Travel Blogging: Paid Writing Gigs for World-Wandering Freelancers

You think travel blogging went down the plughole back in January 2020 when Covid-19 made governments start cancelling flights and quarantining travellers?

Nope.

Because guess what happens when people can’t travel as much as they’d like?

They want to read about travelling so that they can dream and imagine and plan their next trip. 😉

And guess what happens when people are finally allowed to travel wherever they please? Yep, they’ll want to read about it then, too.

So travel blogging is a pretty good opportunity right now for any writer with halfway decent experiences to share!

Before we get into this, lemme answer the question a lot of writers ask me:

Want more blogging gigs on other topics? Check out our Ultimate List of Better-Paid Blogging Gigs here.

Is Travel Blogging Paid Well Enough to Cover All Your Expenses?

I dunno… how expensive are you?

I mean, if you normally live on a shoestring and sleep in a hammock, then I expect a few good travel blogging gigs a month would cover your living costs, your business costs, AND your random buy-it-because-you-like-it costs.

If you’re used to sleeping in the fanciest of hotels and being concierged to within an inch of your life, then… maybe? If that’s the experience you bring to the table, then you could probably get hired by luxury travel brands that can afford to keep you in penthouse suites.

On average, most of the travel blogging gigs I see pay about $200 per post, although there are some that pay $1,000 or more for the right piece. (And if your article gets accepted by a travel magazine for publication in print as well as online, you could earn $1+ per word.) It’s up to you to decide how many posts you can create, which sites to pitch them to, and how much you need to earn!

And now for the other big question:

Do You Have to Travel a Lot to Be a Travel Blogger?

Welllll, kinda, but also no.

If you live somewhere that other people travel to, then you can write posts about that place for those people. As a local, you have knowledge that visitors don’t have. But as a non-traveller, you might also overlook some of the little things that only outsiders notice.

If you used to travel a lot but now not so much, that’s not unusual. And you can still get gigs writing about places you visited a couple of years ago, as long as you can make the post itself relevant and up to date for someone reading it today. (Some blogs have rules about how long ago your trip can be; some of those blogs relaxed the rules back in 2020 to let writers mine older trips for blog post content. And some of them may have tightened up their window of acceptability again by now, so check with the editors to be sure.)

Travel Blogs That Pay Freelance Writers:

1859 Oregon Magazine

How much do you know about passing the time in Oregon? 1859 Oregon Magazine is looking for interesting ways to entertain its readers while in their state. For locals and visitors. Stories about local food, wine, history, culture, and outdoor adventures are all good places to start.

• Homepage: https://1859oregonmagazine.com/
• Contributor info: https://1859oregonmagazine.com/think-oregon/business/writers-guidelines/
• Pay: 30 to 50 cents per word for most travel stories.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: No.

Adirondack Life

Adirondack Life Magazine publishes stories about its six-million-acre natural park in New York State. So it’s all about outdoor fun from hiking and kayaking to backcountry skiing (and everything in between). They also love articles about the wildlife, history, places, and people of the Adirondacks.

• Homepage: http://www.adirondacklifemag.com/
• Contributor info: http://www.adirondacklifemag.com/blogs/magazine/writers-guidelines/
• Pay: 30 cents per word for features and news stories (1,000-3,500 words).
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: No.

Adventure Cycling

If road or mountain biking gets you excited, pitch your dream biking travel ideas to Adventure Cycling. They are especially interested in first-person stories about bike travel. So make sure to include all the details about how to do it along with your story about the amazing spots you visited (and take lots of fantastic pictures too).

• Homepage: https://www.adventurecycling.org/blog/
• Contributor info: https://www.adventurecycling.org/adventure-cyclist/adventure-cyclist-submissions/
• Pay: 25 to 50 cents a word for your biking adventure travels. 2000-3000 words for feature stories.
• Contributor byline: Yes with a link to a writer profile.
• Contributor bio: Yes, on a separate page, a few sentences with a link.

Afar

Afar Magazine and blog want interesting stories about travel for their bi-monthly printed magazine and the blog. You can pitch them for reported stories, essays, opinions, features, short articles, and more in the magazine. As for the website, they prefer to commission work, so send them a letter of introduction (LOI) with a few great samples to get their attention.

• Homepage: https://www.afar.com/
• Contributor info: https://about.afar.com/pitch-guidelines/
• Pay: Starting at 50 cents per word for online articles and $1 per word for magazine work usually.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: Yes, usually on a writer’s page.

Alaska Magazine

Alaska Magazine and blog will consider your pitches or completed articles (although they strongly recommend you read the magazine and blog before sending anything). If you’re a freelance photographer and writer, you can get paid for photos as well. For your first contact, send a few great portfolio pieces.

