Traveler's Pen

Blind Man Flies From London to Sydney

2007-05-02T15:54:00.000-07:00

In an amazing feat, Miles Hilton-Barber flew halfway around the world. Blind. The British pilot departed London on March and arrived in Sydney on Monday. The journey was a total of 13,500 miles.

"It's the fulfillment of an amazing dream," the 58-year-old adventurer said after touching down at Sydney's Bankstown airport. "I've been wanting to do this flight for about four years."

Hilton-Barber flies with a sighted co-pilot but relies on speech output from his navigation instruments to steer his course, directing the plane from a wireless keyboard.

"I've wanted to be a pilot since I was a kid. Now I'm totally blind and I've had the privilege of flying more than halfway around the world. The big deal is not me doing this, it's raising funds," he said.

Hilton-Barber, who has been blind for 25 years, hopes the trip will raise some two million US dollars for the charity Seeing is Believing, which works to cut the incidence of preventable blindness in developing countries.

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Terah Shelton
www.terahs.com
Traveler. Writer. Ingenue

Kenya: Africa's Newest Aviation Hub?

2007-05-01T09:40:00.000-07:00

With the rehabilitation of 15 airstrips, the renovation of the Moi International Airport, and the expansion of the Kisumu Airport, Kenyan government is making bold strides to become the leading aviation hub in Africa.

Transport minister, Mr Chirau Ali Mwakwere, said that the move was in tandem with the ongoing harmonisation of aviation sector in the East Africa Community and Comesa region.

He said the Government would continue to provide the necessary infrastructure and put in place appropriate policies to enable the aviation industry to thrive.

"Kenya will be one of the leading countries in Africa in terms of aviation," he said.
He added: "This year, 10 more airstrips are planned for upgrading while 14 more will be inspected for rehabilitation."

Among airports earmarked for upgrading is Moi International Airport in Mombasa, which is currently under going renovation, and Kisumu Airport whose run way will be extended at estimated cost of Sh2.6 billion.

At the Kisumu Airport, the terminal building will be expanded and the runway increased to 3.2km, from the current 2.1km, to accommodate bigger aircraft. A new control tower will also be built.

Other facilities to be upgraded are lighting and security systems. Another airport in the sights of KAA for expansion is the Malindi Airport, which locals want to be upgraded to an international airport. The Wajir Airport terminal building has been constructed and the control tower rehabilitated for the airport to serve both military and civilian aircraft.

Quote Source and entire article here.

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Terah Shelton
www.terahs.com
Traveler. Writer. Ingenue

U.S/EU Agreement Opens Transatlantic Skies

2007-05-01T09:09:00.000-07:00

With one stroke of the pen, travel to Europe just got cheaper. In a landmark deal years in the making, the United States and the European Union signed an agreement to open up transatlantic markets, allowing airlines in the European Union to fly to any U.S city and vice versa. Which means, in March 2008, competition between airlines could equal lower fares for customers.

The "open skies" deal that removed World War II-era barriers to service appears initially weighted toward European carriers, some of whom have begun to recognize what they anticipate will be new business opportunities.

"Already, the European airline industry is feeling its effects in a positive way, with plans for new services and signs of a much more flexible and dynamic approach to airline investment among European carriers," Barrot said.

As a result, several overseas airlines have been active in pursuing new routes. European low-cost airline Ryanair is exploring the possibility of transatlantic service between Dublin, Frankfurt and Barcelona to New York, Dallas and San Francisco.

Virgin Atlantic plans to expand vigorously, possibly adding flights to the United States from Paris, Zurich and other cities within a couple of years. Ireland's Aer Lingus is also planning new routes.

For the quote source and the entire article, click here.

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Terah Shelton
www.terahs.com
Traveler. Writer. Ingenue

Outdoor Weblog is Live!

2007-04-20T12:42:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to let everyone know my new blog, Outdoor Weblog, is now live at Creative Weblogging. Come on over and say hi!

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Terah Shelton
www.terahs.com
Traveler. Writer. Ingenue

Best Months for Travel

2007-04-18T13:33:00.000-07:00

Question: I know this may seem like a simple question, but what is the best month for traveling?

Answer: This is actually a good question and a very important one. Depending on the month you travel, your budget could decrease or increase dramatically. If you're on a budget, ideally, you want to travel during shoulder season, which during the spring is the months of March, April, and May and September, October, and November for fall. The weather may not be as enjoyable, but with the extra money you save invest in a good umbrella or an insulated jacket.

In my opinion, the worse months for travel is during the summer. Gas prices are high. The weather is hot and humid. And hotels, highways, and airplanes are at capacity. If possible, avoid this time, especially if you're counting your pennies.

Hope this helps!

* Have a question? Please send an email to travelerspen@yahoo.com or leave a comment.

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Terah Shelton
www.terahs.com
Traveler. Writer. Ingenue

New Blogging Gig

2007-04-16T21:01:00.000-07:00

I know this blog has been silent lately, but I'm proud to announce that I'll be taking over Creative Weblogging's Outdoor Weblog! I know you're probably wondering about the outdoor-related posts, but they're samples for my new position. I don't have all the details about the job yet, but when I do I'll keep you posted!

In the meantime, I plan on getting Traveler's Pen back on track soon. I'm returning to the original format of answering and addressing travel-related questions. So, if you have one, please send an email to travelerspen@yahoo.com or leave a comment. I'm also lining up travelers for the Traveler Next Door, if anyone's interested.

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Terah Shelton
www.terahs.com
Traveler. Writer. Ingenue

Travel World: Leave No Trace

2007-04-16T14:49:00.000-07:00

With peak hiking season upon us, the folks at Leave No Trace are reminding everyone to..well..leave no trace when hiking or camping in the outdoors. To curve environmental damage created by hikers and campers, seven principles were drafted as a form of outdoor ethics.

This summer, before you hit the trails, here are the principles to keep in mind:

1. Plan ahead and prepare

2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces

3. Dispose of waste properly

4. Leave what you find

5. Minimize campfire impacts

6. Respect wildlife

7. Be considerate of other visitors

For a detailed overview of the principles, check out the Leave No Trace website.

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Terah Shelton
www.terahs.com
Traveler. Writer. Ingenue

Travel World: How to Avoid Submersion Accidents

2007-04-16T13:07:00.000-07:00

Summer is here. And with summer comes water sports: swimming, kayaking, diving, and boating. But, each year hundreds of people drown from submersion accidents.

According to Dr. Paul Auerbach of Wilderness Medicine, weak swimming skills, panic, and poor judgment are the leading factors to these incidents. To avoid being involved in an submersion accident, here are a few of his tips:

1. Learn to swim. This is most important for children and teenagers, who are frequently in the water and often place themselves in precarious situations. It is also important for adults, particularly those who may need to self-rescue, such as surf swimmers, scuba divers, and river rafters. However, do not let swimming lessons create a false sense of security, particularly with children.

2. Do not tolerate horseplay in or around the water. This includes diving from heights into shallow water or water of unknown depth.

3. Avoid solo swimming; use the buddy system, so that someone is always on the alert to help a companion in need.

4. It is never safe to cross thin ice; one should be particularly careful during the spring thaw.

5. Alcohol and recreational drugs have no place anywhere near the water. It takes only a brief lapse of common sense to ruin a person’s life forever.

6. Never place non-swimmers in high-risk situations: small sailboats, whitewater rafts, inflatable kayaks, and the like.

7. When boating or rafting, always wear a properly rated life vest (jacket) with a snug fit and a head flotation collar.

8. Know your limits. Feats of endurance and demonstrations of bravado in dangerous rapids or surf are foolhardy.

9. Learn how to properly cross flowing streams of natural water. Do not attempt to cross a flowing stream where the water is above your knees.

Read the full article at Medicine at the Outdoors.

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Terah Shelton

www.terahs.com

Traveler. Writer. Ingenue.

Travel World: Top Outdoor Magazines

2007-04-15T16:01:00.000-07:00

There are thousands of magazines dedicated to every conceivable genre and hobby. Peruse your local bookstore and you'll find crocheting magazines, pet magazines, political magazines and much more.

And outdoor and adventure topics are not any different. In fact, there are probably more outdoor and adventure magazines in existence when you factor in biking, hiking, boating, and kayaking topics.

But, with all of these choices, which ones cater toward the overall outdoor experience? Which ones feature in depth articles, interviews, and equipment reviews? Simply put, which ones are the best and, more importantly, for your area of outdoor interest?

Here are the top three outdoor/adventure magazines to gage your interest:

National Geographic Adventure - We've all heard of National Geographic. But, did you know it's sister publication is arguably one of the best outdoor/adventure travel magazine on newsstands? Last year, it took gold in the coveted Lowell Thomas Awards for best overall travel magazine. This month issue features twelve backdoor getaways for paddling, skiing, and hiking.

Men's Journal - Although they've recently shifted editorial focus from adventure travel, outdoor enthusiasts can still read insightful and informative articles on its pages. Check out this month's issue for two moving stories about Mount Everest's Ice Doctors and a journey to Africa in search of "lost waves".

Outside - For interviews with adventurer travelers, no one beats Outside. Regular contributors are outdoor connoisseurs Bill "A Walk in the Woods" Bryson, Sebastian "The Perfect Storm" Junger, and Tim "Lost in My Own Backyard" Cahill. An depth guide to National Parks, the best outdoor and adventure Jobs of 2007, and an engaging story about a little known American battalion in Papua New Guinea round out this month's edition.

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Terah Shelton
www.terahs.com
Traveler. Writer. Ingenue

Travel Question: Without Restrictions

2007-03-18T19:43:00.001-07:00

Lately, I've been dying to go to Iceland. I want to see the countryside and soak in the famous springs. Iceland is not a cheap country and a trip there would definitely not be one on a budget. It's also an off the beaten path destination, which you know I love.

So, what about you? If you could travel anywhere in the world, without restrictions, where would you go? And why?

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Terah Shelton
www.terahs.com
Traveler. Writer. Ingenue

How to Travel the World

2007-03-07T11:32:00.000-08:00

Editor note: I'm still here. Just finishing up a few assignments.

Do you dream of wandering the back alleys in Venice, climbing Machu Picchu, or taking an African safari? Don't think you can afford it? Well, you can! Learn to travel the world on a shoestring budget by using secret budget tips and methods from a veteran budget traveler and freelance travel writer. You'll learn to define your travel personality, establish your budget traveler status, and prepare a daily budget. By the end of class, armed with learned strategies, you'll be well on your way to Paris, Peru, or Phnom Penh!

Course Outline:

Prepare, budget, and travel the world on a shoestring

Learn and execute the five basic components to a successful budget

Understand and avoid the biggest travel budget mistakes

Use learned tips and strategies to getting inexpensive airfare and hotel rooms

Stay on a budget while traveling

Define and identify your travel personality

Next Class: May 17-31 @ 7:00-8:30pm, Emory University

Don't live in Atlanta? Online classes are available!

Interested? For more information or to register, please click here.

Class Testimonials:

"Excellent instructor, very knowledgeable and enthusiatic. Great class!"

"Very, very knowledgeable on the topic, waving years of international travel on her own budget."

"I highly recommend this class to others. I definitely saved a lot of money."

"I enjoyed this class! Terah was very enthusiatic about travel!"

"Terah was very friendly, great with questions and well prepared."

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Terah Shelton
www.terahs.com
Traveler. Writer. Ingenue

Traveler Next Door: Michele Watson

2007-03-02T06:43:00.000-08:00

This week's Traveler Next Door is Michele Watson, traveler, photographer, and writer. Learn more about Michele at her website, www.michelewatson.com. Check out some of her photography here.

What do you look for when traveling? I look for new passions. New insights and knowledge.

When was your last trip? May 2006 a short getaway to Barcelona, Spain.

Why do you travel? I want to discover everything that I possibly can about the world. Travel completes me. It makes me a better American and a better global citizen. Travel has a spill over effect on every aspect of my life.

How do you prepare for a trip? I spend months prior to a trip on research. Travel shows, travel magazines, travel books, movies, the internet.

If you could travel without restrictions, where would you go? Road trip the entire continent of Africa- the place of all our beginings.

Where to next? Taking the parents to Italy and France, also a birthday trip to do some more exploration of Turkey and Greece.

What's the one thing you regret about traveling? That we don't have family and friends with us to share the experience and wonders of the world.

* If you would like to be interviewed for the Traveler Next Door, please send an email to travelerspen@yahoo.com or leave a comment.

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Terah Shelton
www.terahs.com
Traveler. Writer. Ingenue

For the Record

2007-02-22T13:37:00.000-08:00

Note: To the coward from Nicholasville, Kentucky who tried to leave a comment, I know who you are. I sent you an email hoping we could work this out. I did not receive a response from you. If you don't want discuss this, then don't read my blog or attempt to leave anonymous comments. Move on!

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Terah Shelton
www.terahs.com
Traveler. Writer. Ingenue

Travel World: Best and Worst Airports

2007-02-19T15:48:00.000-08:00

On my way to the airport, I always consider what could go wrong or what could I have forgotten? Do I have my passport? Do I have my tickets? Did I pack the right clothes? Did I confirm my hotel reservations? Am I comfortable with my travel itinerary? But, after reading this article, I realized I need to make sure the airport I'm departing from could potentially cause problems.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation, the best airport for on-time arrivals is Cincinnati, with an 83%. The worst? Newark at 62%. Unfortunately, Atlanta is listed as one of the worst for one-time departures. Honestly, since I've moved here I haven't expected any problems. But, after learning this information, I'll make the necessary adjustments that could affect my trip, such as making sure connecting flights are not scheduled within an hour.

