Travel writing continues to be a vibrant and evolving field. As global travel expands and content consumption increases across digital platforms, brands, publications, and networks constantly seek fresh voices who can tell engaging destination stories, cultural insights, personal journeys, and practical advice. For someone based in Lagos, Nigeria (or any other global location), this means you have both local flavours and global possibilities.
Why travel writing is a meaningful opportunity
1. Demand for authentic voices
Readers increasingly want more than surface‑level tourism stories. They want experience, culture, local insight, and unique angles. As one writer put it: travel writing “can be anything… it reveals who the author really is rather than just the destination.” If you bring your unique cultural context, say from Nigeria or West Africa, you have a differentiated voice.
2. Flexible, freelance possibilities
A lot of travel writing is freelancing — you choose the assignments, you can work remotely, and you can build your own schedule. Platforms exist that offer remote travel writer roles. This means the barrier to entry is lower than many traditional journalism jobs; with discipline, you can build it from wherever you are.
3. Multiple revenue streams
Travel writing doesn’t just mean magazine articles. It could mean blog posts, sponsored content, destination guides, guest posts, social media copy, content for tourism boards, brand collaborations, affiliate revenue, or even multimedia or video travel storytelling. Having multiple streams amplifies income and resilience.
What kinds of travel writer opportunities exist
Here are several categories of roles and business models in travel writing:
• Freelance article writing for magazines/websites
Many publications accept pitches or submissions from freelance travel writers. They pay per piece or per word. For example, “Travel Writing Jobs: 31 Magazines & Websites That Pay” provides numerous outlets. The Write Life
• Blogs / digital platforms / “write for us” posts
Smaller blogs or niche travel websites often invite guest posts or contributor content. For example, the site “TheTravel” invites freelance travel journalists. The Travel
• Content for brands/tourism boards/travel companies
Brands looking to promote destinations, tours or experiences often need content creators — travel writers who can craft narratives, destination guides, social media posts, and more.
• Guest writing, columns and content networks
You might contribute to a network of travel websites or guest‑blog, building your exposure. Platforms like Workaway, guest writers: Workaway
• Multimedia travel storytelling
While traditional writing still dominates, travel writing increasingly overlaps with photography, video, social media content, and podcasting. Publications might look for more than plain text.
• Niche specializations
You could focus on a niche: eco‑travel, adventure travel, culture & heritage, food travel, luxury travel, sustainable tourism, domestic travel in Africa, etc. Niche specialists often stand out and command higher pay.
How to prepare yourself to win travel writing opportunities
1. Build a strong portfolio
Create writing samples — destination features, travel guides, personal travel narratives, blog posts. Even if unpublished, have pieces you can show. Many job boards and advice sites emphasise this step.
2. Develop writing + research and storytelling skills
Good travel writing isn’t just “I visited X and it was great.” You need a hook, angle, context, and value to the reader. Understanding the destination, its culture, its challenges, and its uniqueness matters. Your voice matters.
3. Know your niche and unique voice
What makes you interesting as a travel writer? Perhaps you know West African destinations deeply, or you travel on a budget, or you explore sustainable/local‑first experiences. That uniqueness helps you stand out.
4. Understand pitching, submission, and the business side
Learning how to pitch editors, follow submission guidelines, negotiate pay, and manage deadlines, copyrights, and photo usage is important. For example, advice on pitching to a major publication is explained in detail. Condé Nast Traveler
5. Build your network and online presence
Have a website or blog, a social media presence, and engage with travel writing communities. Join Facebook or LinkedIn travel‑writer groups; attend industry events/quizzes if possible. Building relationships matters. TourRadar
6. Travel (or deeply research) destinations
Even local destinations can be travel story sources. Having first‑hand experience or deep research gives credibility. Being able to bring fresh angles is key for editors.
7. Learn about digital tools & content formats
Understanding SEO, how to write for the web, how to embed images, how to work with editors remotely, and how to deliver multimedia formats adds value.
How to find travel writing opportunities and land them, 10th November 2025
• Check job boards and platforms
Sites like Scripted list travel writing jobs. Scripted Freelance marketplaces often have travel writing gigs.
• Visit publication submission pages
Many magazines publish submission guidelines with payment rates and topic preferences. For example, WritersWeekly listed 9 travel markets that pay. WritersWeekly.com
• Subscribe to newsletters and groups
Travel‑writing communities often share calls for pitches. Being subscribed gives you early access.
• Pitch editors directly
Craft a succinct pitch: headline, angle, why you’re the best person to write it, word count, and perhaps images. If you can show prior work, great.
• Guest post / content collaborations
Start by contributing to smaller blogs or partner sites — this builds exposure, bylines and credibility.
• Leverage your existing personal travel experiences
If you have travelled or lived in interesting places (for example, Nigeria, West Africa, or diaspora experiences), pitch stories about those regions. Many publications seek undercovered destinations.
• Build relationships with tourism boards and brands
Tourism boards of destinations often need content creators. Aligning your portfolio with such brands can lead to assignments and, sometimes, funded trips or media visits.
Income potential & payment benchmarks
Some publications pay per word, e.g., up to US $0.60 per word for certain guidebooks. Nowadays
Freelance platforms list jobs paying $100, $200, or more per article, depending on length, audience, and publication.
