There is a big market out there for well-written travel articles, but you need to do your homework in order to come up with ideas that have the best chance of becoming published articles. Before you leave for your destination, check out the travel guides at your local bookstore, and choose one that suits your interests. You will find a lot of information there that will help you brainstorm terrific ideas.
Another source of great information is the online tourism website for your destination. Most countries, provinces, states, large cities, and some small towns, have their own site, detailing upcoming festivals, events, and perhaps little-known facts that you could flesh out into an article.
Brainstorming Before Hitting the Road
All of us have read travel pieces that give recommendations for places to stay and things to do in a city or country, but there are other travel ideas to consider:
- If you will be in an area during an annual event, consider focusing on that for a local market.
- Focus on a particular historical landmark, or do a round-up article with 3 or 4 of them.
- If you are interested in architecture use that as a focus for a travel article. Profile one style or different styles, in the same city or even in the same neighbourhood.
- Sometimes, when concentrating on something large you discover something small that would make a terrific article or a sidebar to a larger piece. Keep your eyes open for the small jewel.
- Consider local history that has national impact, or keep it local for a local sale.
- Find out what a place in known for. For example, Newfoundland's rugged beauty attracts a lot of hikers. An article about the best hiking trails through that beautiful scenery might yield a sale.
- An article about where to find great local food, or unique souvenirs, could interest readers and editors alike.
When You’re Packing
Leave some room in your suitcase for a few manila envelops, and label them business cards, attractions, additional tourist information. Use these to hold additional information you pick up at your destination. When you get back to your office, and start writing, this information will be categorized and easy to find. It may give you more ideas for articles, too.
Don’t forget to take a working journal. A new one will allow you to focus on this trip only, and be an invaluable reference. Pack your laptop if you are going to be sending articles to editors while you’re traveling. Carry your business cards with you, and don’t forget to pack your camera. (A few great shots can make any article more attractive to an editor.)
One Location – Dozens of Ideas
One location – even a small town - can yield dozens of travel article ideas. Then you can concentrate on the ones that interest you, and save the others in your ideas file.
Sharon Hunt - Sharon Hunt has been a freelance writer and editor for two decades, with publication credits including: Canadian Geographic, Far East ...
Join the Conversation