Do you see your airport on this list? If so, I suggest you take this information and plan your airport arrival time according.

I hope this helps!

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Terah Shelton
www.terahs.com
Traveler. Writer. Ingenue

Thanks for your patience!

2007-02-16T11:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday!

I just wanted to thank everyone for their support. Posts will resume on Monday.

Have a great weekend!

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Terah Shelton
www.terahs.com
Traveler. Writer. Ingenue

The REAL Traveler's Pen

2007-02-11T13:45:00.000-08:00

It seems the name Traveler's Pen is catching on and not in a good way. Ironically, there's a new travel website called, The Traveler's Pen. Even more, they're advertising for travel writers on Craigslist. For the record, THIS IS NOT ME! I am not advertising for travel writers for my blog. While I'm Traveler's Pen (without The) and they're THE Traveler's Pen, I'm a little uncomfortable with the similarities. Since I'm a travel writer, this is a travel blog, and the website names are close, people assume I'm the one looking for writers. This bothers me because the ad says they pay in revenue (which I'm strongly against) and is riddled with spelling errors. As a writer, I pride myself on professionalism and I do not want my readers, editors, and anyone else thinking I'm associated with this project. I've been in contact with the editor requesting an distinction be made between the two. Until I hear from him, please note again: I'm not associated with THE Traveler's Pen nor am I looking for travel writers for this blog. Please do not send me your queries, clips, or resumes. I will not open them or respond and will delete them on receipt.

Thank you.

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Terah Shelton
www.terahs.com
Traveler. Writer. Ingenue

The Traveler Next Door: Silvia Keller

2007-02-09T06:45:00.000-08:00

This week's Traveler Next Door is Silvia Keller. She is the co-author of a book of “Twelve Steps to a Debt-Free Life” and former writer for Florida newspapers such as El Latino Semanal and Alma Hispana where she dealt with financial and legal issues. After visiting Spain’s beautiful Costa Blanca, Silvia became a U.S Representative for Deneb Properties and promotes the sale of homes on the Mediterranean. In addition, Silvia hopes to instill the joy of travel and achieve her goal of seeing the world by pursuing her second dream as travel writer and photographer. Her work has appeared in International Living’s new Magazine The European, Ex In the City, Passport Only and a few other publications.

What do you look for when traveling? When I travel I look to get the real feel for the place I visit; I like to meet the people, talk to them about their country, learn about their customs, what makes them happy and what problems do they have. I enjoy eating the different foods, visiting the local grocery stores, eating where the locals eat. For me, sitting at a café and meeting people is as educational as visiting museums.

When was your last trip? My last trip was to Austria. Visited Vienna for a second time and drove to Salzburg. Took a trip on the Danube to Slovakia.

Why do you travel? Travel is my passion. I travel because I want to see the world and learn about the different cultures. Now, as a travel writer, I want to transport readers to all the beautiful places around the world; I want them to feel the same excitement and feel an impulse to book that trip they have been postponing.

How do you prepare for a trip? When planning a trip I do a lot of research. I read about the place I am visiting; I look for accommodations based on what I wish to do and see. For example, when I visited Budapest, I found a great hotel located on a small island outside Budapest. My reason for staying so far from the city center was to enjoy a world famous spa located here. It was quite an experience.

I read about all the important places to visit and then I compare notes with the locals. I look for interesting places to visit, unusual places where to eat and create my own tour. I also try to learn the language of the place I am visiting. If this is not possible, I try to learn the basics.

If you could travel without restrictions, where would you go? I would love to visit the Middle East. There is so much to see, so much to experience and learn in these countries.

Where to next? My next adventure will either be to Russia or the Netherlands.

What's the one thing you regret about traveling? One regret I have about traveling is that I don’t have all the time in the world to stay and visit every small town, every little village. I would love to just travel and write, without time or money constraints.

* If you would like to be interviewed for the Traveler Next Door, please send an email to travelerspen@yahoo.com or leave a comment.

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Terah Shelton
www.terahs.com
Traveler. Writer. Ingenue

Thanks Goofy Girl!

2007-02-08T17:14:00.000-08:00

By now, you've noticed the change to Traveler's Pen. And based on your responses, you love it. Guess what? So do I!!

I would like to thank Goofy Girl for the design and layout. She comes highly recommended and she did not disappoint. She's very responsive and helpful, often offering suggestions. What's more, she's does all of this and is a full-time medical student!

So, if you're interested in upgrading and personalizing your blog, learn more about her services at her website here.

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Terah Shelton
www.terahs.com
Traveler. Writer. Ingenue

Long Term Travel

2007-02-08T15:26:00.000-08:00

Instead of a travel question today, I would like to recommend a recent article by my favorite travel writer, Rolf Potts. Over at his Yahoo! travel column, Traveling Light, Potts discusses how to stretch your travels. I love this article because I'm constantly asked how I'm able to travel all over the world on the crumbs from a freelance writer's salary. And this article gives you a few hints how.

Here's my favorite example:

1) Take out the middleman

Resist the temptation to purchase your travel specifics in advance. As wonderful as that Ugandan safari looks in the promotional literature of a Dallas-based travel company, shopping for the same experience when you arrive in Africa will be infinitely less expensive — and you'll have saved yourself the trouble of adhering to a fixed date. The same goes for air travel. A discounted "round-the-world" flight ticket might seem tempting but it's generally better to buy a one-way ticket to your first destination and plan your ongoing transportation as you go. Not only is it cheaper this way (thanks to frumpy local airlines such as Biman Bangladesh, Aerocaribbean, and SkyEurope), it allows you a more organic experience — since you'll have a much better feel for your travels en route than you will before they begin.

Read the rest of the article here.

Hope this helps!

* Have a question? Please send an email to travelerspen@yahoo.com or leave a comment.

__________________________________
Terah Shelton
www.terahs.com
Traveler. Writer. Ingenue

Travel Question: Favorite Place and Why?

2007-02-07T14:16:00.000-08:00

People always ask me where's my favorite place and why. This is a question I can't always answer. It seems, my favorite place is always the last place I visited. Off the cuff, right now, I would have to say Montserrat. But after much thought, I would have to say, Lubec, Maine. Why? Because it's the easternmost point in the continental United States, home to the nation's first sunrise. I love raw, uncooked places, unseasoned by life. Where things may or may not make sense. And I found this in Lubec.

What about you? Where's your favorite place and why?

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Terah Shelton
www.terahs.com
Traveler. Writer. Ingenue

A New Look

2007-02-05T17:47:00.000-08:00

I'm making a few design changes today and tomorrow. But, don't worry, posts will be back either Tuesday or Wednesday. Trust me, you'll love the changes!

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Terah Shelton
www.terahs.com
Traveler. Writer. Ingenue

Subscribe to the Traveler's Notebook.....It's Free!

2007-02-03T10:17:00.000-08:00

Why haven't you subscribed to the Traveler's Notebook? It's a FREE monthly travel newsletter featuring travel service articles, quizzes, and news from the travel world. You'll enjoy it. Trust me.

Interested? Enter your email address in the box to your left.

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Terah Shelton
www.terahs.com
Traveler. Writer. Ingenue

The Traveler Next Door: Liz Lewis

2007-02-02T11:36:00.000-08:00

Liz Lewis is a freelance writer based in New Zealand. But living in such a far away location has not stopped Liz from continuing to roam the world (real and cyberspace) in search of new and exciting adventures to experience and document. When not writing or travelling, Liz works as an RN in the field of rehabilitation.

What do you look for when traveling? Places that have heart. Places that speak to you. Places that provide adventure, learning, and fun. Oh, and a clean toilet!

When was your last trip? The last big trip I took was in November 2005. I did a month long solo road trip around Southern California, Arizona, and Southern Nevada. The freedom just to get up in the morning and drive was great. Not having to make big decisions or compromise with anyone else about where to go was fabulous. I discovered that travelling alone also allows you to meet and talk to more people than you do when traveling with someone else.

Why do you travel? I travel to explore the world and myself within the world. I love to learn about different cultures, experience the foods, drinks, and arts of the place I am visiting. Landscape and architecture are also a big thing for me. I like to be amazed by the natural landscape (i.e. the desert) and the man-made landscape (i.e. Las Vegas)

How do you prepare for a trip? I love the research, the planning, and the learning that goes into the decisions to make a trip somewhere. I use travel magazines, travel books, and of course, the internet. The internet is great for planning accommodations, tours, discovering other peoples views of places. But I still use a travel agent for all airline bookings.

If you could travel without restrictions, where would you go? Cuba

Where to next? Right now am weighing up two options for later in the year - Spain or New Mexico. Spain for the language, New Mexico for the desert and Indian and Spanish markets in Santa Fe. Might have to flip a coin. Although at the moment, I'm considering leaving New Mexico until 2008 so that I can be in the United States during the Presidential Elections which are starting to look real interesting.

What's the one thing you regret about traveling? The only thing I regret about travel is not being able to stay longer in most places.

Check out lizlewis.co.nz for samples of her work, learn more about New Zealand at Travel Cafe Kiwi, and follow her path to freelancing success at her blog My Year of Getting Published.

* Interested in being interviewed for the Traveler Next Door? Please send an email to travelerspen@yahoo.com or leave a comment.

_____________________________________
Terah Shelton
www.terahs.com

Traveler. Writer. Ingenue

Learning Languages

2007-02-01T05:26:00.000-08:00

Question: I'm interested in traveling to Europe this summer, but I don't speak any foreign languages. What should I do?

Answer: Second only to guidebooks, this question is a popular one among my students, especially those interested in traveling internationally. On two-week trip around Europe, travelers could experience multiple countries, speaking completely different languages. In most countries, the language barrier is not a problem. Why? Because everyone speaks a little English. Most businesses (usually the high-end hotels and restaurants) employ workers who speak a little English, which makes for better customer service. It's the unofficial travel language. On my first trip abroad, this was one of my biggest concerns, until I arrived with my phrasebook and didn't use it.

If you need more assurance, I suggest you purchase a good phrasebook. They're located at your bookstore near the travel department or in the reference section. I like Lonely Planet's Europe Phrasebook. It features 14 different languages, including Welsh, Maltese, Dutch, and Italian.

As I previously mentioned, you should not have problems speaking English, but I highly recommend you learn a few phrases in the local language. This is a matter of respect for the country you're visiting and a great conversation starter.

Hope this helps!

* Have a travel question? Please send an email to travelerspen@yahoo.com or leave a comment.

__________________________________
Terah Shelton
www.terahs.com
Traveler. Writer. Ingenue

Another Welcome!

2007-01-31T10:29:00.000-08:00

If you're reading this, you're a regular reader or landed here from Stingy Student, The Tao of Making Money, or Gadling (if you're from Gadling, your welcome is below). However your arrival, my name is Terah and I would like to welcome you to Traveler's Pen. I invite you to read the archives, subscribe to the free travel newsletter, or ask a travel-related question.

Thank you for visiting and please check back often!

* Have a travel question? Please send an email to travelerspen@yahoo.com or leave a comment.

__________________________________
Terah Shelton
www.terahs.com
Traveler. Writer. Ingenue

Travel Question: Where to Next?

2007-01-31T09:49:00.000-08:00

While preparing for my next trip, I wondered, where is everyone else going? With the warm weather just around the corner, what destinations are on your radar for the summer? I'm always curious about the traveling habits of other travelers, hence The Traveler Next Door.

I would love to hear about your plans, finalized or tentative. And to start, my next international trip is in March to Slovenia and Croatia for an assignment. Anyone else?

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Terah Shelton
www.terahs.com

Traveler. Writer. Ingenue

Welcome Gadling Readers!

2007-01-30T08:52:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Traveler's Pen! Thank you for checking out my blog. I hope you will find the information to your advantage.

So, what is the Traveler's Pen? It's a travelers resource addressing and answering travel-related questions. No matter how mundane or difficult. I'm a freelance travel writer based in Atlanta. I also teach "How to Travel the World on Your Budget" at Emory University and online. By teaching the class, I was surprised to learn the basic information I assumed everyone knew, most did not. More than that, daily, I receive travel or travel-related questions from readers or former students. So, I decided to keep this blog and invite readers to post questions about travel.

Please bookmark the site and check it regularly. Also, sign up for the free monthly travel newsletter, The Traveler's Notebook.

If you have a travel question, need more information about my online travel class, or would like to be interviewed for the Traveler Next Door, please send an email to travelerspen@yahoo.com or leave a comment.

Keep traveling!

__________________________________
Terah Shelton
www.terahs.com
Traveler. Writer. Ingenue

Hostel Environment

2007-01-30T05:16:00.000-08:00

Question: I'm interested in backpacking through Europe, but I have very little money for accommodations. Hostels seem like the best and inexpensive choice for me, but I think I'm too old. Do you recommend hostels? And are they safe?

Answer: This is an interesting question, because when I started teaching my class, most of the people who asked me about hostels were students. Over time, older adults begin inquiring. Hostels aren't for students anymore. The 26 year old rule still exists, but has disappeared in most countries and it doesn't matter how old you are anymore. I know of quite a few retired couples who frequent hostels in the United States and abroad.