Rates vary widely based on market (print vs digital), word count, exclusivity, rights, destination, and images/photography.
As you build experience and specialization, you can negotiate higher rates or move into retainer work, content authoring for brands, etc.
What challenges to expect
High competition: many want to write travel stories, so you must bring uniqueness and high quality.
Travel costs: Sometimes travel isn’t reimbursed—bearing your own costs reduces profit.
Deadline pressure and edits: Writing for publication means meeting strict standards and responding to edits.
Rights and usage: Understanding how your work is used (print, web, syndication) and how you are paid matters.
Staying relevant: Trends change (eco‑travel, remote work travel, and slow travel), so staying updated is necessary.
Tips to excel as a travel writer
Find your unique hook: What you, as a writer, can offer that others don’t.
Tell a story: Rather than just list places, describe people, culture, and authentic experiences.
Use strong visuals: Photos, videos, and maps can enhance your piece and boost its value.
Be reliable: Meet deadlines, deliver what you promise. Repeat clients come from this.
Build a brand: Your byline, theme, and tone become recognizable.
Be ethical: Disclose sponsorships, be honest in reviews, and respect local cultures.
Diversify formats: Explore blog posts, long‑form features, guides, multimedia, and social media stories.
Stay persistent: Early on, you might get smaller gigs; build slowly, stack your clips (publications you’ve been published in), and grow.
10 faith-based prayers for travel writers
Prayer for guidance in choosing assignments
Lord, guide me to the travel writing assignments that align with Your purpose. Help me pursue stories that inspire, educate, and bless readers while reflecting integrity and creativity.
Proverbs 3:6 – “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
When God directs your steps, every opportunity becomes purposeful and fruitful, not just another task.
Prayer for creativity and inspiration
Father, fill me with fresh ideas and vivid storytelling. Let my words paint pictures that transport readers and capture the beauty of every destination I explore.
Exodus 35:35 – “He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn.”
God’s Spirit inspires imagination; creativity in writing can become a channel of His beauty.
Prayer for discipline and consistency
Lord, give me discipline to write consistently, meet deadlines, and honor every commitment. Let perseverance shape my journey as a travel writer.
Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Consistency transforms talent into tangible results; diligence honors God and readers alike.
Prayer for discernment in opportunities
Heavenly Father, grant me discernment to accept assignments that are ethical, safe, and aligned with my calling. Protect me from opportunities that distract or harm.
James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.”
Discernment keeps your career steady and your conscience clear.
Prayer for protection while traveling
Lord, surround me with Your protection as I journey to new destinations. Keep me safe from harm, accidents, and unforeseen dangers during my travels.
Psalm 121:7-8 – “The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”
God’s protection allows writers to focus on their craft without fear.
Prayer for fruitful connections
Father, bring the right editors, collaborators, and mentors into my life. Let my network support growth, guidance, and fruitful opportunities in travel writing.
Proverbs 11:14 – “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.”
God places people strategically in your path to nurture talent and open doors.
Prayer for financial provision
Lord, provide the resources I need to travel, research, and create meaningful content. Let my work prosper and meet my needs while blessing others.
Philippians 4:19 – “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
Trust in God’s provision allows creativity to flourish without constant worry.
Prayer for honesty and integrity
Heavenly Father, keep my words truthful and fair. Let honesty define my stories, and integrity guide every interaction in my career.
Proverbs 10:9 – “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.”
Integrity builds credibility and honors God in every piece you publish.
Prayer for overcoming fear and doubt
Lord, help me overcome fear of rejection, self-doubt, and uncertainty. Strengthen my confidence and remind me that my talents are gifts to be shared.
2 Timothy 1:7 – “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
Faith replaces fear with courage, allowing your writing to reach its full potential.
Prayer for impact and inspiration
Father, may my travel writing inspire readers to explore the world, embrace new cultures, and grow spiritually and intellectually. Let my words be a reflection of Your beauty in creation.
Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Every story becomes a ministry of influence, spreading insight and hope through thoughtful writing.
summary
Pursuing a career as a travel writer is more than exploring destinations—it is a calling to share stories that inspire, educate, and connect people across cultures. The prayers provided guide writers to seek God’s wisdom and discernment in choosing assignments, crafting narratives, and navigating opportunities. By placing every decision, pitch, and journey under divine guidance, travel writers ensure that their work honors God, reflects integrity, and delivers value beyond mere words.
Faith and discipline are central to a successful travel writing journey. These prayers emphasize the importance of patience, consistency, and resilience, reminding writers to persevere despite rejection, deadlines, or uncertainty. Godly inspiration fuels creativity, turning ordinary observations into compelling stories. As writers trust in His provision and protection, they can explore new places confidently, write with clarity, and cultivate fruitful relationships with editors, collaborators, and audiences.
Ultimately, travel writing becomes a ministry when guided by prayer and purpose. Every article, blog, or feature can reflect the beauty of creation, the richness of diverse cultures, and the wisdom of God’s guidance. When faith leads the pen, the career transforms into more than employment—it becomes a journey of impact, influence, and divine fulfillment, where words illuminate hearts, broaden horizons, and glorify the Creator in every story told.
