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Who is a Travel Journalist?
Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness ~ Mark Twain
Dream of turning your travel adventures into powerful stories? A career in travel journalism might be for you. Travel journalists explore new places, dive into local cultures, and capture their experiences through articles, blogs, videos, or social media posts. From planning routes and managing logistics to writing engaging content, travel journalists do it all.
Some create guidebooks or memoirs that help fellow travellers navigate unfamiliar destinations. In this article, discover what a travel journalist does, the skills you need, salary insights, and how to start your journey in India’s travel journalism scene.
Travel Journalist in a Nutshell
A travel journalist explores destinations and shares experiences through articles, blogs, or social media. They plan trips, manage logistics, and may create guidebooks. A degree in Journalism or Mass Communication is typical, with added value from internships and skills in photography or film-making.
Quick Facts for Travel Journalist
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Industry
Tourism, Media
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Average Salary in India
₹37500
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Suitable for
Male, Female, Others
Individuals can take up a career as Travel Journalists, it is not gender-specific. Males, women, and others can choose a career as Travel Journalists. In India, a male and female Travel Journalist enjoys equal benefits because gender is insignificant in this career.
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Any special needs
Yes
As long as the individual's disability is not hampering the work, anyone, with any disability can become a travel journalist.
Table of Contents for Travel Journalist
What is the role of Travel Journalist?
The responsibility of a travel journalist is to promote a wider understanding and knowledge of the world and to make the readers visit places in their imagination with their blogs and articles. He or she writes and reviews stories about locations, culture, and entertainment. The Travel Journalist provides detailed information so that people can develop their views and make more informed decisions before visiting a place.
The travel journalist is mainly responsible for creating engaging and factual content for the audience.
A travel journalist interviews different people throughout the journey to cover different stories related to the place.
He or she ensures that right information is passed to the audience.
A travel journalist takes photos of different locations to provide better information about the destination.
He or she publishes the experience and wide knowledge gained from different sources throughout the journey.
Types of a Travel Journalist
There is a wide variety of travel journalists based on their interests and areas of expertise. This may include photojournalists, editors, and reporters. Here is a list of types of travel journalists and the type of work done by them.
Reporter: Reporters conduct interviews, find the source, and collect all the information needed to write a well-rounded news article. Reporters will also present data in writing or verbally in news stories, documentaries or feature stories. Reporters cover all sorts of news articles, and others may specialise in areas like sports, lifestyle or politics.
Photojournalist: Photojournalists may work as freelance photographers or may be appointed by photo agencies, publications or local newspapers. The areas of employment also include digital media, television and printing. A photojournalist is one who photographs, edits, and displays photographs to tell a visual story.
News Editor: The news editor is the person responsible for all news reporters. In large media organisations, the news editor may well have a deputy, sometimes referred to as the Chief of Staff, whose job it is to allocate journalists to selected stories.
What is the workplace/work environment of Travel Journalist like?
Travel journalists need to go out on the field, gather information, and then compile a story. The journalist's job is both physically and mentally demanding. It is a job for people who do not like boredom in their day-to-day life. They work in the field, travel the whole world, and meet different people. Their workstation also changes regularly.
Does Travel Journalist require travelling?
Likely
As travel journalists, you need to travel a lot locally if there is a storey that breaks. Travel journalists need to travel every now and then, depending on the requirement of a story, or in the case of any event to be covered. Individuals in the career as travel journalists travel not only when a particular story is needed, but they also travel on their own, when they actually want to visit a place.
Employment Shifts
Full Time, Part Time
The shift in the employment of a travel journalist is both full-time and part-time in nature. The duration is generally between 40-45 hours per week. It often stretches depending on the individual's workload. Many times there are incidents that can happen late at night, and a travel journalist is also required to cover them.
Employment Nature
Contractual, Permanent
Travel Journalists work full time, part-time and also work as a freelancer. Individuals in the career as travel journalists work whenever they want to. But while working for any media houses they need to work accordingly.
Work Place
Home Office, On-Field, Office
The nature of the employment of travel journalists are permanent and also of a freelance nature. The firm hires him or her on a full-time or part-time basis. Individuals in the career as travel journalists may be required to work in almost all kinds of scenarios, as it is his or her job to provide information to the people. They travel a lot to gather information. Travel journalists do not really work in an office environment. Though while editing and writing the news article they need particular space for that.
