There are many different travel jobs for seniors. I was thinking about giving readers an overview of different jobs that are available. Then I realized that there was no way that I could cover the different types of travel jobs in such a short article unless I left out a lot of details. That would leave more questions than answers.

In this article, I will cover how to become a travel writer. If you have a knack for writing, good grammar skills, and the ability to travel and write about interesting details of your trip, then travel writing might be for you.

You don’t need to stick with writing travel articles. You can also write about other non-fiction or fiction articles that interest you, as well. However, some of the principles of getting your articles published will remain the same, especially for print editions, and major publications that are online.

Travel Jobs for Seniors – Why Choose Travel Writing?

There’s something cool about travel writing, and the thought of making a living as a travel writer. You can visualize all of those distant foreign lands, filled with long, sandy beaches, ancient artifacts, museums, tropical rain forests, and ever surrounding mountains.

Yes, as a travel writer, you can visit all of those places, and it might not seem like real work if you love what you are doing. Unfortunately, not everyone is cut out to be a travel writer, or any type of freelance writer.

Below are a list of skills that are required, and other qualities that you should possess.

You’ve got to Love Writing

This is one of the dependable travel jobs for seniors. However, you must keep in mind that you should love writing. If you didn’t like writing in the past, you’re probably not going to like it any better now. Also, as a travel writer, you’ve got to love traveling, and you have to absorb what you have seen, and take good notes, because you will need to write about your experiences later.

Understand What the Publication Wants

Your friends have probably told you what a great writer you are. Maybe you are a good writer, but even good writers are rejected by publications. Every magazine and newspaper has a certain style that is standard. If you have read several editions of the publication you are targeting, you’ll be ahead of the game.

Make sure what you are writing is something that would connect with their subscribers. You need to understand their age group, if the majority is male or female, education level, and sometimes it’s even necessary to know if they are liberal, or conservative.

What you think is interesting, is not important to the publication. However, what its readers think is interesting, is paramount.

You Need Thick Skin

If you are writing for real world publications (especially print magazines, and newspapers), you will need a very thick skin. Let’s face it, the economy sucks right now, and many companies have cut their staff, and have laid workers off. This means that there is more competition, fewer articles that are needed, and more articles will be rejected.

Getting an article rejected is a type of initiation to becoming a freelance writer, but it’s not a death sentence. As a matter of fact, a rejection letter can be used as a learning tool. If an editor thinks you might have potential, you might receive a reason why the article was rejected, and tips on how your articles might be accepted in the future. In that case, you should always approach that publication and editor again, but rewriting your query, and including the proper changes.

Learn How to Write a Query Letter

A query letter is a letter, fax, or e-mail written to an editor to pitch your potential article.

A query letter accomplishes a few things:

It shows the editor that you understand the magazine or newspaper protocol and process for sending articles.

You get a chance to present pieces of your article, giving enticing tidbits, just like a movie trailer does for an upcoming feature film.

It gives an editor a good idea if you understand good grammar, if you can write an articulate sentence, and if you could write a good article for their publication.

You can find more information on writing query letters here:

http://www.writing.com/main/view_item/item_id/844651-How-to-Write-a-Query-Letter

Tight Grammar Skills ” Over Deliver

Editors are overworked, and the last thing they want to do is decipher your writing. Write using the best grammar you can, and make sure you edit it a few times until it’s as perfect as you can make it. You’ve heard the expression: “You only get one chance to make a first impression.” So, let the editor know immediately that you mean business.

You Can’t Get Too Attached to Your Articles

Remember, there is a big difference in writing an entry in a blog when you feel like it, and writing for a living. By the time some editors get finished editing your article, it might not resemble what you expected, or wanted. Just remember that you are writing for someone else, and they are hopefully writing your checks.

You Need to Be Self Organized and Disciplined

Travel writing requires you to meet occasional deadlines. Generally, you will be writing multiple stories at a time, and you could be under some pressure. Freelance travel writers need the discipline to keep writing, and spend time each day to write more.

You Should Have Good Research Skills

When you write about places you are not familiar with, you will need to do some research. Knowing such facts as what the distances are between places, the history, and proper spelling are essential to a believable article.

Good Websites for Travel Writers

Here are three sites that can help you get started with writing:

Travelwriters.com – More than 10,000 travel writers use Travelwriters.com on a regular basis to receive market news. They also have valuable press trip announcements.

WritersDigest.com – Tons of information for writers. Writers Digest also has a monthly magazine.

WritersMarket.com – An online resource for writers who wish to get published. You can find over 5000 paying markets.

Travel Jobs for Seniors – Conclusion

This article has focused on one of the popular travel jobs for seniors. In my next travel jobs for seniors’ series, I will cover how seniors can get a job teaching English as a Second Language. It’s a lot easier than you might think, and it can earn you enough money to extend your stay in a certain location, and it can give you valuable contact with local people.

What are you waiting for? Start traveling!