• Homepage: https://alaskamagazine.com/
• Contributor info: https://alaskamagazine.com/contributor-guidelines/
• Pay: We hear $100 to $1000.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: Yes, a short one.

Alpinist

If you’re a freelance writer who also loves mountain climbing, take a look at Alpinist Magazine and blog. They’re very interested in pitches from their readers and writers who love this subject. You can write about your own experiences, others’ stories, or intriguing topics climbers can’t resist. The best way to send a winning pitch is always to read the magazine or blog (depending on which one you want to pitch).

• Homepage: http://www.alpinist.com/
• Contributor info: http://www.alpinist.com/p/magazine/contribute
• Pay: We hear 25 cents per word.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: No.

American Angler

If fishing is the reason for your travel passion, you could make some good money writing about your expertise, adventures, and journeys while doing what you love. American Angler Magazine and website will be happy to find another great freelance writer who loves to fish. Tell them about all your secret local knowledge, great places to eat, and your favorite travel destinations for fishing.

• Homepage: https://www.americanangler.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.americanangler.com/submissions/
• Pay: We hear $200 to $600.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: Yes, a few sentences with links.

Arizona Highways Magazine

Arizona Highways Magazine and blog are part of the Arizona Dept of Transportation. This magazine has been around since 1925 and has a long tradition of high quality photography and writing (think Ansel Adams). Flip through the blog or digital version of the magazine for clues to sending in a winning pitch.

• Homepage: https://www.arizonahighways.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.arizonahighways.com/index.php/contact-us
• Pay: We hear $50 to $900 (usually $1 a word).
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: No.

Atlanta Parent

Have you got family travel stories or ideas? Well, if you live near Atlanta GA, you could pitch a few interesting travel articles to Atlanta Parent, a locally owned online and print magazine. They’re also interested in personal essays and practical articles about parenting from locals.

• Homepage: https://www.atlantaparent.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.atlantaparent.com/writers_guidelines/
• Pay: $100+ for feature articles with 800-1200 words. Shorter pieces of 300-600 words pay around $25-50.
• Contributor byline: Yes, but no links in the byline.
• Contributor bio: No.

Backpacker

Dying to write about your backwoods hiking trips? Go talk to Backpacker, an online and print magazine that specializes in “foot-based” travel. They’re ok with the occasional other “human-powered” propulsion systems too (like canoeing or cross country skiing). Just try to keep it in North America and get off the typical trails. They’ll consider everything from day hikes to week-long trips.

• Homepage: https://www.backpacker.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.backpacker.com/page/guidelines
• Pay: From about $150 to $2,000 or more; typical pay starts at 40 cents per word, with article lengths ranging from 400-600 words to 1500-5000 word destination feature articles.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: Yes, on a separate page, no links.

Bay Area Parent

Bay Area Parent Magazine and blog are looking for locally-focused article pitches for their magazine. You can also write for the blog, but payment is for magazine stories only. They’re always looking for family-oriented local travel ideas if you’re in the greater San Francisco area. Take a look at previously published travel stories for inspiration and tips on getting your pitch accepted.

• Homepage: https://www.bayareaparent.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.bayareaparent.com/writers-guidelines/article_33299728-0c40-5a1c-925e-da0557e98a52.html
• Pay: 25 cents per word for most articles (600-1800 words typically).
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: Yes, but no links.

BBC Travel

BBC Travel wants to hear about your travel story ideas. But read their submission guidelines very closely and study up on some of their best travel articles before you contact them with ANY queries. You’ll need one hell of a story idea to get them to say yes (and remember the photos to go with it).

• Homepage: https://www.bbc.com/
• Contributor info: http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20160106-bbc-travel-author-brief
• Pay: $350 to $600 for 800-2000 word feature articles.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: No.

Blue Ridge Country

Attention freelance writer: Blue Ridge Country Magazine and blog are accepting pitches for paid articles and photography on travel topics in Western Maryland, the Shenandoah Valley area, Northern Georgia, and the mountainous parts of Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Read through the site or magazine for inspiration on topics like traditions, history, legends, local foods, unique or intriguing places, and more.

• Homepage: https://blueridgecountry.com/
• Contributor info: https://blueridgecountry.com/business/editorial-guidelines
• Pay: Up to $250.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: No.

British Airways Highlife

Want to write for British Airways inflight magazine High Life? We hear they’re accepting pitches for the now mostly-digital magazine, but don’t expect to find any clear writer guidelines. They want writers who’ve been to or live in the topic’s area and as for locations, only if British Airways flies there. You’ll have to do your own research to nail your pitch and get it accepted. Speaking of getting your pitches accepted, we wrote a handy book on it to help you get a yes a little faster.

