Travel Writing: Get Paid as a Writer & TV Host
In the world of travel and adventure, few professions capture the essence of wanderlust as vividly as travel writing. Travel writers have the unique privilege of traveling around the world and sharing their experiences through the art of storytelling. Heather Greenwood Davis is a trailblazer in this field. She is an international journalist, travel writer, and TV personality with over two decades of expertise. In this article and video, we learn more about her journey, gaining insights into the world of travel writing, the skills required, and the daily life of a globetrotting writer.
Heather Greenwood Davis: Trailblazing in Travel Writing
Heather Greenwood Davis, a seasoned storyteller and a contributor to prestigious publications like National Geographic, is no stranger to the world of travel writing. Throughout her remarkable career, she was featured in renowned outlets such as “Good Morning America,” “The Toronto Star,” and “CBS Sunday Morning.” Additionally, Heather documented her family’s remarkable journey across the world on her website, “The Globetrotting Mama,” providing invaluable travel tips and advice.
Discovering the Path to Travel Writing
A Journey of Serendipity
Heather’s journey into travel writing was serendipitous. A pivotal moment in her life came when she stumbled upon a spa catering to pregnant women in Texas while expecting her first child. Recognizing the importance of sharing this discovery, Heather pitched the idea to a newspaper editor, setting the stage for her travel writing career. This moment ignited her passion for the profession.
The transition from Law to Travel
Before embarking on her travel writing odyssey, Heather pursued a career in law, in which she practiced for eight years. However, her heart yearned for writing, and she knew that the legal profession was not her ultimate destination. Heather’s transition from law to travel writing was a bold step that underscored her determination to follow her true passion.
Becoming a Travel Writer: Skills and Qualifications
Accessibility of Travel Writing
One of the most positive aspects of travel writing is its accessibility. Unlike some professions that demand specific educational backgrounds or formal qualifications, travel writing welcomes individuals with a passion for storytelling and a penchant for exploration. Key qualifications include:
- Proficiency in writing and storytelling.
- The ability to capture and convey vivid experiences through words.
- An open-minded approach to different cultures and customs.
- A willingness to immerse oneself in diverse environments.
The Art of Open-Mindedness
Beyond writing skills, a crucial attribute for a travel writer is the ability to approach new experiences with an open mind. Heather emphasizes the importance of embracing destinations as they are, without imposing preconceived notions or cultural biases. Travel writers must genuinely engage with local customs, tastes, and traditions to authentically convey their experiences to readers.
A Day in the Life of a Travel Writer
The Dynamic Routine
Heather’s daily routine as a travel writer is far from boring. While the COVID-19 pandemic has temporarily grounded her, her typical day is marked by creativity. Here’s a glimpse into her daily life:
- Early Rise: Heather typically starts her day around 5 or 6 AM, eager to seize the quiet morning hours for work.
- Writing Sessions: Mornings are dedicated to writing, whether it’s articles, interviews, or meetings with editors and subjects.
- Flexibility: Travel writing allows for a flexible schedule, with Heather shaping her day as needed.
- Family Time: Around 5 or 6 PM, Heather shifts her focus to family, cherishing quality time with her loved ones.
- Early Rest: An early bedtime, usually around 8:30 PM, ensures she’s refreshed for the next day’s adventures.
Travel Alters the Routine
Heather’s routine undergoes major changes when she’s on the road. Travel inherently brings spontaneity, with schedules shifting to accommodate the demands of exploring new destinations. Whether she’s on a press trip with a predetermined itinerary or solo, Heather embraces the ever-changing nature of travel.
Travel Writing on the Road: Heather’s Perspective
Heather’s personal preference is not to write while traveling. Her reasoning revolves around the need for specific conditions to stimulate her creativity. Hotel rooms often feel like borrowed time, and the rush to write in limited windows doesn’t align with her creative process. Heather also believes in immersing herself fully in the destination, saving reflections and storytelling for when she’s back home.
Surprises on the Journey
In Heather’s inspiring journey as a travel writer, two surprises stand out. Firstly, the realization that travel writing is not just a job but a remarkable career. It is a privilege to be cherished. Secondly, the duality of her profession—the balance between experiencing the world authentically and sharing it with readers—is an ongoing revelation. Heather’s journey reminds us that the world is a huge, wondrous place waiting to be explored, and travel writing is the bridge that connects us all to its wonders.
Heather Greenwood Davis’s story shows the power of following one’s passion. Her journey from law to travel writing demonstrates the possibilities that await those willing to pursue their dreams. Travel writing, with its accessibility and capacity to reshape lives, invites aspiring writers to embark on their own adventures, armed with a pen and an open heart.
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