Presence in Geographical Area
Semi-urban, Urban
Travel Journalists mostly work in urban or semi-urban locations. If any incidents happen then journalists from the nearest branch of the media house are sent. But it is not limited only to the country, but also to other countries.
Time Pressure
Likely
A Travel Journalist’s job is time-bound. He or she constantly works under time pressure. Deadlines are stapled in the field of journalism. They sometimes work under pressure when some news to be covered in a short notice.
Overtime Details
A travel journalist may have to work overtime in order to meet the desired target or deadline. However, due to travel inconveniences, they may be forced to work overtime.
Weekly Hours of Work
Min 45 Hours
A travel journalist does not have a minimum working hour condition, but one has a goal to complete. Every Travel Journalist needs to file the required number of stories set as a target. But travel reporters generally work around eight-nine hours a day on average.
How to become a Travel Journalist?
Steps to become a Travel Journalist
Embarking to become a travel journalist in India involves a blend of passion, skills, and strategic steps. This guide unveils the key elements of "How to Become a Travel Journalist in India," offering insights into the educational path, essential skills, and practical tips to kickstart a rewarding career in capturing the world’s wonders through the lens of journalism.
What are the skills and qualities required to become a/an Travel Journalist?
A travel journalist in India must possess a variety of skills and qualities to excel in the career path of travel journalism. In this article, we will discuss how to become a travel journalist and skills required by travel journalists.
Communication skills: A Travel Journalist must have good communication skills. They need to communicate with people for their resources and to take people's reaction. They even take interviews with well-known people, for these communications skills are very important.
Writing skills: Travel Journalists write about the information which they have collected from various places. Most journalists will start writing before the start of their work. It is not just about good writing, but also about building knowledge of various writing styles.
Research skills: Research skills for journalists is a comprehensive, approachable and highly functional guide to the development of a diverse set of skills necessary to make well-researched, journalistic integrity across a wide variety of platforms. Travel Journalists are expected to be highly dedicated to any article.
Which certifications and internships can be helpful in becoming Travel Journalist?
Pursuing certificate courses allows the candidate to get an edge over other candidates in the industry. We have mentioned below some major certifications prevalent in India that individuals may opt to establish a career as a Travel Journalist.
Internship Availability
Internships are proven to be the ideal way to gain experience in a travel journalist career path. This is such a field, where internship really adds a value to the candidate’s career. Candidates can find internship opportunities in media houses for two or three months. Most travel journalism internships are unpaid, but eventually, those companies hire those interns after the completion of the internship.
Travel Journalist Jobs and Salaries
Staff Travel Journalist
Contractual/Permanent
- Average Salary 25000
Job Description
Staff Travel Journalist work is very basic in the field of journalism. They will be responsible for researching, writing, and producing engaging content on various travel destinations. Collaborate with editors and photographers to create compelling narratives that captivate readers and convey the essence of each location.
Salary Description
Salaries in this career largely depend on the company and the role that an individual occupies. At the beginning of their career, they get get basic pay. And eventually, they earn more than Rs. 25000 per month.
Travel Editor
Contractual/Permanent
- Average Salary 50000
Job Description
As a Travel Editor, your role involves overseeing and managing travel content for a publication. You will be responsible for editing and curating articles, collaborating with writers, and shaping the overall travel narrative to ensure it aligns with the publication's voice and editorial guidelines. This position requires a keen eye for detail, strong editing skills, and a passion for creating compelling travel stories.
Salary Description
The salaries of Travel editors depend on career growth or rely entirely on the experience of the particular field. The salary of Travel editor depends mainly on experience. The Travel Editor receives on average up to Rs. six lakhs a year.
Source - (GLASSDOOR)
What is the job outlook for Travel Journalist?
A candidate who wants to become a travel journalist is experiencing major job growth. When an individual gains experience and understanding, he or she gets higher ranks in the field of journalism. The field is massive and continues to expand thus there are plenty of possibilities for employment growth. Travel journalists are not offered high salaries in the early stages of the career but this eventually changes after acquiring relevant skills and experience in the field.