• Homepage: https://bahighlife.com/
• Contributor info: https://bahighlife.com/about-us/
• Pay: We hear around $1 per word.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: Yes, a nice one with a photo.

British Columbia Magazine

British Columbia Magazine wants your travel articles. But be prepared to show them a few great portfolio pieces first. First-person stories about day trips and lesser-known locales. History and famous (or infamous) figures are also intriguing ideas. And do I need to say it? Only about travel in British Columbia Canada.

• Homepage: https://www.bcmag.ca/
• Contributor info: http://cdn.agilitycms.com/british-columbia-magazine/guidelines/Sp13-Writers-Guidelines.pdf
• Pay: 50 cents per word for most stories (from 500 to 1300 words on average).
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: Yes, a few sentences.

Canadian Geographic

Write for Canadian Geographic Magazine, the blog, or its travel supplement section on mostly wildlife, nature, travel, and culture in Canada. Read through the magazine and blog to get ideas for your pitches. This publication will consider new (unpublished) writers with great pitches. We hear they’re often looking for travel and photo-heavy stories.

• Homepage: https://canadiangeographic.ca/
• Contributor info: https://canadiangeographic.ca/about-can-geo/
• Pay: We hear $1 a word (Canadian)
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: Yes, on a separate page with a photo.

Charlotte Parent

The Charlotte Parent Magazine and blog are always looking for great things-to-do and travel articles for their audience of parents looking for something to do on the weekend or during school holidays. Take a look at all the published travel and family fun idea stories on the site for inspiration.

• Homepage: https://www.charlotteparent.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.charlotteparent.com/about-us/
• Pay: We hear $50 to $150 for articles with 500 to 1200 words usually.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: No.

Chesapeake Family Life Magazine

How well do you know the Virginia, DC, Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania area? Got lots of ideas for family travel fun? Then get in touch with Chesapeake Family Magazine and website. They are really interested in great family travel ideas. You can also send proposals about any of the challenges parents face (from a local perspective of course).

• Homepage: https://www.chesapeakefamily.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.chesapeakefamily.com/writers-guidelines/
• Pay: $75 to $200 for 750-1000 words. ($35 for reprints.)
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: No.

Chicago Parent

If you live in or near the Windy City (also known as Chicago IL), you could pitch Chicago Parent on local family activities or travel articles. They’re also interested in personal essays and feature articles on any of the usual challenges of parenting (education, child care, and managing it all).

• Homepage: https://www.chicagoparent.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.chicagoparent.com/archives/write-chicago-parent/
• Pay: $50-100 for essays, $25-50 for short articles, $100+ for feature stories typically 800-1500 words.
• Contributor byline: Yes, and links to a writer profile with your other articles.
• Contributor bio: Yes, but no links.

Climbing

If you’re a climbing enthusiast and a writer, both the Climbing Magazine and blog pay freelance writers. For the quarterly printed magazine, check the writer guidelines for a good fit for your ideas in one of the departments. If you’re also a great photographer, you can also get paid for photos. The blog is always looking for pitches and new writers for their almost-daily publishing schedule.

• Homepage: https://www.climbing.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.climbing.com/page/contact-us/#section_5
• Pay: We hear 35 cents a word for a 2000-word article (usually paid as a flat rate, not per word).
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: Yes.

Coastal Review Online

Coastal Review Online is a nonprofit online publication focused on the North Carolina coast. They want articles about protecting and preserving this natural area mainly. But they also like “green” travel, culture, or history articles about interesting places.

• Homepage: https://www.coastalreview.org/
• Contributor info: https://www.coastalreview.org/about/submissions/write-cro/
• Pay: $75 to $200 for articles of 800-2000 words.
• Contributor byline: Yes, which links to your writer profile on the site.
• Contributor bio: Yes, a very nice-looking one, but no links.

Cross Country Magazine

Cross Country Magazine is all about flying. You know, like paragliding, hang gliding, paramotoring… you get the idea. If it involves humans in the air with or without motors, Cross Country will be interested. And it goes without saying, photos are extremely important for any article.

• Homepage: https://xcmag.com/
• Contributor info: https://xcmag.com/contribute/
• Pay: About $300 for 1500-2000 words (and 20-30 photos).
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: No.

Desert USA

Are you into desert travel in North America? You could be making some money writing for DesertUSA Magazine, an online publication focused on all things desert. Geology, wildlife, adventure, even photo essays could make the cut. They are also interested in the culture, history, arts, and crafts of the different desert-dwelling peoples in the southwestern USA.

• Homepage: https://www.desertusa.com/stories/
• Contributor info: https://www.desertusa.com/who/du_submissions.html
• Pay: $50 for 1200-1500 word articles on adventure, culture, or travel stories in the North American deserts.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: No.