Hostels --- next to camping or couchsurfing --- is an inexpensive option to lodging. The average hostel in Europe costs about $10-$30 a night, compared to $60-$120 per night for a hotel room. Staying at hostels can expand your trip by weeks and save you bundles of money.

Of course there's a catch to sleeping at one. For those of you who don't know, the average hostel room consists of bunk beds and not much else. I've seen rooms with up to 12 bunk beds. Essentially, you're sleeping in a room with a number of other people. Single rooms are available in hostels, but they tend to be as expensive as a small hotel room.

In order to save you money, hostels don't offer many frills. They offer a community toilet and shower. Some rooms offer lockers for your luggage. Others have a business center for checking email, but, for the most part, they're simple. And in order to save you money, they have to be.

On the safety issue, I suggest you take the same precautions in hostels as you would anywhere else. Keep your personal and valuable belongings on you or locked in a locker. Keep a weary eye.

I hope I'm not deterring you from hostels. In spite of what it sounds, they can be fun. Most of the travelers you'll meet are very nice. In fact, if you're traveling alone, you may find a partner to hit the town with.

Here are a few more tips to consider when staying at a hostel:

Buy a lock for your bag in case the hostel doesn't provide lockers
Be prepared to sleep in a room with members of the opposite sex
Honor the hostel curfew
Respect your roommates by being quiet, if they're sleeping

Hope this helps!

* Have a question? Please send an email to travelerspen@yahoo.com or leave a comment.

__________________________________
Terah Shelton
www.terahs.com
Traveler. Writer. Ingenue

Travel World: Guidebooks

2007-01-29T12:51:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, I teach "How to Travel the World on Your Budget" and one of the first questions my students ask me is about guidebooks. Why are they important?

Guidebooks act as a silent travel advisor. They provide recommendations on hotels, restaurants, and attractions in one place. These detailed profiles provide you with prices, addresses, websites, menus, and more. This allows you to prepare your daily itinerary and budget.

Some guidebooks document the history of your destination, allowing the traveler to understand current cultural and social environments. For example, by reading a Laos guidebook, I learned local women covered their shoulders. Because of this, I adjusted my wardrobe before my trip to become socially conscience of their rules.

Travelers differ in their perspective on travel and so do the guidebooks, so before you start to plan a trip, identify your travel personality. Interested in budget travel? Try the Lonely Planet and Rick Steves guidebooks (see below). Traveling with the family? Check out Frommer's that often cater to travelers with children.

Here are a few tips to choosing the right guidebook:

Find a guidebook that is a good match for what you like to do and how you want to focus on during your travels

To help you decide, head to your local bookstore or library and do a little hands-on research

Examine and study every guidebook available for your destination

Does the guidebook provide concise and informative maps and descriptions of attractions?

Visit the guidebook publisher’s website

Read reviews of guidebooks offered by shoppers on Amazon

Hope this helps!

__________________________________
Terah Shelton
www.terahs.com
Traveler. Writer. Ingenue

The Traveler's Notebook

2007-01-28T11:06:00.000-08:00

For the past week, Traveler's Pen has undergone a few changes. I would like to reassure everyone, I'm committed to establishing Traveler's Pen as a valuable resource for travelers, which is the primary reason for the reinvention. Readership has increased since its inception and I anticipate further growth over time. I'm confident these new changes will aid you in your travels. Thank you for your support and patience during the redevelopment period.

That said, I would like to introduce one of the new additions here at Traveler's Pen, a monthly travel newsletter called, The Traveler's Notebook! It will consist of:

Feature service and travel-related articles
Round-up of Traveler's Pen's questions and posts
On a Budget.....
A travel quiz
Featured travel magazine/website of the month
And much more

If you're interested in subscribing to The Traveler's Notebook, type your email address in the box to the left.

Technical Difficulties

2007-01-27T16:44:00.000-08:00

Hey Everybody!

I wanted to let you know I've had difficulties with my internet access this week. Posts will resume on Monday. Thanks for understanding.

* Have a question? Please send an email to travelerspen@yahoo.com or leave a comment.

__________________________________
Terah Shelton
www.terahs.com
Traveler. Writer. Ingenue

Unknown Airlines

2007-01-23T13:53:00.000-08:00

Question: I'm going to London at the end of May for a few days and I want to get my ticket this weekend. The airfare is less than $600 roundtrip if I book with Expedia. But, would you fly Air India?

Answer: Yes! This is a good question. Because only 30% of American hold passports, thus not traveling internationally, means some of these airlines, such as Air India, they've never heard of. But, just because you haven't heard of an airline doesn't mean it's not a respectable one.

Before you purchase this ticket, I suggest you research Air India. Go to their website and see what separates them (if anything) from say British Airways or Virgin Atlantic. Do they offer more legroom? Free drinks? What's the in-flight entertainment situation? Overhead screen or individual monitors? What's the weight capacity for luggage? Higher or lower than others?

You may also want to research the meals options. Since Air India is based in India, their meals may reflect their ethnic palate. If so, ask yourself: do you like Indian food? If not, I suggest you pack a snack, especially if you're flying on a long international flight. Last year on a China Airlines flight to Thailand, I packed a lunch after I researched their meals.

Honestly, my rule for choosing which airline to fly is simple: whatever is the cheapest. Seriously, I do not restrict airlines. As long as I arrive at my destination safely, I don't pay it much thought. If Air India is offering the lowest rate, buy it before the rate expires.

Hope this helps!

* Have a travel question? Please send an email to travelerspen@yahoo.com or leave a comment.

______________________________________________

Terah Shelton

www.terahs.com

Traveler. Writer. Ingenue.

Another Change

2007-01-22T14:01:00.000-08:00

Due to an overwhelming response and after much consideration, I've decided to keep Traveler's Pen as a travelers resource answering and addressing travel-related questions. I apologize for any inconvenience. My goal is to make this blog unique and I feel the original format will accomplish that.

I will be making changes. In addition to the Traveler Next Door and the travel questions, I'm still working out the clinks, but look for a destination feature and something else to be determined later.

Here's the new weekly schedule:

Monday --- TBA
Tuesday --- Travel Question
Wednesday --- Destination of the Week
Thursday --- Travel Question
Friday --- The Traveler Next Door

I know this may be confusing, but I promise I will work all this out soon. Hang in there!! Until then, look for another travel question tomorrow.

* Have a travel question? Interested in being interviewed for The Traveler Next Door? Please send an email to travelerspen@yahoo.com.

___________________________________

Terah Shelton

www.terahs.com

Traveler. Writer. Ingenue.

The Traveler Next Door: Nyeshia Early

2007-01-19T14:42:00.000-08:00

This week's Traveler Next Door is Nyeshia Early, a financial associate at Citigroup. Ny is a fiesty, yet, lovable New Yorker, but don't let her place of residence or aggressive nature fool you. Oozing with confidence and independence, Nyeshia's classic personality, coupled with her sense of humor and make her a great person to know.

What do you look for when traveling? A clean toilet and someone who speaks English.

When was your last trip? My last trip was in October 2006. I went to Paris, France for the first time. That was also my first trip to Europe. Paris is so quaint. I don't know how else to describe it. It's nothing like New York.

Why do you travel? I travel because there is so much to see and experience in the world outside of New York. I love where I live and New York City has a lot of style and flavor and there are so many people who live here, who where born and raised in different parts of the world. But that doesn't compare to going outside of the city and experiencing different cultures first hand. I'm quite the novice when it comes to globetrotting but I'm slowly earning my stripes.

How do you prepare for a trip? The internet is my friend. I also like to check out the Lonely Planet guidebooks.

If you could travel without restrictions, where would you go? Not sure I understand the question. What do you mean like restrictions on toiletries? Maybe if they didn't restrict the size of like toothpaste and shampoo and lotion and deodorant, I'd go to India or Africa. But I need my toiletries if I'm going to places like that, u dig?

Where to next? London, England so I can tryout my accent and see if I can fool 'em.

What's the one thing you regret about traveling? Not having enough time to do and see everything. I'd really like to have the time to take a super holiday where I'm gone for months at a time so that I am able to take the time to fully experience another culture and way of life. Coming home and being happy that I was away but still leaving where I was a bit unfulfilled.

* Interested in being interview for The Traveler Next Door? Send an email to travelerspen@yahoo.com or leave a comment.

________________________________________
Terah Shelton
www.terahs.com

Traveler. Writer. Ingenue

The New Traveler's Pen

2007-01-17T15:49:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the New Traveler's Pen!

As you read yesterday, I've decided to reinvent Traveler's Pen, again. Well, it's actually not a reinvention. I'm going back to the original format AND merging the current format. After a great month (thanks for your participation), I realize there's a drought of resources for beginning freelance writers. But, I also want to help novice travelers. So, I'm combining the two.
This time, Traveler's Pen will have a weekly format:

Mondays: My Beginning (an interview with writers about the start of their career)
Tuesdays: Travel Question
Wednesdays: Markets (submission friendly markets)
Thursdays: TBA
Fridays: The Traveler Next Door (interview with travelers discussing their travel habits)

Traveler's Pen will cater to all genres, not just travel writers. I'll explain more next week with My Beginning. I'm still working everything out, but, look for a new Traveler Next Door, Nyeshia Early, on Friday.

* Have a travel question? Interested in being interviewed for The Traveler Next Door or My Beginning? Please send an email to travelerspen@blogspot.com

___________________________________________
Terah Shelton
www.terahs.com
Traveler. Writer. Ingenue.

Another Reinvention

2007-01-16T14:33:00.000-08:00

Happy Tuesday Traveler's Pen Readers!

Yes, you read the title correct. Traveler's Pen will undergo another reinvention. But, don't worry it will not take six months this time. Actually, it'll only take a day. But, to give you clue, the new section, The Traveler Next Door will be a part of the new direction. In fact, the new Traveler's Pen will once again cater to beginning travel writers with interviews with travelers and writers, new markets, and more. Look for an explanation tomorrow.

_______________________________________

Terah Shelton
www.terahs.com

Traveler. Writer. Ingenue

Today's Post

2007-01-15T14:42:00.000-08:00

There will not be a question today in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday.

* Have a question? Please send an email to travelerspen@yahoo.com or leave a comment.

_______________________________
Terah Shelton
www.terahs.com

Traveler. Writer. Ingenue

The Traveler Next Door

2007-01-12T06:36:00.000-08:00

This week's Traveler Next Door is Leir Williford, author of Voice of the Eyes. Leir has worked as an RN, offering physical and mental support for her patients. Now, she entertains and inspires her readers with her tales of wisdom.

What do you look for when you travel? Traveling to me is a sense of adventure — meeting new people and seeing how other cultures live. Most of all absorbing the beautiful of each place has to offer.

When was your last trip? My last trip was to New York. I lived there for three years. I took my granddaughter Alexis there so she could experience the Big Apple. New York is the place everyone needs to visit at least once in their life. My previous vacation to Europe was more memorable. Three weeks of sojourning in London, Paris, Bern, and Rome. Mere words can not express my positive encounter of tasting different cuisines, observing various kinds of education and social growth and viewing captivating scenic lands.

Why do you travel? I travel to flee from my routine of life. To rest and rejuvenate my energy to better deal with the everyday stresses of life.

How do you prepare for a trip, books, magazines, etc.? To be honest my daughter is a travel writer. I rely a lot on her expertise.

If you could travel without restrictions, where would you go? Israel has captured my heart for years. Some day I would love to journey to the land where biblical events occurred.

Where to next? Bern, Switzerland. During my three week tour of Europe, I only got a chance to spend three days in Switzerland. Bern won my heart. I could have spent three weeks there. I love the crystal green waters and the mountainous landscape. Two days was not enough for me.

To learn more about Leir, read a sample chapter, or buy Voice of the Eyes, visit her website, www.leirw.com.

* Interested in being interviewed for The Traveler Next Door? Please send an email to travelerspen@yahoo.com.

Terah Shelton
www.terahs.com
Traveler. Writer. Ingenue.

2007 Top Destinations

2007-01-11T18:18:00.000-08:00

Question: I'm in the process of planning our summer vacation. What are some of the top travel destinations for 2007?

Answer: Interesting question, because today, while deleting old emails in my inbox, I discovered an article on the 2007 travel trends. My opinion of these types of articles is two-fold. Being a off-the-beaten path traveler, I venture against the grain and what these articles tend to do is lead travelers to the destinations mentioned . On the other hand, they also highlight changes or new developments in cities or countries. Either way, I suggest using these destinations as an idea.

According to Frommer's, the stand-out destinations features cities from six of the seven continents. Here are a few highlights (along with my personal comments):

Zurich, Switzerland --- I'm a bit bias on this one. I believe every city in Switzerland is a must-see. But, Switzerland's largest city enchants with churches, fountains, and great food.
Asheville, North Carolina --- Everyone knows North Carolina's top attraction is the Outer Banks. So I was thrilled to see Asheville make the list. Mountain scenery, quirky art galleries, and hiking.
Tokyo, Japan --- Be warned. Tokyo is not for the budget conscious. It's noted for being one of the most expensive cities in the world. But, don't let this stop you from enjoying temples, museums, and an active nightlife that rivals New York City.

Hope this helps!

* Have a question? Please send an email to travelerspen@yahoo.com or leave a comment.

