How To Write Your Way Around The World
9 tips to help you live a life of travel and writing
There has always been a certain appeal about being a writer. Being able to express your feelings, thoughts, ideas and opinions, and getting paid for it, is a lot of peoples dream job!
In the past it was notoriously difficult for both authors and journalists to get published, but these days the internet and the demand for knowledge and information has made writing a much more accessible occupation. It is also one that has become more rewarding. With the internet allowing people to read, comment and share articles all around the world you get near instant feedback and praise for your ideas!
As well as an enjoyable job there are many other perks to being a writer — you get to set your own schedule, there is no commute to work, you can choose your own office (or cafe), you can work your own ideas and you usually don’t have a boss. Sure, there may be an editor or publisher that you need to deal with but they are usually rooting for you to produce your best ideas. Surely being a writer is too good to be true? Keep reading, it gets even better!
In the last 5 years there has been a boom in ‘digital nomads’, ‘online entrepreneurs’ and ‘freelancers’. In fact, for many readers of this article, these titles will refer to them.
With the rise of the book “The 4 Hour Work Week’” and Covid19 devastation to the office, people have now realised that most jobs can be done over the internet, and writing is no exception. So why stay in your grey hometown, working a 9–5 job in a sterile office when you can travel the world while you work!
And what more enjoyable way to work and travel is there than being a freelance writer? Go where you want to go, write what you want, tap into your creativity and get paid for it! Becoming a freelance writer isn’t easy (or everyone would be doing it) but it isn’t difficult either, it just takes time and persistence, but once you get the hang of it you will want this job for life!
But how do you start writing your way around the world? Here are 9 tips to get you started:
1. Book a ticket
The first step to writing your way around the world, is to book a ticket. Set a date, choose a flight and book. It’s simple, but often the biggest hurdle to leaving is the first step. You don’t have to go far if you don’t feel comfortable.
If travelling halfway around the world is too daunting, then start small. Go to a different city or nearby country that speaks the same language. A change of scenery will be invaluable to your thoughts, ideas and to your writing.
2. Build your savings
Once you have your ticket it’s time to save some money. Savings will come in handy if you are unsure of your income or travel plans, and a little money will help in emergencies (or if you decide you want to go back home). Work a part-time job, sell some things you no longer need. Rent your apartment or car out, or line up some extra writing jobs to fund your travels. Spending some time now to create extra cash will allow you to relax when travelling and settling into your new life.
3. Create a routine
If you plan on travelling to lots of different cities or countries, then make sure you have a set routine for your work. If writing is paying your travel expenses then it needs to be treated like a job. Set yourself times to write when you feel most productive, be it morning or late at night. If you like to write at a desk, book hotels with good work tables, or find local cafes that are good for writing. Sometimes even listening to the same music when writing can be conductive to productivity. Whatever your routine looks like, you need to spend time cultivating it.
4. Be present online
Most writers that travel have a strong online presence, so that they can attract potential jobs from around the world. If you are not sure how to do this, just check out some of Tim Denning’s work. Do you have a blog or portfolio to show off your writing skills? Does your name and credentials pop up if you search for yourself online? How are potential employers going to find you? If you already work for a company but have negotiated to become a remote worker then be responsive to emails and consider using Skype as a form of contact with your boss. You may be in a different time zone but in emergencies make sure you are reachable.
5. Look out for virtual ‘job boards’
There are thousands of opportunities for freelance writers online, and many employers are happy to hire writers remotely — you don’t need to be in an office to write. Seek out potential jobs on websites like UpWork or Freelancer. Many freelance writers use these job boards to fund their travels. Also start looking at ‘contact us’ pages of websites you like, or ones you feel need better writing. Reach out and contact them for potential work if you feel like you can help them. If you want to write your way around the world then be active in finding and applying for writing gigs.
6. Network
Traveling around the world will open new and exciting doors — so be ready. Make sure you have a business card, online portfolio and an elevator pitch at hand. Networking events are useful because you never know what opportunity might pop up. If you are going to introduce yourself as a writer then be prepared to show off your work. There is something special to meeting a writer in person, and often small businesses hire writers not only based on their writing, but because they’ve met you.
7. Experiment
A great way to improve your writing is to experiment within genres and topics. Through travelling you will be exposed to lots of different ideas, scenery and people, so practice writing about them. Write about the cities you visit, the people and the culture you are experiencing. Write about the history of a museum you visited or test yourself and write in a whole new genre outside of your niche. Expanding your writing and experimenting is easier when you are in a different place — a change of scenery can bring up new ideas.
8. Trade
Instead of just writing for money, try trading your craft for accommodation, food, experiences or countless other good and services. Write an in depth review of a hotel in exchange for a stay, share a restaurant recommendation within your network, or write a blog post from a customer’s point of view for an activity holiday. You’d be surprised what a few thousand words can get you.
9. Travel more
Sometimes it’s hard to decide what to write about. If you come from a small town, there might be limited experiences available to bring forth ideas. This is where travel is important. A different city, culture of country can offer incredible architecture, quirky people and weird but wonderful stories. Travel can open you and your writing to new perspectives and the gains to exploring the world are invaluable to both your work and your personal growth.
If you are a writer stuck in a rut, or if you are looking to travel while you write, now has never been a better time to start travelling. Book a ticket and pack your notebook; The rest of the journey will write itself.
