How to Combine Travel and Essay Writing

How to Combine Travel and Essay Writing

You probably know that I’m a long term travel writer, constantly writing new material and trying to get my journeys written down on paper, or posted as blogs on the internet. Aside from this I also write about football and I do some essay writing and copywriting. As a keen writer, PR graduate and former journalism student, I like to combine all these passions into one. It’s a learning curve and I know I will always be writing in some capacity. Here are five of my tips for combining travel with essay writing.

Doing a bit of travel writing while waiting for my tea in Seki Square, Azerbaijan.

1.Tell Your Story
Tell it as it is. Write a detailed, real life account of that particular backpacking journey, become a storyteller. Examples I have had in the past include my Wacaday journey to Karakalpakstan, losing a grand in the river in Laos and nicking an exam paper. People love to read real life stories – the funnier and crazier the better.

Soviet style residential estate in Urgench. Wacaday!

2.Sensationalise
As a PR man, I get to know what works in the industry. Sadly, the over sensationalising sells. It’s what people want, so you have to succumb and give them it. I’m not doing it all the time but occassionally you’ll read a real life travel article in the sensationalist mode, such as the time I got naked in Munich, having sex on your travels or touched crocodiles in Gambia.

Stroking crocodiles at Kachikally, The Gambia

3.Be Comfortable
As much as I love writing on buses, planes etc. the truth is I feel much more inspired when I am comfortable. By that I mean to have the best environment around you. Get your favourite music on, photos of friends and family around you, a cup of tea or coffee, some sweets or treat-type food. Once you have all that, the wisdom and inspiration flows easier as you are in a positive environment.

Comfortable environment

4.Proof-Read
Double check everything you have written by proof reading it. Look over what you have said and done and make sure it is exactly the way you want it. As a professional travel blogger, I try to be perfect. In busy times, mistakes always slip through the net, but we don’t mean them too. We try to check everything.

Proof read everything

5.Work on the Move
As a long term travellers, you might think it’s hard to find time for essay writing. But it’s not – it’s easier! You have so many spontaneous opportunities and situations to put to your advantage. Your bus breaks down? Get writing. You hear a nice quote? Write it down. You have a spare hour to kill in a pub in a city you’ve never heard of? Write a new blog article.

Travel writing in Wadi Rum, Jordan

Always be hungry for more work and eager to improve. You can also use a smart essay writing service if you need to. In the past I have shared tips on how to make money as a professional travel blogger and also best tips, so get in on the act and start earning money by writing as you travel the world. Lots of us are doing it, join the party!