What’s so great about being a travel writer? “I truly believe there’s no better job than getting paid to travel and create content for fellow travelers to enjoy. It affords you so many life experiences you might otherwise never have had, and it opens your mind to new places in new ways,” says Ruggiero, who took the slow, traditional route. She studied journalism at the University of Miami, then worked in local news, entertainment and fashion for 10 years before she snagged her job at.
During her nearly two decades in media, Leasca has worked as everything from a news reporter to a social media editor to her current role as a freelance journalist specializing in travel and lifestyle writing. She moved to Portugal two years ago to pursue her Ph.D., specializing in disinformation, and also teaches at Universidade Católica in Lisbon. “I take my job very seriously because I know just how precious people’s time off really is to them,” says Leasca.
Another recent student landed her first travel writing assignment: a trip to the Greek islands. “She was so excited, she asked me if it was real,” says Ruggiero. “Spoiler: It was, and I know she's armed with the knowledge she needs to get a great story out of it.”, as well as a free weekly newsletter that highlights calls for pitches and job opportunities. They also highlight places they love, great pieces of travel writing and sometimes offer exclusive class discount codes.
Here, Ruggiero and Leasca share some of their insider tips for breaking into the competitive field of travel writing, as well as a few of their favorite trips.“All the things you’re curious about—when is the best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park, how do I make the most of my airline points—are stories,” says Leasca. “If you’re looking for information, odds are others are, too, so pitch it as a story.