Travel Writing Jobs
10 writing opportunities — paid commissions, retainer roles, and press trips from publications, brands, and editors.
What kinds of travel writing jobs are listed here?
Four types of opportunity — each clearly labelled on every listing.
Paid article commissions
One-off pieces for publications and branded content teams. Rates listed upfront — no chasing for a number after you've pitched.
Retainer roles
Ongoing relationships with publications or brands. Typically 4–12 pieces per month, with a fixed monthly fee. Stability over the freelance feast-or-famine.
Press trip invitations
FAM trips and press programmes from tourism boards, hotels, and operators. No payment, but covers travel, accommodation, and meals. Clearly flagged on every listing.
Unpaid — byline and exposure
We list these, clearly marked. Worth considering for Tier 1 publications where the byline itself opens doors — Conde Nast, National Geographic, The Guardian Travel. Make that call yourself.
Live opportunities
Latest listings from the board — updated as new opportunities come in.
Kuala Lumpur City Guide Writer — eAsia.com
eAsia.com
eAsia.com is building out its Kuala Lumpur coverage from scratch. We need a writer who knows KL beyond the Petronas Towers — the food courts in Chow Kit and Imbi, the different character of Bangsar vs KLCC vs Bukit Bintang vs Petaling Street, what the city looks like on a Tuesday vs a weekend, where locals actually eat, and what the transport system is like in practice (not just 'take the LRT'). Initial scope: 4–6 pieces covering the city from different angles. Longer-term we'd want a KL correspondent for ongoing updates. Malaysian writers or those with extended time in KL strongly preferred.
1,200–2,500 wordsApply by 14 Jun 20260.10 per word
Budget Penang Travel Guide — VisitPenang.com
VisitPenang.com
Penang is genuinely one of the best-value destinations in Southeast Asia and we want a guide that proves it with real numbers — not vague assurances. The piece should cover: where to stay for under $30/night, what to eat for under $5 a meal (and where specifically), free attractions and why they're worth your time, the cheap transport options (Rapid Penang buses, grab vs taxi), and how to do a 3-day trip for under $150 all-in. We want a writer who has actually done this — not someone projecting from 2019 prices. Updated, specific, and honest about what 'budget' actually means in Penang today.
1,600–2,400 wordsApply by 24 May 20268d left280 flat fee
Bali Destination Writer — eAsia.com
eAsia.com
eAsia.com is expanding to Bali. We need a writer based in or frequently returning to Bali who can produce guide-quality content across multiple topics: neighbourhood profiles (Seminyak vs Canggu vs Ubud vs Sanur vs Uluwatu), food guides (warung culture, the coffee scene, markets), practical logistics (motorbike rental, temples etiquette, visa on arrival), and itinerary content for different trip lengths and travel styles. This is a long-term engagement — we'd rather build a relationship with one writer who knows Bali well than rotate through generalists. Initial brief: 3 pieces to test the fit, then ongoing work if the match is right.
1,000–2,500 words0.10 per word
Indian Heritage & Little India Writer — Penang (VisitPenang.com)
VisitPenang.com
We're looking for a writer to cover Penang's Indian community and heritage — the Sri Mahamariamman Temple, the Kapitan Keling Mosque, Little India on Lebuh Pasar, the Tamil community around Queen Street, and the festivals (Thaipusam at Nattukkotai Chettiar Temple, Deepavali on Campbell Street). This is a culturally significant area that most travel writing reduces to 'vibrant' and 'colourful' — we want something more careful and specific. A writer with Tamil, Telugu, or Malayalam heritage, or significant time spent in these communities, is preferred. We're not looking for an outsider's gaze dressed up as expertise.
1,400–2,200 wordsApply by 31 May 20260.11 per word
Digital Nomad Guide Writer — Penang (VisitPenang.com)
VisitPenang.com
VisitPenang.com has a dedicated digital nomad section and we need it to reflect how the city actually works for remote workers — not the standard 'Penang is cheap and has fast wifi' take. We want a writer who has lived and worked there: which neighbourhoods work best (KOMTAR area vs Gurney Drive vs Georgetown old town), the co-working spaces worth paying for vs the cafes that'll let you stay for three hours on one coffee, the visa reality (DE Raft, MM2H, visa run logistics), cost-of-living breakdowns that aren't five years out of date, and the practical stuff no one writes about (SIM cards, banking for foreigners, health insurance). Experience as a digital nomad in Penang is required — not optional.
2,000–3,000 wordsApply by 7 Jun 2026350 flat fee
Southeast Asia Destination Writers — Ongoing Retainer (eAsia.com)
eAsia.com
eAsia.com is building a network of travel guides across Southeast Asia — starting with Penang and expanding to Kuala Lumpur, Bali, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, and Chiang Mai. We're looking for writers with direct experience in these destinations to contribute on a rolling basis — typically 3–4 pieces per month per destination. Content ranges from neighbourhood guides and itineraries to food deep-dives and practical logistics. This is a retainer arrangement: consistent work, consistent pay, consistent relationship. We're not looking for one-off freelancers — we want writers who know a place well and want to write about it properly over time.
1,000–2,500 words0.10 per word
How it works for writers
No account required to browse. No middlemen.
Browse the board
Filter by content type, pay, and destination. Every listing shows who's asking, what they want, and what they're paying — before you spend time on a pitch.
Apply directly
No middleman, no platform cut. Your pitch goes straight to the editor or buyer. Contact details are on each listing — you handle the relationship from there.
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What do travel writing jobs pay?
Rates vary significantly depending on the outlet, the format, and whether it's editorial or branded work. These are market benchmarks — not guarantees. Actual rates on this platform are posted by the buyers themselves.
| Type | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Magazine article (1,000–2,000 words) | $0.10–$1.00 per word |
| Digital publication | $0.05–$0.50 per word |
| Branded / content marketing | $0.25–$2.00 per word |
| Guidebook chapter | $500–$3,000 flat |
| Retainer (monthly) | $500–$5,000 per month |
| Press trip | Travel covered (no payment) |
These are market ranges based on industry benchmarks. Filter by “Paid only” on the board to see listings with stated rates. See the full rate breakdown →
Frequently asked questions
Are travel writing jobs still viable in 2026?
Yes. Demand for authentic, first-person travel content has increased as AI-generated articles flood the web. Publications and brands now actively seek writers who've been on the ground — not just writers who can prompt a language model. The filtering is harsher but the writers who clear it are earning more per piece, not less.
Do I need experience to apply for travel writing jobs?
Most paid listings require some published bylines. If you're starting out, use your own blog, a local newspaper, or a niche publication to build three to five clips — then use those to pitch the outlets on this board. Buyers want evidence you can finish a piece and that someone has published it before.
What's the difference between a freelance travel writer and a staff travel writer?
Freelancers pitch or apply per piece, work for multiple outlets simultaneously, and set their own schedule. Staff travel writer roles exist — primarily at major newspapers, airlines, or large digital publishers — but they are rare and highly competitive. The majority of working travel writers, including many with recognisable bylines, are freelance.
How do I find travel writing jobs that pay well?
Filter by 'Paid only' on the board. Branded content and guidebook work typically pay more per word than editorial. Retainer roles offer predictable income. The rate table on this page gives you a benchmark — if a listing is below market, you'll know before you spend time pitching.
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Buyers search the directory when they have a brief — be findable when they do.
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