Terah Shelton
Traveler. Writer. Ingenue.

Valuable Vouchers

2007-01-10T14:31:00.000-08:00

Question: Great blog! On my way home from the holidays, I learned my flight was overbooked and the airline was taking volunteers to give up their seats for a $400 voucher. I declined because I'd never heard of this. Is this legit?

Answer: Yes! This is a legitmate proposition. In fact, I often wish my flights are overbooked to benefit from the airline's deliberate situation. I say deliberate because the airlines actually overbook popular flights with the hopes someone will not show up or arrive late. Why? To capitalize as much as possible. But, when all passengers arrive, they have to make concessions. This a huge perk for you.

Interested in qualifying for the voucher? Here are a few tips:

Don't check your bags. For various security reasons, you cannot fly without your luggage. If you check your bags, you don't qualify. Customer service representatives often tell you if you go back to the check-in counter you MAY be able to retrieve your bags. This is not true. When you check your bags, your bag is shipped away almost immediately. Don't waste your time. It's not worth it. If you believe you're on a overbooked flight, carry on.
Get to the gate early. As previously mentioned, the airlines purposefully overbook flights (holiday flights to popular cities, for example) and if there isn't enough seats, they make the annoucement early. The practice of receiving vouchers is very popular and there are always people waiting to volunteer. The earlier you arrive at the gate, the better your chances.

And there are other perks. I once relinguished my seats on a late flight to Dallas which was the last flight of the day. I received a $400 voucher, a free night at an airport Hyatt, two meal vouchers for breaksfast and dinner, PLUS a first-class seat on the first flight out the next morning.

But, before you give away your seats, ask the customer service representative and yourself these questions:

How will this affect my own travel plans?
May I use this voucher for domestic and international flights?
Does this voucher include penalties?
Can I redeem it online or over the phone or do I have to travel to the airport?
What's the earliest flight I can get on?

Hope this helps!

* Have a question? Please send an email to travelerspen@yahoo.com or leave a comment.

The Traveler Next Door

2007-01-09T05:54:00.000-08:00

Did you know the travel and tourism is a $1.3 trillion industry in the United States? That approximately 2.6 million hotels rooms are sold everyday in the United States? That said, I often wonder, who are these people, where are they going, more important, why?

As a freelance travel writer, I meet a interesting mix of people on the road, traveling for various reasons: adventure, independence, business, freedom, among many others. And in honor of the grand tradition of traveling, I would like to introduce a new section to Traveler's Pen called The Traveler Next Door.

The Traveler Next Door is a bi-weekly interview with average travelers, talking about their travel habits, favorite destinations, and answering the question: where to next? Look for the first interview this Friday.

If you're interested in being interviewed for The Traveler Next Door, please send an email to travelerspen@yahoo.com or leave a comment.

Finding Unknown Destinations

2007-01-08T06:40:00.000-08:00

Question: Where do you find off-the-beaten path outdoor destinations? I read that you recently returned from Montserrat. Where is it located and how did you hear about it?

Note: After I wrote this post, I learned the Soufriere Hills Volcano shot an ash cloud 5 miles in the air. According to the Associated Press article, recent volcanic activity began on December 24, which was my first day there. Who says traveling off-the-beaten path isn't fun?

Answer: Great question to ask. Coincidentally, I've adapted the tired and cliqued "the road less traveled" as my travel mantra. I love finding destinations void of swank hotels and fanny-pack toting tourists. There's something mystical about arriving in a country or city that's not dependent on tourism. Where the locals live comfortably without selling their inflated-price wares on street corners and your itinerary isn't filled with popular tourist attractions.

Don't misunderstand. I love picnicking at the base of the Eiffel Tower and viewing the Mona Lisa at the Louvre, but I believe there's more to a travel experience than one you share with other people. Some may argue, but I believe there's a difference between a tourist and a traveler. A tourist follows the crowd, visiting every historic attraction and recommended restaurant in their worn guidebooks. A traveler seeks raw, uncooked places, untouched by redundancy. A place where the real attraction is often hidden and buried. Montserrat is one of those places.

Twelve years ago, Montserrat was the Caribbean's little secret. The small island, located 27 miles from Antigua, once hosted celebrities Stevie Wonder, Sting, and Elton John, who frequented the island to record at the famous Air Recording Studio. Then, after 400 years of dormancy, the Soufriere Hills Volcano erupted, crushed the island's tourism industry, and sent 7,000 of the island’s 10,000 residents retreating north or abandoning the island altogether. Today, Montserrat is slowly recovering and I went to see how a destination can recover from devastation.

I first heard of Montserrat while researching a trip to Puerto Rico. I was looking for short day-trips from Puerto Rico to other Caribbean islands and came across a short blurb about it. After more research, I realize it would make a great story. So, I went.
A whopping seventy percent of Montserrat consists of mountains that yield arresting and dramatic views. Peaks enshrouded in the rain forest reach as high as 30 meters. It’s haven for off-the-grid connoisseurs who can:

* Hike the Trail to "the Cot", with views of the coast and abandoned villages in the Exclusion Zone (the southern portion of the island inhabited and illegal to enter due to volcanic activity), snaked with lush vegetation and a banana plantation

* Climb Garibaldi Hill, with 800-plus feet of elevation, for a clear view of the Soufriere Hills Volcano and the "modern-day Pompeii", Plymouth, Montserrat's former capital, now buried in volcanic dust and ash

*Tour the “eruption” and volcano monitoring with scientists from the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, the organization responsible for monitoring volcanic activity

* “Lime” the night away at one of the island’s restaurants and rum shops, where locals indulge in Montserrat delicacies of Mountain Chicken and Goat Water

Finding off-the-beaten path destinations is not difficult. In fact, they're everywhere. Take Paris for instance. Paris doesn't qualify as off-the-grid, but what else could you see or do while in Paris that no one else thinks of? Jim Morrison and a few other celebrities are buried a Paris. You could take a day-trip and explore Paris' cemeteries. A few years ago, I spent an entire day at a cemetery in St. Louis searching for William Clark's grave. Morbid? No. Different. Yes.

________________________________________

Terah Shelton

www.terahs.com

Traveler. Writer. Ingenue.

Currency Changes

2007-01-04T07:21:00.000-08:00

Question: I have done limited travel outside of the United States. Should I immediately change my money into whatever currency that country uses?

Answer: I'm approached with this question all the time. Should I wait to change my money or should I arrive with a little local currency? Well, that depends on who you ask. I know travelers who travel with local money to have just in case of emergency. For example, in London, I like to have a few pounds for the tube so I can bypass the long lines at the ATMs. Then again, there are others who don't mind either way. Whatever you choose depends on you.

Also, keep in mind the country where you are traveling to. Most airports have either ATMs (which will give you the exchange rate) or currency exchanges. But, if you're traveling to a remote location, neither may be available. When you're researching your destination, check to see money exchange opportunities at the airport. If not, your local bank should have whatever currency you need.

Hope this helps!

* Have a question? Please send an email to travelerspen@yahoo.com or leave a comment.

Welcome!

2006-12-30T05:04:00.000-08:00

Welcome Freelance Writing Readers! Thank you for checking out my blog. Currently, I'm on the island of Montserrat in the Caribbean with a very weak internet connection. Questions will resume on Monday. Until then, if you have a travel question, please send an email to travelerspen@yahoo.com or leave a comment.

Delayed in Denver

2006-12-22T14:35:00.000-08:00

Note: There will not be a question on Monday in observance of Christmas. Also, next week, I'm traveling to Antigua and Montserrat, so depending on internet access, posts may be spotty. Safe traveling and Happy Holidays!

Question: After reading about the long delays in Denver, can you tell me what do if this ever happens to me?

Answer: Let's face it, no one likes delays, especially the ones travelers are experiencing in Denver. However, they're a part of traveling and when you choose to fly anything can happen: bad weather, equipment failure, to name a few. And when you fly during the winter months, long delays are to be expected.

So, what do you do? First, before you purchase your ticket, learn your airlines cancellation and delayed flight policy. They're different from airline to airline. Know what your options are.

Second, be patient. Yelling at the customer service representative will get you nowhere. This is not just happening to you, but them as well. The last thing they want or need is 200 angry passengers screaming at them. Wait your turn in line and practice patience. Delays cost airlines money and they're working hard to get everyone moving as soon as possible.

Third, if you're flight is delayed, sometimes it's easier calling the airline's 800-number instead talking to someone at the airport. They may have more answers and be able to help you one-on-one without all the distractions at the airport.

One more thing, pay close attention to delays even if you think it doesn't pertain to you. A delayed flight in Denver can effect someone traveling to Puerto Rico. Why? Because the flight could be a connecting flight in Philadelphia, before flying to Puerto Rico.

Hope this helps!

* Have a question? Please send an email to travelerspen@yahoo.com or leave a comment.

Tackling Travel Sites

2006-12-21T11:59:00.000-08:00

Question: Help!! I'm overwhelmed by all the travel engines, Travelocity, Orbitz, and Expedia to name a few. What's the difference between them? Which one offers the lowest rates? And, can you recommend your favorite?

Answer: I understand your frustrations. Without proper research, it's easy to get lost in the sea of travel sites and difficult to determine which ones to offer the best rates. But, don't feel overwhelmed by the number of sites, the presence of them is great for you. They are what I call the new travel agent. They make it easier to find inexpensive flights, because they represent most airlines. And you save time by searching one website instead of bouncing from airline site to airline site. Essentially, it's one-stop shopping.

The difference between them is subjective. I've talked to people who swear by Expedia and others who love Travelocity. Finding your favorite is like finding the perfect pair of jeans. You have to try on a few until you find the perfect fit. Travel sites are the same way. You have to research each one (or a few) until you find one that matches your interests. I've hear cruise lovers favor Travelocity and package shoppers (purchasing the hotel and airfare together) like Expedia. My advice? Take a few minutes to determine your travel goals, then scan a few sites until you find your favorite ones (I would suggest bookmarking your top three choices).

Which one offers the lowest rates? I would venture to say, 80% of the time, they'll have the same rates. But, there's that other 20%. And because of that, unfortunately, I can't tell you which one will save you money. It's really a hit-or-miss with these sites, because the airlines only provide the sites with a few seats at the discounted price. So, low fares could come and go before you even know it. I would search your top three just to be sure.

Travelocity and Sidestep are my favorites. I like Travelocity because you can select the "flexible date" option and find the lowest fare to your destination (this is domestic flights only) and work your schedule around a particular fare. Sidestep, as it namesake suggests, allows you to sidestep all other websites by giving you the posted rates for ALL the airlines and major travel sites.

Hope this helps!

* Have a question? Please send an email to travelerspen@yahoo.com.

Receiving Responses to Reservations

2006-12-20T07:27:00.000-08:00

Question: Based on your great information (from your travel class) we have confirmed reservations at Hotel Medici in Florence for 8 days, but, for whatever reason we have never heard from any of the hotels in Venice that we had requested room rate and availability. Is this normal? I don't want to seem like the pushy American by contacting them again. The ones you had mentioned I sent the request this morning so it's understandable they haven't yet responded, I suppose. However, for others I had sent a request yesterday morning. I'm just curious as to your experience and any suggestions on how to get responses.

Answer: It's not normal for a request to go unanswered. But, keep in mind, Europe is 6-7 hours ahead of us. If you sent the request this morning, it was the end of the day or middle of the night there. I would wait a few more days. If you don't hear anything, then I would contact them again. And no, you're not being pushy. Actually, you're doing the right thing by being persistent. You have to be in order to get low rates, especially at the Venice hotels I recommended. They are often at capacity or near capacity.

Another thing to consider is November and December is very off season for Venice. In fact, a lot of the hotels close during this time. So, that's another reason to wait a few days just in case someone is not checking the emails daily. I've never had any problem getting responses, but I have sent multiple requests before I received a response.

Hope this helps!

* Have a question? Please send an email to travelerspen@yahoo.com.

The New Traveler's Pen

2006-12-19T11:55:00.000-08:00

To quote myself, Traveler's Pen was once a much needed umbrella in an unexpected down pour of rain. A place to get answers to simple questions, share in other travel writers successes, and a place to grow their ambitions into a career. Sadly, after five months, my co-founder Denene, decided to move on to other projects, which left me alone. For the months, we provided content to Traveler's Pen, we were not convinced enough people were reading the blog or actually using our advice. Ultimately, I wanted to continue Traveler's Pen and often brainstormed different ideas, but wanted to ensure whatever I did would make a difference.

Well, that day has come. Finally, after five months of brainstorming (okay, okay, I was just a tad busy), I'm proud to re-introduce Traveler's Pen as a new resource for travelers! The new Traveler's Pen will be the place to receive answers to your travel-related questions. No matter how mundane or difficult.

As many of you know (or can read to your left), I'm a freelance travel writer based in Atlanta. I also teach "How to Travel the World on Your Budget" at Emory University and online. By teaching the class, I was surprised to learn the basic information I assumed everyone knew, most did not. More than that, daily, I receive travel or travel-related questions from readers or former students. So, I decided to reinvent this blog and invite readers to post questions about travel.

So, let's get started. If you have a question, please send an email to travelerspen@yahoo.com. I'll choose a question and post the answer. If I don't know the answer, I'll find an expert who can.

