
Dear Travel Writer,
Lying on a massage table in an open-air wooden pavilion, your back is getting stroked and pummeled with bergamot oil. The table has a cut-out hole for your head... designed to let you gaze down into a chalice of floating lotus flowers.
In the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui Island is designed for hedonism.
Coconut palms, white beaches, translucent seas of palest blue - and
if you had one treatment a day, there would be enough top-class spas
to occupy you for a month.
You're luxuriating at a particularly nice one, set in lush gardens and designed like a Thai village, complete with cascading waterfalls, lotus ponds, and a miniature rice paddy. During your 90-minute oil massage, your mind wanders to the day's schedule:
Morning: Massage followed by a 70-minute facial and 30 minutes in an herbal steam room.
Afternoon: Relax at the beach.
Evening: Dinner out at a recommended restaurant, where you'll sample local specialties like oysters stewed in a clay pot with fragrant basil, curry-coconut fish, and steamed lobster with garlic butter.
It's shaping up to be a perfect day…genuine pampering, then a relaxing few hours on the beach with a book, a fabulous meal to top off the evening... and what's even better is that you're actually getting paid to be there.
That might sound too good to be true. But it's not. In the next few pages I'll give you the secret to getting trips like this time after time. I'll show you how to land deeply discounted (and even complimentary) vacation packages, entertainment tickets, tours, meals, and more...
I'll also explain why airlines, rail companies, hoteliers, tour operators, travel bureaus, and more are eager to hand out perks like those to qualified takers.
And that's just the beginning. I'll also show you how to turn your travel experiences into a fun side-business or a prestigious full-time career — one that opens the door to places only a privileged few ever go…that gives you the freedom to live where you like…that allows you to set your own schedule…that lets you choose how much or how little you want to work…
Very soon you could be vacationing like this...
B. Howard hasn't paid for a hotel room in Florida for more than 10 years. He's visited Bermuda and the Bahamas almost every year for the last decade — always at the local government's expense.
Mike Palmer wanted to spend a few days at an all-inclusive tropical rain forest lodge in Ecuador — reachable only by boat on the Napo River. Instead of paying hundreds of dollars for the experience, he got the trip at no charge!
And retired television executive Duane Harm and his wife Harlene spent an entire summer traveling across the western U.S., hopping from one dude ranch to another. They visited 23 different ranches in Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana, staying for an average of three days at each ranch. The total value of their stays? About $55,000…and they didn't pay anything for it. Not one cent.
Before I spill the secret to traveling the world at your whim — and getting paid to do it — allow me to introduce myself. My name is Kammy Thurman. As I mentioned earlier, I used to be a travel agent. For 10 years I worked in the industry and enjoyed traveling much of the world for free.
I've flown first-class for weekend shopping in Seoul, Korea — snacking
on caviar along the way. I've enjoyed world-class plays in London theaters…golfed at St. Andrews in Scotland, the oldest course in the world…and marveled at wild Kangaroos racing alongside my train as it rolled
through southern Australia…plus many more adventures I'll remember
for a lifetime.
But when I married and moved to a small town in Montana — too small for a travel agency — I figured my VIP travel days were over. With a family of five, we could barely afford a few days in the next state, much less several weeks on another continent.
That is…until I discovered a new way to once again enjoy vacations in exotic places — for FREE — and do it without working for a travel agency or an airline. As a matter of fact, I don't work for anyone else at all!
Instead, I get to indulge my passion for travel — and get paid to do it — without answering to a boss, commuting to a job, or putting up with office politics. I actually get paid to "work" at home in my sweats and slippers — unless I'm traveling of course.
And here's how you can do the same —
Imagine vacationing for a week in an ocean-side villa just steps from a private beach where azure-emerald waters lap soft white sand. You spend lazy afternoons in a hand-made hammock stretched between gently swaying palm trees. You enjoy tropical nights surrounded by good food, heady wines, twinkling lights, and cool sea breezes rustling blossom-laden shrubs.
Now imagine doing all of that on the resort's tab.
All you have to do in exchange is keep good notes about where you went and what you did and then write an article sharing your opinion about your experience — good or bad — with others who are interested in going there.
You see, one of the ways travel-related businesses advertise is by inviting travel writers to experience (for free) what they have to offer — maybe a tour, cruise, special event, or resort package — in hopes that the writers have a positive experience and write about it favorably in a magazine, newspaper, newsletter, or online.
