I guess you could say I am the new kid on the block at Technorati, this being my first blog post. While I am new here – and excited about my future writing for this site – I have been consistently writing, editing and publishing travel articles as a freelancer and owner of several travel sites for the last eight years. I would not have it any other way. I love travel.

I have good reason. I have been lucky enough to create contacts with a number of important agencies and PR firms over the years. I travel a lot, almost always for free.

It’s true. I am one of those lucky writers who gets invited on press trips to far-flung destinations, staying at the swankiest of hotels, eating rich food, and getting behind the scenes access to historic attractions and famous landmarks. I would argue that there is no better gig. Of course, it is not all a bed of roses.

Press trip schedules are chaotic. I am saddled with dangling cameras to the point of strap rash around my neck. I take notes from arrival to departure – when I am not taking pictures or video – all the while continuously slathered in bug repellent. I am squished into the back of a van with a bunch of other sweaty writers without a moment to myself. There will be delays, sore feet, language barriers, sunburns and a bad case of diarrhea on every trip. And very few writers make enough dough to make it all worth the trouble.

Is it worth the trouble? To me, and many others, the answer is an emphatic, ‘yes.’ I am still constantly asked by strangers, “How can I be a travel writer?” The enthusiastic question is usually followed by an assortment of comments that are designed to make me believe that he or she is perfect for the job (not that I was offering): I kept a diary of my trip to Cancun back in ’89, I really like spicy ‘ethnic’ food; I really, really love travel and I could carry your bags.

So you want to be a travel writer? To the would-be travel writer, I congratulate you, but there is more to being a travel writer than the love for travel. It is a lot of hard work, but the road is manageable with the right information.

In my next series of articles, I will tell Technorati readers about what I do and how I did it. I will write about the behind the scenes fun and fatigue. I will also share information about my upcoming trips that will take me to Mexico City, and even further south of the border into historic Mayan areas in Central America. Like I said, I travel a lot. I will bring bug repellent.

Article first published as So You Want to Be a Travel Writer? on Technorati.

Without question, for many this is the golden ticket or dangling carrot of travel writing reward, when money is not always an option, and the question comes up all the time from both experienced and novice travel writers that I hear from.

Here is the truth, press trips happen all the time. I have three invitations in my inbox right now. I also send writers on trips when the opportunity works out. Of course, I have a number of reliable writers that are willing to hop on the plane for the cause of promoting travel, but how can a new writer find a golden ticket of their own?

Here is the short list of things to do other than buying up all the Wonka bars. I am not sure why I am incorporating a Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory theme here.

1. Make friends with an editor.

This does not mean become their pal. It means be reliable, hit word counts, meet deadlines, be dependable, and write well. Also understand that while I have sent writers out on trips after having only written a story or two, it does not happen often, especially with other editors. Usually, when a writer asks about free trips without having developed a relationship with me first, the request never sounds good.

2. Make friends with pr firms and tourism board folks.

Again, this does not mean be their pal. It means keep them posted to where your writing is appearing, especially if it is a staff position. Find out what events, anniversaries, or promotions are upcoming up and see if you can place a story about one of them for them. For the record, I have been invited on dozens of trips, but I have never requested invitation. I have seen other writers do it and it makes me go yuck. I might have missed out on a couple that I wished I had gone on, but I would rather maintain a professional approach than be known as an opportunist.

3. Go to conventions and media events.

Then follow steps 1. and 2.

A final thought

While a press trip is free and usually filled with opportunities a regular tourist will not have access to, it is still work because you are on someone else’s dime and someone else’s schedule. Expect long days, delicious food and hectic deadlines to get your stories in on time.

For more on the Pueblos Magicos. It is an older article, but still good for the basics.