Traveler's Pen Revamp

2006-08-29T16:29:00.000-07:00

Great news!! After six great months, I've decided to revamp Traveler's Pen. I'm dedicated to making this blog into an excellent resource for beginning travel writers, so if you have any ideas to make Traveler's Pen better, please send them my way. In the meantime, stay tuned!!

Travel Writing Classes

2006-08-22T18:26:00.000-07:00

I've spent the last few days re-reading my old, dog-eared, and heavily highlighted travel writing books. While I don't consider myself a beginning travel writer anymore, I still need to be reminded of things I learned years ago. I've even considered taking another travel writing class. That said, here are a few travel writing classes to jump start your career or fresh it.

Introduction to Travel Writing
Instructor: Jay Cooke
Date: Monday, Aug. 28, 7-10 p.m.
Location: Upper Market, San Francisco
Cost: $65

Breaking into Travel Writing
Instructor: Ethan Gilsdorf
Date: Tuesday, September 5, 7-10 pm
Location: Harvard-Epworth United Methodist Church, Boston
Cost: $65

Advice: Introduction Letters

2006-08-17T19:36:00.000-07:00

Are you tired of trying to come up with ideas for articles? I know sometimes my ideas well runs dry. But don't let that stop you from pursuing your writing goals. Instead of writing queries, try writing introduction letters to editors. Now, this may not work so well with large, consumer publications like Travel + Leisure. But you might score points with editors at smaller online zines or regional/local magazines. I know that introduction letters work. I've sent some that have resulted in jobs and I never had to brainstorm for ideas (these were for trade publications). But I am going to start sending introduction letters to some consumer publications to see what happens.

I came across a great article on writing-world.com the other day that has a great sample introduction letter. Check it out and good luck!

Personal: My National Geographic Adventure

2006-08-15T15:05:00.000-07:00

This is not a resource post but more of a personal one. I wanted to share with you my experience over the last month preparing a query for National Geographic Adventure. I hope you can learn from it.

Let me began by saying I know it's crazy --- sending a query to one of the top travel magazines and for a feature story no less. But, as my travel writing career progresses forward I'm ready to leave the small publications behind and look to my future with larger ones. I'm grateful for the opportunity afforded to me by those magazines, but I realize if I'm going to make it in this business, I need to look my future with a larger paychecks and respectable bylines.

That said, after returning from Laos, I discovered I had a great idea for an article. Not just any story but one if I closed my eyes I could see on the cover of the magazine. Even more, one that would catapult my writing to the next level. Instead of immediately writing and sending a query, I studied four months of the magazine, looking at style and tone, format, and which destinations they feature and the subject matter their articles.

Next, I inquired the help of other travel writers. I needed to know, what are the key components to a great query letter? Yes, I'm written query letters before, but if I wanted my career to be different, I would have to be different. And that meant practically learning how to construct a query letter all over again. National Geographic Adventure is not a typical magazine and my query letter couldn't be either.

Then I started writing. The first drafts of my letter were three pages long. And as you know, the rule of queries is: the shorter the better. Cutting it down was painstaking and difficult. What details do I omit? What do I keep? After two weeks of editing, the query was down to a page and a half. Normally, I would have stopped here. Four months of researching, a week of writing, and two weeks of editing should have been enough, but, again, NGA is not a typical magazine. I needed more.

I hired Amy Scott, a professional editor, to read and critique my query. Unnecessary expense? Yes. But, her comments and suggestions, improved the flow of the letter. Small price to pay if I receive the assignment.

I spent another week tweaking it based on her suggestions. And here I am --- looking at the envelope with my query and published clips in it, which essentially could alter my life. Even now after everything I've done, I can't help but wonder? Is it good enough? What more could I have done?

Only time (three months to be exact) will tell. After reading my story, ask yourself: Are you doing everything you can? Or are you settling for good enough?

My Beginning: Ernest Robl

2006-08-01T18:13:00.000-07:00

This month's interview features veteran travel writer, Ernest Robl. In addition to travel writing, Ernest also specializes in photography and transportation writing --- involving his favorite subject, trains. Learn more about Ernest on his website, www.robl.w1.com

Name: Ernest H. Robl

Favorite travel writer and why: Paul Theroux. Better than most people, he describes how train travel is a communal experience that you share with your fellow passengers. Trains in different parts of the world vary quite a bit, yet train travel still has common elements -- even in vastly different cultures.

Favorite travel book and why: Riding the Iron Rooster, by Theroux.

How did you get started in travel writing? I studied journalism at UNC-Chapel Hill and spent much of my time there working on the campus daily newspaper. Then for about five years, wrapped around two years of military service, I worked for the news service United Press International (UPI) -- then a vastly different organization from what it is now. In many of the stories that I wrote, including features that UPI subscribers could use to fill space on slow news days, I tried to write about what it was like to be at a given place at a given time. That's still my goal today. I write about many topics other than travel, including some technical subjects for trade magazines. But, writing about places and travel is always a favorite choice.

Name and publication of first published piece: The first newspaper feature that could be considered a travel piece was done for the Raleigh News & Observer while I was still in college in the late 1960s. It appeared before the rededication of Bennett Place state historic site, location of a major Civil War surrender. I have a clipping somewhere, but would have to dig through lots of old files. Many of the pieces that I did for UPI in the late 1960s and early1970s included travel elements. My first magazine piece that could be considered a travel piece appeared in Rail Classics in 1974 entitled "Morning Train from Da Nang," describing a train trip I took in Vietnam in 1970 while there in the U.S. Army.

# of published pieces your first year: When I was working for UPI, I often produced a dozen or more news stories in one day, though there were days where I only worked on one or two major stories. That experience (and the bureau managers I worked for at that time) taught me to write fast and compactly -- and to provide vivid descriptions.

How long did it take to publish your first piece? When working for UPI and newspapers, getting published wasn't a problem. The Vietnam train feature mentioned above was accepted by the second magazine I tried.

What is your best/worse rejection? I'm not sure that there are any particularly memorable rejections. I recently sold a piece on Christmas in Austria to the seventh magazine I tried. I believed in the story, and it was just a matter of not giving up. Last year, I spent considerable time doing preliminary work on a possible guidebook to Austria, the country where I was born. The publisher offered much encouragement before we ever got to the contract stage -- but at that point decided to cancel the project. I've found some use for the research I did -- but will never again devote as much time to a project without having a firm contract and an advance.

When was the exact moment you wanted to become a travel writer? I'm not sure. I've been a life-long railroad enthusiast and have always enjoyed writing about that subject. But, more than that, I have always enjoyed sharing my experiences with others through writing and photography -- much more than just doing straight news reporting.

When did you feel you were a travel writer? Again, I'm not sure. There have been a few pieces that I've written where I feel that I succeeded as well as anyone could in describing an experience.

Why travel writing? Travel writing is mostly about sharing experiences -- and that's the type of writing I like to do most and that I feel that I am best at.

Your thoughts on non-paying markets: Yes, in a few cases, I've contributed to low-paying or non-paying markets. But these are few and far between and only when these were the best or only venue for a story I wanted to tell. For beginning writers, I'd say, concentrate on paying markets if you are trying to get into the the business. Having someone pay you a decent amount for your creative work is the ultimate acceptance. And, each paid project will ultimately help you get another. Giving away your work does little to get you paid work in the future.

What do you feel is the state of travel writing, dead or alive? There is certainly good travel writing available -- and I hope that at least at times I manage to contribute something to this category. I am saddened by the amount of xenophobia that exists in some sectors in the U.S. World travel helps greatly in dealing with other cultures. I wish there were a greater market for features on non-U.S. destinations. Too many of the so-called travel magazines are all about being pampered in hotels and spas -- and very little about destinations and meeting people in other countries.

Finish this sentence: Why didn't someone tell me....... how much time and effort marketing takes -- and that freelancing is about 90 per cent business and only 10 per cent actual writing and photography.

Advice for other beginning travel writers: Write as much as you can about anything that you can. A staff position on a newspaper or magazine will help you polish your writing -- and to be able to tell good writing from bad.

Don't Die of "Exposure"

2006-07-27T19:19:00.000-07:00

Some of my favorite writing blogs have been featuring a lot of chatter about writers taking on assignments that don't pay. I have become quite passionate about the idea of writing for free recently, due in part to the fact that I've had some successes with my writing from paying markets and know that my work deserves compensation. And to be quite frank "exposure" isn't going to pay my bills! So I urge you, if you are serious about making a career (or even a fun hobby) out of freelance writing, DON'T write for free. Here are some common issues surrounding this whole writers debate:

**"I want to be published" -- I say, you need to put value on your time and energy. If you're spending time writing and researching copy for free, that's time you could have spent researching and writing a query to a paying market.

**A sure way you know you need to be paid for your writing is if the publication or website/e-zine accepts advertising. If a publication is pulling in ad dollars, they should be paying their writers!

**Are there ever exceptions to this rule? Sure, all rules are made to be broken. I've been a volunteer writer for a non-profit organization that I'm passionate about for about two years. BUT this is not a publication that is trying to "come up" on the backs of hard-working writers. Donating your talents to a cause is a great way to donate to something you believe in.

I have written a couple of articles for free when I was just starting out. But I recently withdrew an article that I submitted to a very popular travel site because they only pay in "exposure." Shortly after withdrawing the article I got a well-paying writing assignment from an editor who wanted two articles! I think the universe gave me a gift for standing up for my writing!

So to restate an often used quote - "Writers die of exposure" -- so will your business if you write for free!

My favorite writing blogs (mentioned up top):
http://www.kcwrite4u.blogspot.com/
http://renegadewriterblog.blogspot.com/

Writer's Resource: Mastheads

2006-07-25T19:10:00.000-07:00

I posted about this on Written Road, but I wanted to share this tip with you.

Mastheads.org was started by a fellow freelance writer who wanted to organize her magazine mastheads and provide writers with updated mastheads (don't you just love simplicity?). The organization project has grown into a free resource with over 70 mastheads -- with magazines of all genres, including travel.

You can learn about new staff changes from magazine insiders and sign up to receive an email when the site is updated. The website also has a message board and articles about breaking into top magazines.

The travel section is extremely underrepresented, but with your can help, it could include every major travel magazine. Submit a masthead by faxing a copy to (760) 462-3980, scanning it, or typing and emailing it to info@mastheads.org.

Traveler's Pen Roll Call

2006-07-20T16:42:00.000-07:00

The purpose of Traveler's Pen is to offer insight and resources to beginning travel writers. We want to know that the site is helping you and offering you useful information. Keeping up a blog takes time and research, so if you are using the site and read it regularly, drop us a comment and let us know that you're out there, in cyber-land getting inspired to follow your travel writing dreams! Since we've been running the blog for several months now, your feedback is important. We hope to hear from readers soon!

Writer's Resource: Vagablogging

2006-07-18T12:30:00.000-07:00

If you're at least interested in travel writing, then you've heard of Rolf Potts. Rolf, in my opinion, is the king of travel writing. He has a very successful book, Vagabonding, which revoluntionized long term travel. His work has appeared in all the top travel magazines: Outside Traveler, National Geographic Adventure, Conde Nast Traveler, and many more. He has keeps a very accurate and updated blog, Vagablogging.

When I first decided I wanted to be a travel writer, his blog was the first thing I read. I wanted to mimic and study his style and approach. So, I sent hours reading his archived articles and taking notes. He also has a page answering every beginning travel writers question: How do I get started.

Monthly, he interviews some of the travel writers in the business. As well as keeps his readers informed on the latest in the travel writing world, magazine articles, and his personal observations. His blog should definitely become part of your daily read.

Writer's Resource: Ten Tips

2006-07-12T02:36:00.000-07:00

Jen Leo wanted me to spread the word about her post yesterday on Written Road. As a successful travel writer, she's often questioned about breaking into the business. In her post she offers ten tips to help a beginner get started.

1. Get Don George's Lonely Planet Guide To Travel Writing and Michael Shapiro's A Sense of Place.

2. Invest in a travel writing class.

3. Build a database of editorial contacts. You can get leads from a local library (periodicals section), or take the easy way out and buy the list from Travelwriters.com. This is a massive list that you could cut down to fit your needs. And surely there will be regional magazines on there that you are looking for.

4. Read Read Read. Books, magazines, travel newspaper sections, all of it! If you want to write for magazines and newspapers, pick a few and start reading them. If you can afford a few subscriptions, great. If not, spend some time in the periodicals section of your local library. Read at least six months worth and study their style, what they've written, and what they haven't written about. If you want to write about your personal journeys, Travelers' Tales has more than 100 books that serve as great examples of travel essays.

5. Buy your books from your local travel store. Get to know the people that work there and let them know that you are looking for travel writing opportunities - network.

6. Attend author events. Network, network, network.

7. Ready to pitch? Get a subscription to MediaBistro.com so you have access to the "How to Pitch" section and start studying the way it is for different publications. They might even have a magazine that you are interested in listed.

8. Join a writers group for support and feedback on your writing.

9. Ask other writers how they broke in. Rolf Potts started by writing on spec, I started by getting an intership with Travelers' Tales. Others just submit until they're blue in the face. You can find out about several well known travel writers from Rolf's Travel Writers interview section on his website.