Earth Island Journal

Have you travelled to somewhere environmentally important? Earth Island Journal is a print journal that also publishes articles online, covering issues ranging from wildlife and lands conservation to innovations in science and technology, public policy, environmental protection, animal rights, public health, and environment-related film, music, and books.

• Homepage: https://www.earthisland.org/journal/index.php/
• Contributor info: https://www.earthisland.org/journal/index.php/page/writers-photographers-guidelines
• Pay: $100 for online posts; 25 cents a word for print articles.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: Yes.

East Bay Express

If you’re in the Berkeley, Oakland, or East Bay areas, you could do some paid local freelance writing for East Bay Express. They want to know about local restaurants, events, cultural happenings, and music too. They sometimes do travel articles that fit the vibe of the magazine.

• Homepage: https://www.eastbayexpress.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.eastbayexpress.com/oakland/WritersGuidelines/Page
• Pay: We hear $120 to $600 for news or feature stories.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: No.

Edible Seattle

Edible Seattle gets most of its articles from freelancers. So if you’ve got a great local food-based travel story, send your query in. They are most interested in your first-person road trip articles (with a food theme obvs). But they won’t turn down other nontravel local food story ideas (if it fits their submission guidelines of course).

• Homepage: https://www.edibleseattle.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.edibleseattle.com/contributors-guidelines/
• Pay: 20 to 30 cents a word for local food travel articles.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: No.

Escapees RV Club

The Escapees RV Club blog publishes posts on anything and everything about the RV lifestyle – from the RVs themselves to traveling, to parenting on the go, to transitioning from recreational to full-time RVing. So if you’re got an RV and love going places in it, write it up and send it to them. That’s right, they do NOT accept pitches, only completed articles. They also love stories about life in an RV.

• Homepage: https://www.escapees.com/blog-feed/
• Contributor info: https://www.escapees.com/images/pdfs/WritersGuidelines.pdf
• Pay: $50 to $200.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: Yes.

Ft Myers Magazine

Ft Myers Magazine wants pitches and completed articles about local topics on the arts, culture, travel, entertainment, and food & drinks for visitors and residents in Southwest Florida. You can read through the digital magazine here for more inspiration.

• Homepage: https://www.ftmyersmagazine.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.ftmyersmagazine.com/aboutus
• Pay: We hear 10 cents a word.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: No.

Great Escape Publishing

Great Escape Publishing publishes home-study programs and leads workshops that help its members get paid to travel. Travel writing and blogging, photography, and tour-guiding are their main areas of focus. So if you know something about how to make money writing about travel or other travel-related business, send them a pitch.

• Homepage: https://greatescapepublishing.com/
• Contributor info: https://greatescapepublishing.com/writers-guidelines/
• Pay: From $50 up to $200.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: No.

Guestlife

GuestLife publishes 3 different hotel room travel magazines for New Mexico, Monterey Bay, and El Paso. You can flip through each digital version to get an idea on what to pitch them or send a letter of introduction with portfolio samples.

• Homepage: https://www.guestlife.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.guestlife.com/about-guestlife/
• Pay: We hear $50 to $500.
• Contributor byline: Depends on article type. Features, yes. Shorts, no.
• Contributor bio: No.

Hemispheres

Hemispheres is United Airlines’ travel magazine and they are accepting freelance queries. Have a look at past stories to get an idea of what they want and what they’ve already published. Like most airline mags, they pay pretty well.

• Homepage: https://www.hemispheresmag.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.hemispheresmag.com/writers-guidelines/
• Pay: We hear $1 per word.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: No.

Hidden Compass

Hidden Compass wants a different kind of travel story. They are much more interested in a great story than the destination. So a cute little article about how much fun Paris is… that’s not going to cut it here. But a story about Javanese miners harvesting sulfur could get their attention.

• Homepage: https://hiddencompass.net/
• Contributor info: https://hiddencompass.net/contributor-guidelines/
• Pay: $400 to $650 for stories or photo features.
• Contributor byline: Yes with a link to a writer profile.
• Contributor bio: Yes, a few sentences.

Hit the Road

“Road” is the key word if you want to write for Hit the Road. We’re talking about road trips in Australia, New Zealand, or North America. They’ll be even more thrilled if your story involves a rented campervan or motorhome (because that’s their business). And remember to include photos and videos to make your story even more irresistible.

• Home page: https://hittheroad.rentals/
• Contributor info: https://hittheroad.rentals/contributors-guidelines
• Pay: $50
• Contributor byline: Yes
• Contributor bio: Yes, includes one link to your website. You can also put a link to your site on your profile page.

