As far as dream jobs go, getting paid to write about travel is pretty darn sweet, so I’ve compiled a list of freelance travel writing jobs for you below that are currently accepting pitches and submissions, even from newbie travel writers.

I’m very fortunate in that my own blogging ventures now support me full time, but back in the early days of blogging, I mainly devoted my days to toiling and blogging for free… or worse, for exposure.

I don’t know if you’ve every tried buying Chipotle with exposure, but it usually doesn’t pan out. And you most definitely don’t get guac.

Well, if you’re looking for travel writer jobs so you, too, can start getting paid to travel, this post is for you.

An Honest Note on Finding Travel Writer Jobs

If you’re wondering how to be a travel writer, or how to earn a full-time living as a content writer for travel websites, here’s the truth: behind every glamorous travel writer is a long history of hustle, failed pitches and crippling self-doubt.

Not to scare you off or anything, but breaking into the travel writing industry and finding well-paying freelance travel writing jobs is a real piece of work.

You’ll find a truly shocking range in the amount that publications pay. In this list, for example, I have publications that offer anything from $10 per article to $750.

Professional travel writing friends of mine tell me they usually make upwards of $1000 per print article.

So really, the range is huge. This list is mainly meant for newbie travel writers looking to break into the industry and find freelance travel writing jobs that will accept cold pitches from anyone.

Once you become more experienced, build relationships with editors, and assemble a stronger portfolio for yourself, you should be able to command much higher rates and secure work more consistently.

For now though, if you’re an aspiring travel content writer, refer to my list below of publications online that accept travel writing pitches and submissions from regular folks, arranged from highest payout to lowest.

NOTE: That there are plenty more freelance travel writing jobs out there accepting submissions (especially big names like National Geographic and Travel + Leisure), but I specifically chose ones that are open to submissions from anyone (including newbies/non-pros), and have clear guidelines outlined on their website.

Cruising World

Payment: Ranges from $25 – $1000 depending on a variety of factors

Cruise experts looking for a paid travel writing gig (and a potentially very lucrative one at that) should look into Cruising World, who are looking for a variety of articles from a first-person perspective.

I’ve only ever been on one cruise before (the Celebrity Edge!) but if you’re an exert on cruises, this would be a great travel writing job to pursue.

Learn more about this freelance travel writing opportunity here

International Living Magazine

Payment:  $225 for 900 words and $350 for 1,600 words

This magazine “aims at providing a scope and depth of information about global travel, living, retiring, investing, and real estate that is not available anywhere else at any price.”

This is not a general travel magazine, but rather a “niche publication for living and retiring overseas”, so definitely don’t be pitching them general travel hacks, packing tips, or off-brand content like guides on backpacking in Europe.

Read more about contributing for them here

ROVA

Payment: $200 per article/photo essay

For those interested in travel writing jobs related to the US, road tripping, and RV-ing, definitely look into becoming a contributor for ROVA.

Specifically, they are looking for “stories of life on the road” in the US.

Here are their contributor guidelines

Intrepid Times

Payment: $50 – $150 per article

Intrepid Times publishes narrative travel writing with heart. They are looking for factual, first-person narratives of between 800 and 2000 words about your travel experiences.

All stories are considered and the editors make an effort to provide paid publishing opportunities to writers who have not been previously published elsewhere.

Submit your writing on their official site here

Listverse

Payment: $100 per list

If you want to find paid blog writing opportunities outside of the travel niche, then here’s one. Listverse isn’t limited to just travel content, so you can submit content on anything from cheesy country pickup lines to world capitals, plus their process is very simple. According to their website:

“You write your list (10 items per list minimum), you send it in, we reply and say “Great—we’ll publish it” and send you $100 by PayPal.” Not a bad deal!

Here’s how you can write for Listverse

Matador Network

Payment: $80-$100 per article

While no longer limited to just writing, Matador Network regularly posts open calls for written submissions based on topics they’re looking for on their Matador Creators page.

They have a lot of different freelance travel writing jobs they post on there, but usually they specify what area of expertise they’re looking for, whether it’s for an event like Oktoberfest, or destination specific like knowing all the best places to visit in France.

See available paid travel writing opportunities here

Hit the Road

Payment: $50 per article

Looking for freelance travel writing jobs related to road tripping? Hit the Road is seeking “original writing, photography, and video that speaks to the adventures, cultures, and amazing experiences of road trips in Australia, New Zealand, the USA and Canada.”

All the better if you travel by camper van or motor home!

Learn more about this travel writing job

Go World Travel

Payment: $30-40 per article/photo essay

Content writing for travel sites can often feel like an impossible industry to break into, but there are definitely plenty out there that welcome first-time writers as well.

For an opportunity that is newbie-friendly, Go World Travel welcomes all kinds of contributors “from seasoned travel journalists to first-time writers.” They’re on the hunt for “honest, down-to-earth descriptive writing” (so no plain listicles here!).

Learn more about writing for them here!

GoNOMAD

Payment: $25 per article

For another opportunity content writing for travel websites, GoNOMAD is looking for “excellent, entertaining, informative, and unique travel articles and research about destinations, activities, and experiences.”

Specifically their focus is on “honest, accurate, well-written and detailed articles and destination guides that speak to an educated, curious, and well-traveled audience.”

Here is their submissions page

Verge Magazine

Verge prides itself on being a “magazine for people who travel with purpose,” focusing on topics like volunteering, working and studying overseas.

Their “readers are typically young (17-40 years), or young at heart, active, independent travellers who want to do something different and make a difference doing it.”

Issue-driven, engaging content with a focus on unique people/experiences is what they’re looking for, so if you’re looking for a travel writing job that goes beyond typical guides, this is a great option.

Check out their Contributor Guide here

Outpost Magazine

Payment: Negotiable

This is a Canadian publication that takes “pride in covering travel in a unique and insightful way.”

They have a variety of article types that they publish, ranging from Insider Guides and Thrillseeker features to long Feature Stories.

Click here for their contributor guidelines

I hope this list of freelance travel writing jobs was helpful!

Are there any big ones I missed? Let me know in the comments! And feel free to leave any tips or success stories for me too. Happy pitching!