10. Last, but possibly the most important piece of advice--write. Write Write Write. Practice writing about place. Practice writing descriptions of where youare vs. anecdotes, vs. dialogue vs. history recaps. You can do this even without leaving town. Take notes where ever you are. What's the best table at the restaurant you are attending and why? Staying at a hotel? What rooms have the best views? Festivals, events, notable celebrities? What's unique and special about the place you are in. These are just a start.

eClass: MediaBistro's Travel Writing Bootcamp

2006-07-07T07:26:00.000-07:00

Looking for a travel writing class that you can take from anywhere in the world? MediaBistro is offering their 8-week online class, Travel Writing Bootcamp this month. Here's what it offers:

*In this class, you can expect to learn:
*How to use where you live to break into the travel market
*How to expand your career as a travel journalist
*Which sections of travel magazines are easiest to break into
*How to write perfect pitch letters
*What to do when you get to your destination
*How to negotiate with your editor for travel compensation

The tuition is $499. If you're a member of Avant Guild it's $475. Click here for more details.

My Beginning: Megan Lyles

2006-07-03T19:48:00.000-07:00

This month's interview features beginning travel writer, Megan Lyles. Her work has appeared in Travelers' Tales anthology "The Thong Also Rises". Megan is currently on a year long trip from New York to the tip of South America and keeps an excellent travelogue on her website.

Name/Age: Megan Lyles, 30.

Favorite travel writer: I can never pin myself down to a favorite anything, but I like Bill Bryson. I liked Kite Strings of the Southern Cross by Laurie Gough, and Honeymoon in Purdah by Alison Wearing. I liked a story by Thalia Zepatos in Travelers’ Tales India so much that a month later I was on a plane to Calcutta.

Travel writing, part-time or full-time: Part time

Name and publication of first published piece: "Riding the Semi-Deluxe" in the anthology The Thong Also Rises, edited by Jen Leo for Travelers’ Tales.

# of published pieces: Three. And I have some things out for consideration, and lots of ideas to pursue after I come home from traveling.

Why travel writing? The overly simple answer is because I’m a writer who loves to travel. To expand on that, I feel most alive – not always happy or comfortable, but alive – when I’m experiencing something new. When I’m traveling, the chance of the new increases with every meal, every conversation, every bus ride. Writing it all down helps me to understand it (and myself) better. And if I can share the experience with someone else, and give them a taste of that something new, all the better. Plus, I hate routine.

When was the exact moment you wanted to become a travel writer? There was no one exact moment, it was more like a sort of evolution of hopes. I’ve always written. (Somewhere among my things is half of a science fiction novel that I wrote in a Mead spiral notebook when I was in the seventh grade.) And I’ve always been a fan of travel writing, because it allowed me to travel vicariously when I couldn’t in real life. When I took a three-month trip to India a few years ago, mass e-mailed travelogues were coming into style, so I gave that a try. The response from my friends was extremely encouraging and that’s when the idea of travel writing first entered my head.

Still, the nice response only proved that India is interesting and my friends are kind, not that I was necessarily cut out to be a travel writer. So I took a couple of writing classes at Gotham Writers’ Workshops in New York, one of them with travel writer David Farley. I wanted to see whether this was something that I would put long-term energy into, and to see whether my skills could transcend mass e-mails. It was somewhere in Farley’s class that I decided I should go for it.

How long did it take to publish your first piece? I struggled over “Semi-Deluxe” for a long time. I was adapting it from an e-mail and after multiple attempts I still couldn’t figure out why such a funny event – being threatened by a giant pig while using a squat toilet at a bus station – seemed so uninteresting on the page. Finally, I gave up the idea of a cute introduction and completely cut out the first couple of pages talking about everything else that had happened the morning of the bus trip. It made an interesting e-mail, but a boring travel essay. Once I found the heart of the story, it was fairly easy to polish it up. I submitted it about a year after I’d made the decision to pursue travel writing, and it was accepted just a couple of months later.

Your thoughts on non-paying markets: I believe non-paying markets have their place, especially for the beginning writer trying to build up some clips. I submitted a piece to bootsnall.com because they have an extensive readership and provide the chance to get feedback from a community of other writers. I was not paid, but I feel I was compensated.

But I avoid the startup publications that offer some version of the popular “We can’t pay our writers now, but you’ll get your name in print and then maybe some time in the future…” If they can’t afford to pay their writers, the people who provide the content that will draw in their audience, maybe they aren’t ready to start a magazine.

What's your dream publication? Anything that someone sitting next to me on the subway might be reading, so I can act nonchalant about it all. Of the glossy magazines, I like National Geographic Traveler. Of course I’d love to publish a book of my own.

What do you feel is the state of travel writing, dead or alive?
That depends on what kind of travel writing you’re talking about. Glossy, advertising-driven destination pieces seem to be thriving, and probably always will. But there aren’t as many markets for more thoughtful travel narrative. Sometimes the most interesting and illuminating pieces don’t make you want to throw your swimsuit in a bag and run to the airport, and those are harder to place.

What is your best/worse rejection? The worst rejection was the one that I thought was an acceptance until the book came out and I found I wasn't in it. It was before I'd been published for real, so when I got the e-mail telling me they loved my submission, asking me how I wanted it credited, and explaining the contract details, I just assumed it was going to be published. It was a big name publisher and my first acceptance (so I thought) so I told a lot of people and reaped a lot of free celebratory drinks.

Needless to say, I was pretty crushed when I went flipping through the book at Barnes & Noble and didn't see my name. Nowadays I know that if a piece is accepted, I'll get a message saying "your piece has been accepted" and not "we really liked your piece" and I’ll hear from the editor again before the book appears in the store, and most importantly, I’ll get an actual contract to sign and not a description of a contract.

Besides that little misunderstanding, I’ve never gotten a rejection letter. What I get instead is just silence, like my submission has just fallen into a void. Some publishers even warn in advance that they’ll only respond to writers they want to publish. At this point in my career, if an editor took the time to personally reject my work, I’d take it as encouragement!

Finish this sentence: Why didn't someone tell me.... that critiques of my work are as likely to focus on my personality and travel choices as my writing skills. Not pleasant.

Advice for other beginning travel writers: Read good travel writing and pay attention to the content and pacing of the story. Know that something isn't automatically interesting just because it happened overseas, so don’t feel you have to describe every single thing you did in your day. If it doesn’t enhance the sense of place you’re creating, or add to the plot, leave it out.

Learn more about Megan at www.meganlyles.com.

How To Follow Up

2006-06-26T20:02:00.000-07:00

As I've mentioned in previous posts, waiting for a reply on a query can be hard. So what do you do when you've waited the allotted time and still no answer? You follow up. Email works great for following up even if you sent your original query via snail mail. But always check the writer's guidelines for instructions because some editors like only email or only snail mail, so it's best to stick to their particular format.

When following up, I like to make my letter short, sweet and to the point. And include the original query for easy reference (just in case they didn't get your letter). Here's an example of what you can say in a follow up query.

Dear {Editor's Name},

I am writing to follow up on a query that I submitted via email on June 26, 2006 for an article titled "Rome on $40 a Day." In case you didn't receive my query, I've pasted a copy below. Can you tell me when you might make a decision on the idea? I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Waiting Writer

This is just a little example. Feel free to reorganize it to suit your needs. The point is, don't stress about it. And if you still don't get a response after a follow up (or two at most), move on.

Travel Quote:

2006-06-21T19:26:00.000-07:00

"He that would travel for the entertainment of others, should remember that the great object of remark is human life. Every nation has something peculiar in its manufactures, its works of genius, its medicines, its agriculture, its customs, and its policy. He only is a useful traveller, who brings home something by which his country might be benefitted; who procures some supply of want, or some mitigation of evil, which may enable his readers to compare their condition with that of others, to improve it whenever it is worse, and whenever it is better to enjoy it.

~ Samuel Johnson: Idler #97 (February 23, 1760)

Writer's Resource: Writer's Market

2006-06-20T17:52:00.000-07:00

Looking for writer's guidelines for just about any publication on the market? Check out Writer's Market. You can pick up a copy of Writer's Market which is updated yearly and costs about $30. There is also an online version that requires a subscription (which you may cancel at any time.) I prefer the book edition -- I find it more comprehensive. But for travel writers it isn't very practical to lug around that huge book! The online version allows you to access the database from any computer, all over the world!

Job Board: Journalism Jobs

2006-06-19T19:11:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but I start my day searching numerous freelance job boards. And one of them is Journalism Jobs. They offer a variety of journalism jobs, from newspapers to magazines, radio to television, PR to media relations. It's great if you're looking for a full-time job, but, sometimes freelance writing jobs are featured. Check the website daily for an updated list of jobs.

Writers Tool: Journals

2006-06-16T16:57:00.000-07:00

What writer would ever think about taking a trip without a journal? I certainly wouldn't. On past trips though, I made the mistake of only writing about my feelings and thoughts about the country or city that I was in. I skipped the little details like the names of restaurants and hotels. Granted this was before I became serious about travel writing. But had I written those details down, I could be selling articles from those trips today!! So learn from my mistake -- write everything, and I mean everything, down. Here's a short list of some ideas to get you started:

*~*The names of airports, train stations and other modes of transportation (these can be easily located online, but keeping notes will save you time later)

*~*The names of all of the hotels with addresses and a price/amenities list (I still don't remember the name of that cheap hotel I stayed at in Paris??)

*~*The names of all the restaurants you eat at (menu and pricing if available). A little note on restaurants: A lot of restaurants have little brochure type cards that you can take

*~*The names and contact information of the people you meet along the way (if appropriate, get a photograph with them. It will help you have a clear picture when you write about them!)

The names and address of all museums and other cultural organizations that you attend

This is just a short list. Be sure to also write about your feelings -- those have come in handy for me when I've written articles.

Looking for a nice journal? Click here.

Writer's Resource: FreelanceWriting.com

2006-06-14T17:18:00.000-07:00

FreelanceWriting.com is a great online resource for any kind of freelance writer. The great thing about these types of websites is that the rules of freelancing writing don't change, no matter what subject you choose to write about. Travel writing is just a branch of writing. You still have to write a query and submit the finished article the same way as a fashion writer or health writer.

FreelanceWriting.com has articles and newsletters that you can subscribe to. For instance, I read the Food Writing newsletter because I am interested in writing travel related food articles. The site also has writing news, writing events, resources and commentary. The Morning Coffee section, published every Tuesday, list available freelance jobs.

Suggestions: Traveler's Pen

2006-06-13T21:19:00.000-07:00

As Traveler's Pen enters its second month of existence, Denene and I would like to thank everyone for their continued support and encouragement. We hope to continue to provide you with tips, strategies, and insight to advance your career and turn Traveler's Pen into a top travel writer's resource.

And, that's where you come in. We need your help. What more can we do? See anything missing? Let us know. Like to see your favorite travel writer interviewed? Tell us. We're also looking to interview beginning travel writers for our "Why Didn't They Tell Me" column and writers to contribute to our new "First Success" column.

Please leave us a comment for suggestions or would like to contribute to our columns.

Writer's Tool: Great Ideas

2006-06-12T17:37:00.000-07:00

As writers we thrive off of ideas. But as beginners we may wonder what actually makes an idea great. Here's some tips to remember when crafting ideas for possible articles.

I've read on writer's sites, in writer's magazines and writer's forums that a destination in itself isn't an idea. How many writers have written about Rome, Paris, India, Hawaii, New York or South Africa? Far too many to count. So if you write a query to an editor stating that you're taking your summer vacation to San Francisco and fail to offer a "hook" the editor will think "Who cares?" Don't let your query end up in the slush pile (the rejection stack) because you didn't have a clear and interesting story idea.

So what's an good idea? Let's head back to San Francisco for a moment. Did you eat in a ultra trendy restaurant that served something interesting? Or did you encounter something unique like a boutique or other off the wall shop. These types of stories might sell to a food or fashion magazine. Don't just focus on travel magazines and websites for possible markets.

Good stories are everywhere. The key is learning to determine which ones are great!

Welcome Written Road Readers

2006-06-09T15:24:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I also write for Written Road. Finally, after two months of work, I was introduced today, which has yield a numerous hits on my personal website and Traveler's Pen. I just wanted to take the time to welcome everyone coming from Written Road and tell you a little bit about Traveler's Pen.

Somewhere, you read a travel article you loved, or one you felt you could write better. Heard a story or had an idea that needed to be published. Or, read a book by one of your favorite travel writers. All leading you to one conclusion: you want to be a travel writer.

There are many questions and frustrations associated with becoming a travel writer. How do I begin? What are the components of a great query letter? How do I make a name for myself? Which publications are open to new/beginning writers? Do I have what it takes to make it? As I travel writer, I've asked those same questions. However, those questions are not easily answered. I looked for support within the travel writing community, but grew frustrated when I found that nothing catered to beginners. We wanted to create a community where all travel writers --- especially beginners --- could feel welcome, ask questions, vent their frustrations, and communicate with others in their same predicament, without being made to feel inferior, untalented or unwanted.

My co-founder, Denene, and I are both on the beginning side of our travel writing careers. We understand how it feels to receive rejections, watch queries go unnoticed, and try to succeed in a career many attempt, but most fail. Traveler's Pen will be a much needed umbrella in an unexpected down pour of rain, a place to get answers to the simple questions, share in other travel writers successes and rejections, and more importantly, a place to grow their ambitions into a career.