Honolulu Magazine

Honolulu Magazine and blog are more focused on helping their local residents find fun things to do, eat, or drink as well as other local lifestyle topics. You can also send them article pitches about other areas in Hawaii (just don’t send anything targeting a non-local tourist audience). This publication uses both staff and freelance writers on a wide variety of topics, so read through the blog and get inspired.

• Homepage: https://www.honolulumagazine.com/
• Contributor info: Read their freelance writer guidelines here  and see their editorial staff contact info here.
• Pay: We hear $100-1800.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: Yes, a nice one on a separate page with a photo.

Hudson Valley Parent

Got family fun ideas for the Hudson Valley area in NY state? Pitch them to Hudson Valley Parent. This publication wants travel articles about local fun only (preferably first-person stories). But they also love articles about camps, schools, health, and anything related to kids.

• Homepage: https://hvparent.com/
• Contributor info: https://hvparent.com/Pages/WritersGuidelines.aspx
• Pay: Typically pays $80 for 700-800 word locally-focused articles. $90-120 for 1200 word articles.
• Contributor byline: Yes, but no links.
• Contributor bio: No.

International Living

International Living Magazine and its popular blog publish articles about retiring overseas, foreign investments, travel deals and real estate bargains outside the U.S., how to start a business outside the U.S., items from overseas that may sell well in the U.S. market and anything that involves saving or making money outside of the United States.

• Homepage: https://internationalliving.com/
• Contributor info: https://internationalliving.com/about-il/write-for-il/
• Pay: $75 to $450 for stories about living overseas as a digital nomad, small business owner, or retiree on any of IL’s different websites or publications.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: No.

Kentucky Monthly

Kentucky Monthly Magazine and website are looking for freelance writers for travel, history, and other intriguing stories to give locals and visitors a reason to explore the state. If you’re also a creative writer, they’re also interested in fiction with a strong connection to Kentucky.

• Homepage: http://www.kentuckymonthly.com/
• Contributor info: http://www.kentuckymonthly.com/contact
• Pay: 15 cents a word (negotiable) for 1000-2500 word features normally.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: No.

LA Times

Yes, you can write a travel article for the LA Times. But they’re super picky, so read the submission guidelines carefully. They will not accept ANY sponsored trips. Nope. Nada. Not even a little bit. Have a good hard look at previous articles too. They want something original and different. Pitch them a story they can’t resist (and you’ll need some great photos to go with it).

• Homepage: https://www.latimes.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.latimes.com/la-trw-guidelines-story-story.html
• Pay: $75 to $750, depending on whether it’s a blog post, online article, or print destination feature. From 400 to 1300 words on average.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: Yes, a few lines with links.

Literary Traveler

Have you taken a trip inspired by a work of literature? Then Literary Traveler wants to hear from you. LT focuses mainly on travels related to literary artists (or their works of art) but also welcomes articles focusing on composers, storytellers, and poets. They like to hear about the creative process and its relationship to location and travel.

• Homepage: https://www.literarytraveler.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.literarytraveler.com/contact/submissions/
• Pay: We’ve heard $50.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: Yes.

Metro Parent

Got ideas for fun family trips in Michigan and the Midwest? Pitch them and any other locally-focused family friendly article ideas to Metro Parent. Easy day trips, weekend trips, and creative ways to entertain and educate your kids outside are good places to start. Check their detailed writer guidelines for more tips.

• Homepage: https://www.metroparent.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.metroparent.com/write-for-metro-parent-magazine-and-website/
• Pay: From $50-75 for short articles, up to $150-350 for 1,000-2,500 words.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: No.

Midwest Living

Midwest Living is happy to work with new writers (especially those living in the Midwest) on travel, food, and other regionally-relevant topics. For your first contact, send them a letter of introduction (LOI) with some of your best published work (online or print) plus a few article ideas you’ve got that could fit their publication. Make sure to read the blog or magazine beforehand too.

• Homepage: https://www.midwestliving.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.midwestliving.com/travel/around-region/midwest-living-writers-guidelines/
• Pay: We hear around $150 for your first short assignments (you can make more once they get to know you better).
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: No.

Monterey Bay Parent

Monterey Bay Parent Magazine and blog are looking for freelance writers ready to write about local family activity ideas and travel in Central California. You can also pitch them ideas for other parenting-relevant stories. Send them an email introducing yourself with any already published work you have and an article idea or two.

• Homepage: https://www.montereybayparent.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.montereybayparent.com/opportunities
• Pay: $50 to $75.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: Yes.