The more articles written about a place, the rationale
goes, the more tourists will go there. And more tourists mean more
money…simple as that.
What does it mean for you?
It means that you can recoup the cost of your travel expenses by simply selling stories about your experiences. And, once you've got a track record (you've had a few articles published, that is) you can begin to cash in on perks like invitations for discounted or free travel. Do that, and when you earn a few hundred... or even a few thousand dollars for an article... it's pure profit.
And the truth is, you don't need to be a gifted wordsmith. You don't need journalism courses. You don't need a job in travel. Just consider these ordinary folks who are, today, living the travel writer's life:
I understand that your passion for travel is probably why you're reading this letter. But you should understand that you don't have to pack your bags or buy a plane ticket to get started in this business.
You'll find plenty of opportunities to get your feet wet as a travel
writer right in your hometown…or within easy driving distance.
And that's true no matter where you live.
In fact it makes all kinds of sense to start your career by writing about places and people in your own backyard…and having those articles published locally. It's one way I've made money -- writing fun articles on half a dozen places within an afternoon's drive of my hometown.
So what do you need to be a travel writer? To get paid to ski in Colorado, parasail in Mexico, trek the Himalayas, stroll the gardens of Bulgaria, tour fall foliage in New England…or simply enjoy an attraction that's within walking distance of your own back door?
Well, if you like the idea of adventure -- of learning about interesting places and people, of experiencing a privileged lifestyle…and if you have basic writing skills and are willing to learn a few simple secrets…then you already have what it takes to be a travel writer...
The Travel Industry Association predicts that this year will be a BANNER year for the travel industry, with spending skyrocketing to $646.2 billion. In the U.S. alone, we'll see domestic trips jump to 1,198 million. And international arrivals will hit 46 million. Worldwide, the numbers reach many times that.
And this huge explosion has created a tidal wave of activity throughout the travel industry, from tour company giants down to mom-and-pop souvenir shops. After suffering a drought following 9/11, these companies are desperate to get their hands on the new profits.
As a matter of fact, they're already putting out the call for travel writers to help them do it!
What's more, the Travel Industry Association says things are only going to continue heading up from here — pushing the need even higher for good writers who understand what editors are after and know how the industry works.
So why are experienced travel writers able to get all these invitations for free vacation packages…gourmet meals in 5-star restaurants…front-row tickets to sold-out concerts…personal invites for back-stage visits…the best seats at ball games…and trips and tours most people can only dream of?
Seasoned
professionals are able to cash in on perks like that because they know
the tricks to navigating the ins and outs of the industry. They know the
insider language to use. They know exactly what to do to get companies
to bring trips to them.
You see, every state in the U.S. and countries around the world set budgets each year to attract tourists to their area. And a certain amount of those tourism dollars is earmarked for wining and dining travel writers on all-expenses-paid press trips.
Take my own state for instance. I just received an invitation from Travel Montana for press trips to tour historic hotels, art galleries, and living history museums ...retrace the journey of Lewis & Clark along the Yellowstone River…vacation on a working cattle ranch…golf on breathtaking mountain courses…tour Yellowstone National Park…hunt for T-Rex and Triceratops fossils at Hell Creek…plus half a dozen other offers.
I get one of these packets, jam-packed with descriptions of free press trips, in my mailbox every single month of the year — just like clockwork. And I get packets like them from all over the U.S., inviting me on free trips to other states.
But travel bureaus aren't the only ones that will give you "comped" trips. Travel writers also get invitations directly from resorts, B&Bs, amusement parks, symphonies, museums, and a whole host of other companies. (I'll explain how to get on their "invitation lists" in just a moment.)
One week you might be invited to the tiny hotel on Antigua that's offering a complimentary stay under sunny skies and palm trees…the next, a family getaway at a remote retreat that's offering horseback trips into the mountains…maybe a B&B tour of the English countryside…or a weeklong walking trip with guided tours and nights spent at fine country inns and hotels…
And there's yet another way travel writers can see the world for free.
In addition to the travel companies that need people to write articles about them…there are 24,000 print publications in the U.S. that need people to write travel articles for them. And that doesn't even count online and international publications.
And many of these publications regularly pay travel writers to take trips and write about them.