Traveler's Pen will offer readers an inside look at the start of noted travel writers, market leads that cater to new writers, an open forum to discuss travel writing, interviews with other new travel writers, a first success column, Q&A's, writer's resources, and much more.

Take a few minutes to read back posts, join our Yahoo! Discussion Forum, and leave a comment. We would also love to know who else -- besides us -- is reading this blog. Thank you for reading Traveler's Pen and we hope to hear from you.

Writer's Resource: The Renegade Writer

2006-06-08T18:33:00.000-07:00

Can you believe there's a book out there that tells freelance writers to break all the "rules"? Some writers wouldn't dream of sending simultaneous submissions or letting their queries go over one page in length. How refreshing it was for me to find The Renegade Writer: A Totally Unconventional Guide to Freelance Writing Success by Linda Formichelli and Diana Burrell. It is my all-time favorite book about freelancing because they are very successful freelance writers (their credits include Writer's Digest and Psychology Today among others) and they give other writer's the assurance that you don't have to stress over the minute details.

I would recommend that every writer have this book on their shelves. I try to balance their renegade advice with the more standard views in the writing world. But it is well worth the money!

Writing Resources: Writer's Digest 101 Best Websites for Writers 2006

2006-06-07T18:47:00.000-07:00

Every year, Writer's Digest compiles a list of the 101 best writer's websites. These websites specialize in all genres of writing --- fiction, nonfiction, travel writing, erotica, poetry, and many others. If you're looking for writing tips, jobs, interviews, advice, or a discussion forum, check out the websites on their list.

Here are a few to get you started:

Mediabistro

Absolute Write

AuthorsDen

Writer's on the Rise

Guide to Grammar & Writing

Read the full list here.

Writing Coach: Get Support

2006-06-06T19:03:00.000-07:00

Writing is a solitary pursuit. Only you can put the words on the page. But that doesn't mean that you have to be isolated one hundred percent of the time. I'm going to offer a little writing coaching to hopefully convince you how important it is to have a support system in place to help see your goals to fruition.

Having a writing community gives you the opportunity to bounce ideas around, get your work critiqued and encourage you when you feel like giving up or when you've just received your nth rejection slip. Support is also good to have when things are going great; when you've sold your first or tenth article, when you finish your book, or whatever your particular goal might be.

There are many communities listed online that offer support. I met Terah online in a Yahoo Groups forum and our communication has kept me inspired along the way. You can start by joining the Traveler's Pen forum. To meet people in person, visit www.meetup.com and check out the different writing groups. MeetUp.com puts people with similar interests in touch with each other all over the world.

If you need more support and encouragement with editing and submitting your work or dealing with writer's block, Google 'writing coach', and see what you find. There are trained coaches out there that can support you in starting or sustaining your writing career.

Remember, writers don't live on an island (well some lucky ones do). Get support in place and get the encouragement you need to get published!

My Beginning: David Farley

2006-06-05T08:15:00.000-07:00

This month's interview features David Farley, author of Travelers' Tales Prague and the Czech Republic. Farley's work has appeared in Travel & Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, Playboy, and the Chicago Tribune.

Name: David Farley

Favorite travel writer and why: I don’t really have a favorite “travel” writer, but some of the writers who have inspired me are Joan Didion, David Sedaris, Susan Orlean, Francine Prose, and Bill Bryson.

Favorite travel book and why: This isn’t a very popular thing to say for a travel writer, but I find that a lot travel books—especially the kind that have titles like Two months in Tuscany, A Summer in Sicily, etc.—have a hard time keeping my attention. I read a lot of nonfiction, but it’s not limited to travel. I also read a lot of magazines like The New Yorker.

How did you get started in travel writing: Thomas Swick, who edits the excellent travel section of the South Florida Sun Sentinel, tells budding travel writers that the best way to become a travel writer is to go live abroad. Which is what I’ve done. A few times, actually. I’ve lived in Prague and Rome and have really gotten a lot of great writing material.

Name and publication of first published piece: The very first story was something about being an expatriate in Prague for a website called Escapeartist.com, but the first print story—the first story I actually got paid for—was “Eloping, Italian Style,” about my wedding in Rome, in the Chicago Tribune.

# of published pieces your first year: I actually can’t remember. I wasn’t only writing “travel” stories my first year as a freelance writer. But I do remember that I didn’t eat a lot that year.

How long did it take to publish your first piece? For both pieces I mentioned above—the stories on being an expat in Prague and getting married in Rome—it didn’t actually take too long. Maybe a few months. But I worked on those stories—particularly the one for the Chicago Tribune—quite a long time before I sent it in for consideration.

What is your best/worse rejection? Not surprisingly, my most memorable rejections are the bad ones. I once sent my story about attending a pig killing the Czech hinterlands (which is in my book, Travelers’ Tales Prague and the Czech Republic) to a large newspaper travel section and the editor responded with this: “There is no way in the world that we could publish this—the PETA people, among others, would be down on us like a ton of bricks.” The fact is, raising a pig and then killing it for food, one could argue, is more morally sound than how most of us get our meat, by factory farming.

Most recently, I received a rejection from an editor at one of the big travel magazines that said something like “We like our stories to be newsy and have an angle, and from what I can see, your story proposal has neither.” Ouch!

When was the exact moment you wanted to become a travel writer? I have no idea.

When did you feel you were a travel writer? Also, I have no idea. Maybe when I started getting paid to do it.

Why travel writing? I love to research—both before a trip and while I’m there—how historical events have shaped the present state of a place and how larger forces that are out of the ordinary person’s control (economic factors, for instance) dictate life. My stories are always filled with a lot of exposition and back story, explaining how the past has affected the present.
But also, like many people who are lured to travel writing, I was at first attracted by the romantic notion of being sent somewhere to write. But I’ve intentionally tried to move away from that—I think a lot of people who gravitate to this genre have really fetishized the idea of getting things for free (either comped or being sent somewhere by the publication) and I think that puts one’s focus more on what you’re getting for free and not on the actual writing.

Your thoughts on non-paying markets: I think if that’s what you have to do to get some clips, then do it.

What do you feel is the state of travel writing, dead or alive? Framing it within the dichotomy of “dead or alive” seems a bit extreme. Commercial travel writing, especially in newspaper travel sections, has been challenged by budget cuts, which means most travel editors are buying less and less from freelance writers. Literary travel writing (i.e. books) has always been challenged by the large sector of the American population who lack a desire to travel. Travel books sell a lot better in places like England and Australia because those cultures have a much stronger (and longer) tradition of travel.

Finish this sentence: Why didn't someone tell me....that drive and tenacity are, in many ways, just as important as writing ability.

Advice for other beginning travel writers: My personal philosophy of travel writing is to entertain and educate. If someone can put down one of my articles having laughed a little and learned a little about the place, I feel I’ve succeeded. So, my advice to budding travel writers is just that: keep your writing interesting in both entertainment and enlightenment. Also, when you’re not writing, it’s most important to keep reading.

Learn more about Farley at www.dfarley.com.

Good Query Etiquette

2006-06-02T18:45:00.000-07:00

In continuing with my previous post about developing patience as a writer, I thought I'd elaborate on that with a more practical piece of advice.

Sending queries is a process. It takes a certain amount of time and effort to put together a great query that is attention-grabbing and prompts an editor to accept your idea. You may be wondering, how should I submit my query - via email or snail mail? How long should I wait before following up? How many times should I follow up before I give up?

Once you've written a query that your ready to submit, be sure to check the publications writer's guidelines. Most of the queries I've submitted have been via email. Some publications still prefer snail mail so be sure to check it out first. You don't want a strike against your query upon arrival!

When it comes to following up on your queries, again, check the writer's guidelines. Reference books like Writer's Market often indicate the estimated response time or check the publication's website. If it states 4-6 weeks for a response, wait it out before following up. Again, this is where patience kicks in. I know it's frustrating to pour your heart into a great idea and then have to wait a month or more for an answer - but that is the reality most of the time.

So you've waited the allotted time frame and still no word from the editor. It's time to follow up. I like to follow-up the same way I sent the original query. So if I sent an email query I'll shoot the editor a short message asking about the status of my proposal and copy and paste the original letter at the bottom of my message. This way if the editor doesn't have your original letter, they have easy reference. I've often gotten pretty good responses on follow-ups. So always follow up - you may miss out on an assignment if you don't!!

If you don't get a response to your query after one or two follow-ups, move on. Always be researching other markets for your ideas. Remember patience is the writer's greatest trait and queries are a test of that quality every step of the way.

Happy Writing!

Writer's Quality: Patience

2006-05-30T17:01:00.000-07:00

My post today is to serve as a bit of inspiration and advice that every writer must deal with. Patience is a quality that doesn't come naturally to me. I can remember last summer when I first began sending out queries. I would wait and wait and then wait some more for responses from editors that seemed to never come. Then I finally started getting a reply here and there, mostly rejections. Then one day I checked my email and there was a message from Transitions Abroad stating that they were interested in an article that I submitted. I was overjoyed!! It took several months to get that ONE positive response. At times I thought I was going to go crazy. But I am still here and still in my right mind and still writing.

Patience isn't an easy thing to learn. In fact, as a writer (and as a human being) your patience will be tested daily. After you've sent the query and waited (patiently) for a response you'll still be waiting several months or more for your article to actually appear in print. Then you will have to wait again for the publication to cut your check. So it's not a fast, easy, comfortable process.

So my advice is to not sit in front of an empty email box waiting for an editor to acknowledge your talent. Though it's tempting to loose your patience on the road to publication, it's a good thing to keep your cool. Once you send out a query, let it go and begin working on the next one.

Writer's Resource: TravelWriters.com

2006-05-26T18:29:00.000-07:00

If you are searching for a website that caters specially to travel writers (other than this one, of course), then check out www.travelwriters.com. TravelWriters.com boasts over 10,000 professional travel writers in its community and offers countless resources such as information about press trips, press releases (good to read for story ideas), travel writing market news and a listing of travel publications.

It's free to sign up. The site will send you a daily email full of the latest news in the industry including press releases. It's a good site to frequent to say on top of what's happening in the travel writing world.

Traveler's Pen Forum

2006-05-25T22:52:00.000-07:00

Not to piggyback on Denene's original post, but have you joined our Yahoo! discussion forum? Have a question? Need advice? Join the forum. Need to vent? Or discuss your success? Join the forum. We are open to all discussions, as long as it's positive. Check out Denene's original post here. And join!

Friendly Market: GoNOMAD

2006-05-24T18:41:00.000-07:00

GoNOMAD is an online travel zine that specializes in articles on alternative or immersion travel. They run articles about going deeper into the cultures that you visit and the site has articles on everything from teaching English to living abroad. Here's a snipet from their writer's guidelines to give you an idea of the kind of content the editors are seeking from travel writers:

Journeys - A first-person account of a unique journey
Destination guides - to your favorite region/city.
Go Local - Know of a way to get really close to the local culture or environment of a destination? Tell us about learning, volunteer or other alternative travel opportunities that really engage you with local culture. With sidebar contact.
Destinations - Tell us about a specific destination, including travel details sidebar (lodgings, getting there, tours or activities, restaurants, markets, arts, health and safety, etc.)

Click here to view their full writer's guidelines.

Motivation: Query a Day

2006-05-23T20:21:00.000-07:00

Jen Leo wrote about this over on Written Road, but I thought it was worth re-mentioning. Fellow freelance writer, Donna Talarico created a blog to document her experience getting published. Follow her through acceptances, rejections, bylines, and accomplishing her goal. The goal? Send out a query letter a day.

Which raises an interesting question: What are your goals? And, more importantly, what are you doing to achieve them? Could you research, write, and send a query a day? Personally, her blog has motivated me to create new goals. World Hum and National Geographic Traveler here I come!

WritingClasses.com

2006-05-22T06:01:00.000-07:00

If you are in the New York City area check out Gothem Writers' Workshop. They offer courses in every kind of writing including travel writing. If you aren't in the New York City area, Gothem offers courses online too. Here are some details:

Level I Travel Writing 10-week Workshop
Using a balance of lecture, exercise, and feedback on work from the instructor and classmates, this course gives students a firm grounding in all the basics of travel writing. Everything is presented in a clear, accessible manner.
Write one/two travel pieces or begin a book
Lectures on basics of travel writing craft
Writing exercises
Present work for critiqueTravel I is for beginners or anyone who wants to brush up on the fundamentals.

The in-person class starts on July 10th.
Online classes have a few start dates: May 23rd, July 11th and Aug. 29th.

Visit www.writingclasses.com for full details and a listing of all the other writing classes offered.

Friendly Market: Vagablond

2006-05-18T10:43:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for a place submit work, gain exposure, and tweak your writing, consider Vagablond. Editor and lead writer, Gil Zeimer, is looking for dedicated contributors to post short articles about food, wine, restaurants, hotels, pretty much anything associated with fashionable travel. Before you ask, no, its not a paid position. But its a great place to build clips, get exposure, and work with a great group of people. You set your own schedule. I contribute to Vagablond and I love it. The experience has taught me how to write every day, spot trends in travel, and develop ideas for freelance articles.

For more information, feel free to contact me or Gil.

MediaBistro's Travel Writing Bootcamp eClass

2006-05-17T06:06:00.000-07:00

If you haven't checked out MediaBistro you are missing a wealth of information for writers. The site has resources, a job board and a message board. MediaBistro also offers workshops in major cities like New York and San Francisco. But as travelers it isn't uncommon for us to be on the go, so if you're interested in sharpening your travel writing skills you can take an eClass. MediaBistro is offering their 8-week Travel Writing Bookcamp online starting July 10 - August 28, 2006. Tuition for the class is $499 ($475 for members).