National Geographic

National Geographic Magazine and website hire freelance writers (usually with great portfolios and top-notch research, interview, and investigative journalism skills). If that’s you right now, pitch away! If you’re new to freelance writing, start pitching your great ideas to smaller blogs and magazines to build up your skills and portfolio. Read their blog regularly and practice coming up with pitches. You’ll be ready to write for this internationally-known magazine or blog in no time.

• Homepage: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/pages/article/how-to-write-for-nat-geo
• Pay: starting at 50 cents a word.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: Yes.

National Parks Conservation Association

You’re probably thinking of Yosemite and Yellowstone right now. But the National Parks Conservation Association includes ALL the national parks in the US. Yep, all 400 of them. So that includes urban parks, historic sites, battlefields, trails, and a few more. The NPCA especially likes stories about conservation, wildlife, history, news, and travel. Essays, long and short features, and news stories are all acceptable.

• Homepage: https://www.npca.org/
• Contributor info: https://www.npca.org/resources/3151-magazine-submission-guidelines-for-writers-and-photographers
• Pay: We hear $1 per word.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: Yes, one sentence.

Nevada Magazine

Nevada Magazine is the official tourism magazine for the state. They’re looking for stories written from personal experience and research. You don’t have to live in Nevada, but your story won’t get a “yes” if your research is strictly web-based. They like stories about the cities, the rural towns, interesting restaurants (or other businesses) and stories about its history.

• Homepage: https://nevadamagazine.com/
• Contributor info: https://nevadamagazine.com/about/writers-guidelines/
• Pay: $100 to $200 for 500-1500 words.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: No.

New Jersey Monthly

New Jersey Monthly Magazine and website only publish stories about New Jersey and mainly written for local people. They’re interested in articles that give locals a reason to explore their state (on topics like food and drink, travel, things to do, and new perspectives on local attractions).

• Homepage: https://njmonthly.com/
• Contributor info: https://njmonthly.com/writers-guidelines/
• Pay: We hear $750 to $2500.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: Yes, a short one.

New Mexico Magazine

The New Mexico Tourism Department wants your stories for its monthly magazine and online blog. They especially would love first-hand stories about an interesting part of New Mexico. Simple and earthy, upscale and refined, old and historic. If it makes their readers want to learn more about New Mexico, they’re interested.

• Homepage: https://www.newmexico.org/nmmagazine/
• Contributor info: https://www.newmexico.org/nmmagazine/contributor-guidelines/
• Pay: 35-40 cents per word for articles about experiences, stories, and places in New Mexico.
• Contributor byline: Yes, which links to a writer profile.
• Contributor bio: Yes, a few sentences, no links.

Oregon Coast Magazine

Do you know about anything fun to do on the Oregon coast? The Oregon Coast Magazine wants to hear from you. They’re looking for stories about how to get to interesting destinations, easy day trips, great places to eat, driving tours, and more. Practical information and entertaining stories about how to pass the time on the Oregon coast.

• Homepage: https://oregoncoastmagazine.com/
• Contributor info: https://oregoncoastmagazine.com/general-guidelines-for-writers-and-photographers/
• Pay: $100 to $650 for 400-3000 words.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: No.

Outside Online

Do you have a lot to say about the outdoors? Outside is an online and print magazine that publishes mostly long-form content (2,000-10,000 words). They want to hear about your travel stories with an active outdoors focus. They really love the more extreme sports too if that’s your sweet spot. National parks, road trips, and new adventure travel spots are just a few ideas to mull over.

• Homepage: https://www.outsideonline.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.outsideonline.com/2415584/how-to-pitch-freelance-outside-magazine
• Pay: starting at 50 cents a word for online features.
• Contributor byline: Yes, with a link to a writer profile
• Contributor bio: Yes, one sentence with links.

Paddling Magazine

Paddling Magazine is the merger of three different publications, Adventure Kayak, Canoeroots, and Rapid. So that already gives you an idea of what they’re looking for. If you are an avid fan of the kayak or canoe paddle, you could make some money freelance writing about it. So get to it, so you can afford to buy even more gear!

• Homepage: https://paddlingmag.com/
• Contributor info: https://paddlingmag.com/contribute/
• Pay: We hear 20 cents a word (400-3,000 words).
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: Yes, a few sentences.

Paste Magazine

Paste doesn’t accept unsolicited queries anymore, but they do occasionally accept new members to their pool of freelance writers. Travel is just one of the departments at Paste. Have a look at their online magazine and then contact the department you’d like to write for.

• Homepage: https://www.pastemagazine.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles-article-type-features-/writer-guidelines/#writing-guidelines-
• Pay: We hear around 8 cents per word.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: Yes, with a few sentences and links.