Like Kathleen Peddicord, the publisher of International Living. She's in constant need of reports from far-flung destinations around the world. She's paid to send correspondents to Nicaragua, Bulgaria, Argentina, France, and beyond.
Of course, you need a track record before you'll be invited on press trips and sent on vacation by publishers. In other words, you'll need to have a few articles under your belt.
But that's easier than you might think. Once you learn a few critical secrets about creating the kinds of articles publishers are looking for, you'll be on your way to making a name for yourself, and you'll be well-positioned to start traveling the world on someone else's tab, enjoying a lifestyle that once belonged only to the rich and famous.
Without question, the quickest way to get to that level — to experience the fun and prestige of being a travel writer — is through The Ultimate Travel Writer's Program. Sure, you could sit through a college writing course or two. And you could read books about how to do it or attend expensive seminars. But they won't deliver the comprehensive, downright transformative tools this program does.
That's
because in The Ultimate Travel Writer's Program author
Jennifer Stevens brings together the collective experience of today's top
writers — including a Wall Street Journal reporter, a New
York Times correspondent, an acclaimed guidebook writer, an award-winning
publisher, and a whole host of successful freelance travel writers. She's
catalogued all their hard-won advice, tips, tricks, and ideas…techniques
they use to travel the world and get their articles into print.
And Jennifer herself brings to the program a wealth of travel-writing knowledge. She's the past editor of International Living and of Island Properties Report. Plus she's spent the past decade as a freelancer, exploring Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe, writing about the best locales for overseas travel, retirement, and investment.
And now...here in one place...Jen has brought together everything you need to follow in her footsteps and become a successful travel writer too.
Just take a look at some of the insider secrets you'll discover in The Ultimate Travel Writer's Program. You'll learn...
Plus…dozens more insider tips and tricks-of-the-trade provide you with the kind of details and step-by-step advice it would take you years to learn on your own. With the Ultimate Travel Writer's Program you’re guaranteed a real jump-start. In just a handful of months, you could be a successful travel writer.
It wasn't always so easy.
| "Twenty years ago, when I was
trying to get my travel-writing career off the ground, there was no
such thing as The Ultimate
Travel Writer's Program.
"And it showed. In fact, it took me two years to break into print. I was sending out queries at a rate of three a day, and the rejection letters were coming back just as fast. It got so bad, my wife refused to go to the mailbox." — B. Howard, travel writer and guidebook author |
B. Howard's experience isn't unusual. The learning curve with any new endeavor can be a long one. But it doesn't have to be for you…not if you're interested in the travel writer's life. That's because in The Ultimate Travel Writer's Program you gain a roadmap that clearly directs you every step of the way. A one-of-a-kind blueprint for success. One that leads you through each stage of becoming a world traveler and writer.
From the very beginning, Jen leads you by the hand through every essential step. You'll learn from her real-world experience and that of the many colleagues whose expertise she tapped — knowledge that took them years and years to accumulate.
With her personable, conversation style, you'll feel like Jen is sitting with you in person. With this program you'll:
- Get the formula for articles that sell every time. A travel article is not just a report on an event. There are facts, to be sure…but an emotional pull is critical. And beyond that, there's a formula for keeping a reader with you. Jen shows you exactly what that is — and how to use it.
- Discover all the little nuggets that make a place come alive in the reader's mind. Where to find interesting facts, who to talk to on your trip, and which details to include to make your article a must-read.
- Learn step-by-step how to create winning articles. Discover how to craft a headline editors can't resist…add spice to the lead...mold your trip into a compelling story…and wrap it up with a close that will have readers aching to go there now!
- Multiply your paychecks. Find out how to land repeat assignments…turn one trip into 3 or more articles…springboard into other writing opportunities…and get your foot in the door with a major publisher right away.
- Take advantage of the many travel perks that go with this work. Discover how to get your name on lists for free press trips around the world…stay in the best hotels…dine in exclusive restaurants…gain entry to sold out events…visit the world's greatest attractions…and many more perks too numerous to mention here.
The
Ultimate Travel Writer's Program is far and away the
best travel-writing program ever devised. Not only is it truly comprehensive,
but it's a convenient and easy way to learn, too. You don't have to
sit in a cold auditorium for hours while someone spends more time selling
you his travel book than he does teaching you. You won't find yourself
falling asleep as a writing professor drones on about this preposition
or that adjective. And you won't struggle in isolation, with no one
to turn to for help.