Frequently Asked Questions for Travel Journalist
Que. Is travel journalism a good career?
Ans. Travel Journalism does not ensure a great deal of money, especially in the early stages of your career, and you can not just expect a huge amount of money as there will be millions of people out there who can do your work for free.
Que. Is journalism a dying field?
Ans.Journalism is certainly not dying, but it is changing and competitive. You need to be excellent at editing your multimedia content. We might think that print media is dying because of the digital era, but no media is actually dying.
Que. Is it difficult to become a journalist?
Ans.Working as a reporter could be an exciting and challenging job. However, it can also be difficult work that often leads to unpleasant stories and constructive criticism, and not pay well compared to other professions.
Que. What do travel journalists write about?
Ans.Travel journalists have their own individual knowledge and expertise to define tourist attractions for different kinds of publications. Such writings may be in the type of blurbs, articles, documentaries or travel guides. They usually accompany their writings with photos of the destinations they visit.
Que. Is journalism a stressful job?
Ans.Journalists have to deal with time constraints, stressful working environments, insane deadlines, travel, demanding editorial staff, a much more demanding public, and anxiety of being laid off. By all of these, you can surely understand it is a stressful job, but if you have the passion of being a journalist nothing can stop you.
Que. What degree do you need to be a travel journalist?
Ans.To become a travel journalist, a degree in journalism, communication, or a related field is beneficial, providing a solid foundation in writing and storytelling.
Que. Which course is best for travel journalism?
Ans.The best courses for travel journalism often include elements of journalism, multimedia storytelling, and travel writing to equip aspiring journalists with the necessary skills for the field.
Que. What skills do you need for travel journalism?
Ans.Essential skills for travel journalism include strong writing abilities, photography skills, cultural sensitivity, and a passion for exploration, enabling journalists to capture and convey compelling stories about diverse destinations.
Que. How to become a travel journalist for the National Geographic?
Ans.To become a travel journalist for National Geographic, consider gaining relevant experience through internships or freelance work, build a diverse portfolio showcasing your writing and photography skills, and network within the industry to increase visibility and opportunities with the renowned publication.
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Questions related to Travel Journalist
right now I am pursuing b.a in psychology but my dream is to become a travel journalist. should I go for masters in journalism or continue the psychology?!
Hi there.
It's good to hear that you are adamant towards your dream. Journalism is an ever flourishing field. Therefore, I suggest you to take up your masters in journalism and mass communication. But for that you first need to clear the entrance exam if you are aiming for the top colleges. I am listing here some of the best colleges in India for journalism.
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Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi - The Indian Institute of Journalism and New Media
- The Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication (SIMC)
- Lady Shri Ram College
- The Delhi College of Arts and Commerce (DCAC)
- Indraprastha Women’s College
- Kamala Nehru College, Delhi
- Madras Christian College Manipal School of Communication
Answer lateri want to study travel journalism in particular and this year i was supposed to appear for my 12th boards, which got cancelled. i want to know which courses of journalism shall i take to become a travel journalist, which subjects shall i study and which colleges would be the best to study.
Hello Aspirant,
Courses to opt to become a travel journalist are as follows:
- B.J. (Bachelor of Journalism)
- B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) Journalism
- B.M.M. (Bachelor of Mass Media)
- B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication
- B.A. in Journalism and Mass Media
- B.A. in Journalism and Communication Studies to be a journalist
Best Colleges you can go for:
- Asian College of Journalism
- Indian Institute of Mass Communication
- Xavier's Institute of Communication
- Symbiosis International University
- Delhi University
- GGS IP University
- Amity University
- Jamia Millia Islamia.
For more information about the course, check this link mentioned below: https://dqxeclau.top/careers/travel-journalist
Hope this information helps you!
All the best!
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Did you know?
Fact 1
Herodotus is considered the first travel journalist (5th century BCE).
Fact 2
India’s first travel magazine, Travel Plus, launched in 1997.
Fact 3
Travel writing forms 20% of global tourism digital content (2023).
Fact 4
Over 60% of travel journalists globally are freelancers.
Fact 5
India’s travel media market grew 30% in the last decade.