Porthole Cruise Magazine

Porthole Cruise Magazine and blog publish articles to help their audience find the right cruise company and destination. Pitch topics about ocean cruises, river cruises, the destinations accessible by cruise, and helpful advice while cruising. This publication has already published content related to most relevant topics, so make sure to put a fresh spin on your pitch to get accepted.

• Homepage: https://porthole.com/
• Contributor info: https://porthole.com/writers-guidelines/
• Pay: We hear around $400 for an 800-word article.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: Yes, a nice one with a photo.

Raising Arizona Kids

Do you live in Arizona and you’re just overflowing with ideas for local family fun? Then Raising Arizona Kids might pay you to write about it. They’re only interested in locally-based writers. And they want articles that help parents do all the things. So fun activities for kids of all ages, travel ideas, and even local kids and parents-related news stories are a good fit here.

• Homepage: https://www.raisingarizonakids.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.raisingarizonakids.com/writer-guidelines/
• Pay: $50 to $200 for 300-1000+ word articles.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: Yes, a few sentences.

Rider Magazine

Got a motorcycle and love to go riding around the country? Send a query to Rider Magazine and see if they’re interested in your next (or latest) ride. Short day trips and more detailed multi-day rides are both fair game — just remember to take great photos. Anything motorcycle-related is worth pitching too.

• Homepage: https://ridermagazine.com/
• Contributor info: http://ridermagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Edit-Guide.pdf
• Pay: $200+ for travel stories about your rides, day trips, or longer. Typically 700-900 words.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: No.

Sacramento Magazine

Sacramento Magazine and blog publishes articles for their mostly local readership (they also prefer working with writers living in the area). They’re always looking for good local travel pitches to give their readers to explore the area (things to do, special events, food and drink, day trips, etc). No writer guidelines but you’ll find staff contact info on their website.

• Homepage: https://www.sacmag.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.sacmag.com/contact-us/
• Pay: We hear $400 to $800.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: No.

San Diego Parent

San Diego Family Magazine and blog pay freelance writers for family-friendly travel articles. Their readers need local fun things to do, interesting events, and easy family activities for their kids. Read through their writer guidelines and send in a query by email.

• Homepage: https://www.sandiegofamily.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.sandiegofamily.com/editorial-guidelines
• Pay: We hear 11 cents per word for an 800-word article.
• Contributor byline: Yes, included with the contributor bio at the bottom of the post.
• Contributor bio: Yes, a short one.

Saveur Magazine

Saveur wants your food travel stories. Whether it’s about foreign dishes or going somewhere with delicious food. It’s all about the food. Or drinks. Got a good story about a certain drink or beverage producer? How about a fascinating story about a recipe? Take a look at their past articles and recipes first. They’ve already got some really fantastic ones. So go get inspired by them before you send in your query.

• Homepage: https://www.saveur.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.saveur.com/contact/
• Pay: We hear it’s $300 to $600 for most stories.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: No.

Seattle Magazine

Seattle Magazine and blog want stories about local travel, things to do, food and drink, or unique events. If you don’t live in the area, you’ll need to give them a compelling reason to say yes to your pitch. They’re only interested in articles about Seattle or the Pacific Northwest. Read their delightfully detailed writer guidelines before contacting them.

• Homepage: https://seattlemag.com/
• Contributor info: https://seattlemag.com/writer-guidelines
• Pay: We hear $50-$1000 depending on the type and length of the story.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: No.

Sierra

Are conservation, the environment, and outdoor adventures your favorite writing topics? Then Sierra would love to hear from you. The biggest thing on their wish list is an adventure travel story that mixes your first-hand experiences with “ecological insights and scientific discoveries” mixed into the story. Sierra is a print magazine. But they’ve also got a nice blog going that accepts guest posts.

• Homepage: http://www.sierraclub.org/sierra
• Contributor info: http://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/about-us#submission
• Pay: From $250 to $1,000, or more for a full-length feature article.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: No.

Sunset Magazine

Sunset Magazine and website write about the 13 Western United States (Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming, plus a little about Mexico and British Columbia, Canada). It’s mainly a lifestyle site for suburban women with all the usual topics (food & drink, home & garden, travel, and more). For freelance writers, they’re more interested in your travel pitches (and there’s an entire section called Culinary Travel for you food and drink writers). This publication has been around for over 100 years, so do your research before you pitch them an idea they’ve already done.

• Homepage: https://www.sunset.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.sunset.com/general/travel-writers
• Pay: We hear $300 to $1500.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: No.

Telluride Magazine

Telluride Magazine and digital publication are looking for articles for their mix of locals and tourists about this upscale historic mountain community. Places to visit, interesting food and drink, things to do, and outdoor adventures are just a few popular themes. Flip through the digital version of the magazine and you’ll quickly get the idea.

