance or otherwise funded your journey. Then consider clients you may have previously overlooked. Continue seeking new clients while your information remains current and remember one trip can be a source of income for many years to come, so continue seeking markets for your material.

* Remember, quality of the information you gather is more important than your writing talents. Some clients will not be looking for literary style; others will have your work edited to suit their own specific requirements. This doesn’t mean you can cut corners, not if you expect to get future assignments from these people!

Now you’ve got the drift of this easy money-making idea, it’s time for you to get started on your new life as a well paid travel writer.