Freelance Writers: How to Organize Sponsored Travel

Travel writing is an increasingly popular avenue for freelance writers as it satisfies not only the passion for writing, but also the desire to see new and interesting places. A travel writer doesn't just browse the Internet for information about a specific destination, but actually goes there and experiences the place for his or her article or book. The problem with travel writing is that it can get expensive; between air fare, cabs, eating out, tourist fees and other costs, a freelance writer's income may not be entirely supportive. If you are hoping to break into the travel writing industry, you might want to consider sponsored travel.

Sponsored travel is an arrangement between the writer, the publisher and a third party who will fund the travel. There are three main methods with which to organize sponsored travel, all of which are explained below, and they each provide the writer with much-needed assistance in his or her journeys. Whether you're just driving to another place in the U.S. or flying abroad, sponsored travel allows you to experience your destination without worrying about pinching pennies at every location.

Travel Writing Assistance

The first method of organizing sponsored travel is by applying for travel writing assistance. The tourism authority for your destination will have information regarding this form of organized travel, as well as the precise criteria necessary to get the ball rolling. In most instances, travel writing assistance requires that you submit several documents for consideration, including an explanation of the publication for which you will be writing. In other words, you will have to have been assigned the article or book from a publication or publisher in order to acquire travel writing assistance.

In most cases, you will need the following in order to gain sponsored travel from the tourism authority: