Breaking Into Travel Journalism In 10 Steps

I am often asked, "How do I start? How do I get to where you are today?" Well, this is what the Travel Media Lab podcast is all about! In today's episode, we break down a series of steps that you should consider taking if you want to start creating work and getting published in travel media.

Whether you want to be a writer, a photographer, or both, today you'll hear about the practical actions you can take to become a successful travel journalist. You'll learn about the importance of drafting your mission statement, keeping an ideas journal, and doing your research. You'll discover what the storytellers' mindset is and how to start building your storytelling muscle before we talk more about the pitching process; why we should aim high but start low, get structured, prepare to love rejection, and relentlessly follow up. You'll also hear some encouragement and helpful tips to get your mindset right!

[01:21] How Yulia developed these 10 steps for breaking into travel journalism
[02:23] Where to find a helpful resource PDF to help you break into travel journalism
[03:06] Information about the upcoming Getting Started in NFTs workshop
[04:51] Step 1: draft your mission statement
[06:09] The two things that have a mission statement will help you to accomplish
[08:04] Step 2: keep an ideas journal
[12:27] Step 3: research before you start
[13:31] What the storyteller's mindset is and how to adopt it
[15:34] Step 4: start building your storytelling muscle
[18:09] Step 5: aim high but start low
[19:29] The story of recent guest, Jessica Poitevien, whose first published article made it into National Geographic
[22:16] Step 6: Get structured
[27:39] Step 7: Prepare to love rejection
[30:41] Step 8: Institute a practice of relentless follow-up
[33:32] Yulia uses a helpful tool for follow-up: Boomerang for Gmail
[34:20] Step 9: Use your resources
[36:59] Step 10: approach pitching with an abundance mindset
[42:45] How to go about implementing these 10 steps
[44:16] How to find resources and a community of support to help you reach your travel journalism goals

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Travel Media Lab is a space to help you break into – and thrive in – the travel media space. Hosted by Yulia Denisyuk, a published travel photographer and writer, community builder, and entrepreneur.