• Homepage: https://telluridemagazine.com/
• Contributor info: https://telluridemagazine.com/contribute/
• Pay: We hear $50 to $700.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: No.

Texas Highways

Texas Highways Magazine (along with its blog) have been the official travel magazine for the state since 1974. Their readers love learning about new off-the-beaten-path small towns and natural beauty. Don’t bother sending them anything that’s not about Texas. Pitch articles with a unique history, Texas culture, and a strong travel angle (and read their well-written, detailed writer guidelines) if you want a yes.

• Homepage: https://texashighways.com/
• Contributor info: https://texashighways.com/texas-highways-freelancer-guide/
• Pay: From 40 to 50 cents per word.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: No.

Theme Park Tourist

If you love theme parks, you could get a regular-paying gig writing articles for the Theme Park Tourist blog. They’re not looking for a freelance writer to do a one-off article. This blog wants someone ready to write a few posts a month for pay. Read their clear and informative writer guidelines to see if this blog’s a good fit for you.

• Homepage: https://www.themeparktourist.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.themeparktourist.com/write-for-us
• Pay: $50 for most articles with bonuses for traffic.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: Yes, a nice one.

The Points Guy

Are you a frequent flyer expert or a credit card points travel junkie? You might have what it takes to write for The Points Guy. They are looking for freelancers and employees with a TON of experience. If you fit the bill, they pay very well for it. (And they have a very unusual and fun application process, so pay attention!)

• Homepage: https://thepointsguy.com/
• Contributor info: https://thepointsguy.com/2015/06/tpg-points-and-miles-jobs/
• Pay: Enough to be included on this list (you’ll negotiate the exact rate with the editor after you pitch).
• Contributor byline: Yes, with a link to a writer profile with more links.
• Contributor bio: Yes, a sentence with some links.

The Smart Set

At the crossroads of culture, travel, and art, you’ll find The Smart Set, an online magazine for those who love to go deeper. So it’s not just about your trip to Yosemite or Santa Fe. And personal essays are kinda their favorites. You can also write about other subjects — intellectual curiosity is their middle name.

• Homepage: https://www.thesmartset.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.thesmartset.com/submissions/
• Pay: We hear around 20 cents per word.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: Yes, a few sentences.

The Smithsonian Magazine

Yes, even the Smithsonian Magazine pays freelance travel writers for articles. You’ll need to provide great writing samples, of course. And one hell of a story idea. Have a look at some of their already published articles to inspire you.

• Homepage: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/
• Contributor info: Submit your ideas for the print magazine or for online articles. Check out the editors and other staff.
• Pay: We hear around $400 for online articles.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: Yes, with a few sentences and links.

Transitions Abroad

A blog about working, living, and studying abroad. Transitions Abroad is looking for articles for culture-seeking holiday travellers, working travellers, and those looking to live abroad either permanently or for school. They are especially interested in stories that encourage off-the-beaten-track locations that teach us more about the world (and the unique people and cultures in it).

• Homepage: http://www.transitionsabroad.com/
• Contributor info: http://www.transitionsabroad.com/information/writers/writers.shtml
• Pay: From $50 for a short article up to $150 for a larger, highly detailed article with 1250-3000 words.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: Yes, two sentences with one link.

Travel and Leisure Magazine

So you want to write for Travel and Leisure Magazine and blog? Get in line because you’ll be competing with more than a handful of talented freelance writers for a coveted — and well-paid — assignment. Do we need to say it? Read… no, study their published articles, and get a feel for what they want (and what they’ve already done).

• Homepage: https://www.travelandleisure.com/
• Contributor info: https://www.travelandleisure.com/contact
• Pay: We hear it’s from $1 per word, with higher rates for print articles.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: No.

WellBeing

Wellbeing Magazine and its blog publish travel stories for their mostly Australian audience. They’re looking for destinations, interesting things to do, and other travel-related stories that help their readers enhance their wellbeing, health, and spirituality. Read their writer guidelines and read the blog for more inspiration into what they want and don’t want.

• Homepage: https://www.wellbeing.com.au/
• Contributor info: https://www.wellbeing.com.au/contribute
• Pay: From $150 to $1700  (Australian) depending on the length and type of story.
• Contributor byline: Yes.
• Contributor bio: Yes, a short one.

This List Needs YOUR Help!

Have you written for one of these blogs? Will you tell us about your experience?

Or do you know of another blog that pays at least $50 per post on travel topics?

If you’ve got a tip about a blog that pays writers $50+, please send it to teambafb@gmail.com in exchange for our undying gratitude — thank you for your service.

Want more blogging gigs on other topics? Check out our Ultimate List of Better-Paid Blogging Gigs here.