Writer's Resource: Writing World

2006-05-12T12:00:00.000-07:00

There are loads of writer's websites out there packed with practical information about starting and maintaining your writing career. One that I find to be very helpful to writers is Writing World. This site has a full bank of article's on everything from writing queries to handling finances. Though it is not geared toward travel writing, many of the same principles apply to writers in all genres.

Job Boards: Writer's Row

2006-05-11T15:57:00.000-07:00

When I began a career as a freelance writer, I wondered, where do you look for jobs? I knew that if I wanted to make it in this business, stay at home, write full-time, and pay rent, I would have to find something in addition to travel writing. I would've loved to travel around the world and make a comfortable living as a travel writer, but that's something only 1% of travel writers out there can do. So, if you're like the other 99% of us, --- constantly looking for freelance writing jobs --- check out Writer's Row.

Writer's Row is a blog written by fellow freelance writer, Deborah Ng. Daily, she scours the internet looking for freelance writing jobs, all of genres --- copywriting, travel writing, editing, proofreading, and much more. Call me lazy, but I love the blog because she does all the work for me. But, keep in mind she does this for free. If you get a job from her site, or you just appreciate her hard work, please reciprocate by putting something in her tip jar, making a donation, or nominating her website as one of Writer's Digest 101 Best Web Sites.

Q&A: Queries 101

2006-05-10T15:34:00.000-07:00

Q: I have a hard time writing query letters. What are the basic elements that every query letter should have?

-Stumped Writer

A: Query letters are a necessary evil. It's almost impossible to get an assignment from an editor without a strong query. But let's look on the bright side. A query may only take you a few minutes or a couple of hours to write. While a full article could take a few days and a lot more work. So in theory queries make sense. It saves you time and energy and it saves editors having to read entire articles that may not suit their publication.

A good query contains a great idea, is focused and is well-written.

First consider your idea. Ask yourself if your idea would make a great article? Is it interesting? Get other people's opinions on your ideas. As travel writers we want to steer clear of "My Summer Vacation" type of queries. No offensive, but who cares if you went to India? Lots of people go to India everyday. What happened in India that would make your experience different and worth reading about?

Secondly, make sure your idea is focused. Again, a laundry list of your activities in India isn't focused. A more focused idea might be a restaurant you ate in that served some type of unique food. Another point with focus is to make sure your idea fits with the editorial direction of the publication you're pitching to.

Lastly, and probably most important, make sure your writing is top-notch in your queries. This is your writing "audition" for an editor. If your query is full of errors and bad grammar, you don't stand a chance of getting an assignment! So become your own best editor.

One final note. I like to "sit on" my queries for a day or two. When I first started sending out queries I'd get so excited to hit the "send" button and then realize that I'd made a grammatical mistake. If you step away and then come back and re-read your query you might save yourself from sending a bad query.

Good luck!

Friendly Market: Trips & Journeys

2006-05-09T10:19:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for your first clip or additional clips to pad your portolio, consider Trips & Journeys. This bi-monthly online travel magazine covers the U.S. and Canada, with 90% of content written by freelance writers. Lisa Morgin Blackwelder is the editor. As with any publication, read a few copies for style and tailor pitches to a specific department. A few of Trips & Journeys departments include:

Right - a photo feature with the focus on a destination, usually running 200-400 words
Elsewhere - a 400-word column detailing museum
Smart - a service focused column on travel tips, money saving idea, and technology, 200-800 words

Trips and Journeys pays $20 for feature articles and $15 for shorter ones. Click here for more information, including writer's guidelines, pay rates, and detailed department information. Send e-queries only to Lisa Morgin Blackwelder, info@tripsandjourneys.com.

Markets: Put Yourself Out There

2006-05-08T17:12:00.000-07:00

As a new writer you may be wondering what publications are open to for you to submit your work. Well the short answer is - they all are. You can pitch with confidence to any publication you've set your sites on. If you have a great idea for, say, Travel + Leisure, write your pitch letter and send it off. Don't be intimidated because you never know if your ideas will generate a story. The moral of this post is: don't limit yourself. You are a traveler, seek some adventure in your ideas and queries.

Now you may be thinking, "but I don't have any clips." The advice I always heard at writer's conferences and through reading books on writing is to not mention your lack of experience to editors. Don't draw attention to what you lack. If you're portfolio is rather thin, beef it up by submitting to beginner-friendly markets (see previous posts for ideas). I jump-started my writing career by volunteering to write newsletter articles for an art museum. It gave me experience in reporting, meeting a deadline and seeing my name in print. Best of all it gave me a few clips.

There are many things you can do to break into bigger, better-paying markets. Don't let a lack of experience hold you back. Query large and small markets and find creative ways to get a few clips.

Q&A: Markets

2006-05-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

Q: Every book, magazine and article I read about travel writing says "know your markets". But what is a market and where do I find these markets?

-Lindsay, New York, New York

A: It's ironic that most beginning travel writers ask that very question. In fact, it was mine also.

A market is the publication you would like to write for - a travel book, magazine, etc. Knowing your "market" is essential to publishing an article with that particular publication. You should study 3-6 back copies of the magazine to get an idea of focus, style, columns, and departments. This, essentially, will increase your chances of publishing an article because you can tailor your query/article to their exact needs.

To find markets, start at your local bookstore (which is great because you can read the magazines there, take notes and don't have to buy the magazine, if you're strapped for cash).

Next, try the newest edition of the Writer's Market. They list hundreds of magazines seeking a variety articles. A note of caution: the travel writing section of the Writer's Market is underrepresented.

Also, search the internet. Go to your favorite search engine, type 'travel magazines' and a list of magazines will appear. Cross reference the ones you already have and add the new ones.

Lastly, you should never stop searching for markets. New magazines launch and e-zines begin. This process should be a continuous adventure.

Simultaneous Submissions

2006-05-03T18:47:00.000-07:00

For new travel writers the idea of coming up with an idea and sending a query to only one publication and then waiting six weeks for a reply can seem like forever. And trust me, it does feel like forever. There are various opinions on sending simultaneous submissions among writers. It's my experience that as a beginner your chances of having two publications buy your idea are pretty slim - however it's always a possibility.

I'll admit that I'm guilty of simultaneous submissions. I became comfortable about the idea after reading The Renegade Writer: A Totally Unconventional Guide to Freelance Writing Success by Linda Formichelli and Diana Burrell. They suggest taking your ideas and putting different "spins" on them in order to keep multiple queries out in the market place.

The bottom line is this: Do what you're comfortable with. And keep in mind that some publications accept simultaneous submissions. Just be sure to mention that you are submitting the idea to other publications. That way if two or more publications bite, it won't be any surprise if you tell them you've sold it elsewhere.

Travel Writer's Resources: Written Road

2006-05-02T18:13:00.000-07:00

Google 'travel writing' and millions of websites appear. But, which ones are creditable? Which ones are advertisements for high cost classes and books? Which ones can you depend on for accurate information? Don't worry. Every Tuesday, we'll provide you with reliable travel writing resources to help move your career forward.
This week, we feature Written Road. Noted as one of Writer's Digest 101 Best Websites for Writer's, this travel blog is operated by fellow traveler, Jen Leo. For over four years, Jen has provided readers with the 'scoop' inside travel writing. Check the blog daily for author events, story ideas, and information about your favorite travel writers. Her blog is close to what we would like Traveler's Pen to be. However, our focus is solely on beginning travel writers.

Friendly Market: BootsNAll

2006-05-01T16:00:00.000-07:00

The BootsnAll Travel Network is a huge online community of travelers all seeking and giving advice about travel. It is also a great place to get some exposure in the travel writing world. BootsnAll is a non-paying market, however, it's a great place to share a story about a trip, start a travel blog or post on their message boards.

If you are a brand new travel writer itching to get your feet wet in the article submission process, this is a great market to gain confidence. It's also a great way to get that first, all-important byline. Here's how to submit your articles to BootsnAll.

* First, read through the site. Terah and I both have published articles on BootsnAll - feel free to read our stories for inspiration. Click to read Terah's A Cuban State of Mind and my article Alone, But Not Lonely in Florence.

* Sign - Up and become a member of the network. This will allow you to send articles, post on the message boards and become a part of the community.

* Read the writer's guidelines

* Submit your article

* If you'd like to start a travel blog, which by the way is another great way to practice writing everyday and build an audience, BootsnAll is looking for bloggers. Click here for details on starting a blog with BootsnAll.

If you have a story published on BootsnAll, share it with the Traveler's Pen forum (which have you joined by the way?). We'd love to hear about your successes!

Why Didn't Someone Tell Me: Denene Brox

2006-04-25T11:01:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to introduce the first of two monthly interviews, Why Didn't Someone Tell Me and My Beginning on Travelers' Pen. With Why Didn't Someone Tell Me, we'll introduce you to other beginning travel writers and focus on the front side of travel writing --- the one where press trips are unavailable, rejection letters are frequent, and bylines are few. My Beginning will feature interviews from established travel writers talking about their start.

This month's Why Didn't Someone Tell Me interview is with Denene Brox, a freelance writer and co-founder of Travelers' Pen.

Name/Age: Denene Brox, 28

Favorite travel writer: Sarah Turnbull

Travel writing, part-time or full-time: PT

Name and publication of first published piece: Transitions Abroad magazine

# of published pieces: 3 travel plus some other general clips. I've got a number of articles coming soon!

Why travel writing?
Because I love to travel...I'm so passionate about travel and I love to write. I combined both passions. It's a great way to share your experiences with an interested audience.

When was the exact moment you wanted to become a travel writer?
When I kept getting my travel articles accepted and my other "general" magazine queries got zero! I took it as a sign from the Divine.

How long did it take to publish your first piece?
It took about 2 months to get an acceptance and then I had to wait several months for the issue to come out.

Your thoughts on non-paying markets.
I have mixed feelings. I think if you write for non-paying markets, it has to be a strategic decision. You have to stop and ask yourself "will this really help me move forward in some way?" There are many reasons to write for non-paying markets. For one if you're specializing in travel, it's a good way to get your name out there and get a readership. But if you feel like certain markets are "using" writers and there is no "good" reason why they don't pay, I stear away from them. There are markets out there that pay -- even if it's only $25! I think overall that writers work very, very hard and should be compensated for it unless there is a good reason why. That is totally up to the individual writer to decide.

I'll tell you this: When I was in Italy last year I saw an English language newspaper that was very well produced. They had an ad saying that they were seeking writers. When I emailed the editor to inquire about writing, he said that they don't pay. I found this disturbing because the paper had lots of advertising. I could see no reason why that paper couldn't offer their reporters SOMETHING! Afterall, without the writers there are no papers. I think that many pubs out there take advantage of the fact that so many people long to establish writing careers. Like I stated before, you just have to careful and evaluate your pros and cons.

What's your dream publication?
The book market. I want to write a travel narrative someday (soon)!

What do you feel is the state of travel writing, dead or alive?
Alive and well. People are always going to take trips and people are always going to want to read about faraway places.

What is your best/worse rejection?
All the rejections are tough. But I know that behind every disappointment there is a higher plan.

Finish this sentence: Why didn't someone tell me....
That writing queries is really really hard!

Advice for other beginning travel writers.
Take as many trips as your wallet will allow. And while on those trips keep a journal and write everything down. I was lax with this on my earlier trips. Keep track of restuarant names and menus (if you can take them), names of hotels. Get contact info of the people you meet along the way.

Denene is the co-founder of Travelers' Pen. Learn more about her at http://www.born2travel.blogspot.com/

Join the Traveler's Pen Forum

2006-04-24T16:45:00.000-07:00

Are you a beginning or experienced travel writer? Are you willing to share your experiences and receive support from other travel writers from all over the globe? Then join the Traveler's Pen discussion forum on Yahoo! Groups. We encourage you to sign up and introduce yourself. We'd love to hear about your successes, frustrations and market leads. You can also ask questions to all the members for advice. We only ask that the group remains positive and supportive, after all we get enough rejection from the publishing world as writers. Traveler's Pen wants to be an encouraging friend as you navigate through the travel publishing arena. We hope to hear from you soon!

Friendly Market: Transitions Abroad

2006-04-23T17:13:00.000-07:00

Transitions Abroad is all about immersion travel - going beyond traditional tourism and integrating into new cultures by studying, working or volunteering abroad. If you have experience in any of these and can write about your experiences in an authoritative and informative voice, Transitions Abroad is a great market for your work. Here are some tips to getting an acceptance:

* Transitions Abroad is not interested in narrative, first-person essays. They want the practical nuts and bolts side of immersion travel. Answer questions like how you researched language schools or found work teaching English, and you're on the right track.

* Send the editors your completed manuscript. This is one of the few publications out there that doesn't want a query.

* Spend lots of time reading the print version and online version. This will help you tailor your articles to fit the style of Transitions Abroad.

Transitions Abroad is always open to new writers who have ventured out into the world and want to share the knowledge of their experiences with fellow global citizens. Check out their writer's guidelines. Transitions Abroad also has an online writer's portal with articles and interviews with established travel writers and hosts an essay contest.