Instead, in the comfort of your own home, you'll feel like you're getting a private tutorial from an expert who has built her career by following the same formula for success she's sharing with you.
The truth is, The Ultimate Travel Writer's Program is so personal and practical you'd swear Jen was sitting at your kitchen table with you.
But make no mistake — the information she delivers is anything but casual. You'll be getting the most on-target guidance imaginable. And Jen's passion is absolutely contagious! It leaps right off the page. If you're anything like me, you'll be so excited by the end of the first section, you won't be able to contain yourself.
I mean...
Brian jumped into his new career with both feet. As a graduate of The Ultimate Travel Writer's Program and a successful travel writer today, Brian has come face-to-face with a huge wild water buffalo at a wilderness resort — with only the reinforced side of a Toyota Troop Carrier between them. He's parasailed, jet-skied, and reveled in the pampering of a luxurious island resort. He's enjoyed escorted tours to major attractions. He's snorkeled through one of the world's largest and most famous barrier reefs. And then he's been paid to write about all those experiences.
It's all in a day's work for Brian. And that could be your life too. Wouldn't it be great to jump out of bed in the morning knowing that your "work" day will be spent bartering at an open-air market…diving with dolphins…skiing world-famous runs…or lounging on a cruise ship deck?
That's what Jen Stevens' The Ultimate Travel Writer's Program can help you do. And she'll help you do it faster than you ever imagined possible.
Here's how…
In addition to revealing the secret structure behind every successful travel article…showing you step-by-step how to write them…and giving you all the tools you need to get your articles published…this program actually has you build several articles of your own as you work through the material.
So you won't be just learning theories from a book. You'll be putting the skills you learn to use immediately.
And you'll be writing articles you can submit to editors for publication — even before you've finished the program. Mike Slagle did. He writes:
| "I've always had passions
for both travel and for writing—but whenever I tried combining the
two, I failed miserably. Since starting the Ultimate Travel Writer's Program, I've
had four articles accepted for publication! Quite simply the program
teaches you things that it would take years to learn by trial and
error…Thanks AWAI for providing the seeds to grow journal articles
into publishable stories."
—Mike Slagle |
| “The Traveler is publishing at least three of my articles, Trips
and Journeys has accepted another one. And another online
magazine has just accepted a story I submitted through the travel-writing
program's critique program. The great feedback I got from the travel-writing
program made my success possible, and I'm now a regular paid contributor
to several magazines!"
—Wendy VanHattan |
| "I got a huge amount out of the program! In fact, International Living has
very kindly published an e-postcard, "An Oxford Afternoon" already. It
is definitely a psychological kick-start for me, so I'll keep going. I'm
enjoying this so much!" —Jean Flitcroft |
| "I sent a query to the publisher of a small magazine regarding an idea
for an article about a trip that I will be taking in the end of September.
I called the story "Bikes on Trains!" The magazine focuses on local motorcycle "flavor" and
the publisher loved the idea and agreed to publish the story! I just wanted
to say thank you for your program. It has given me new confidence in myself." —Faith LaRosse |
You get the idea. This program really works. And this is just the beginning.
There's an active message board on-line where members share ideas, brainstorm, answer questions, and critique each other's writing. It's your opportunity to connect with other budding writers who are as eager as you to live the travel writer's life…and with people who are already successful and can share their advice about what's worked for them.
So you see, you'll never be left alone to wonder if you're doing things right…you can simply ask.
Oh, and there another important element too. Jen has pulled some strings on behalfJen's former boss at International Living, Kathleen Peddicord, has agreed to offer graduates of The Ultimate Travel Writer's Program a foot in the door at her online and print publications. Here, let me have her tell you about it herself.
|
Hi, Kathleen here. At International Living, we receive piles of articles and proposals for articles every day of the week. And I have to tell you, the vast majority of them wind up going straight into the trash. Why? Because believe it or not, most of these writers — people who claim to be professional travel writers — simply don't know what they're doing. They don't know even the simplest rules for getting published. nd they don't have one-tenth of the knowledge I've seen in writers who sign up for The Ultimate Travel Writer's Program. Developed by Jen Stevens, my top editor for many years, this program really works in the real world. In fact, I believe so strongly in it that I've asked my editorial staff to give special consideration to articles written by members. In other words, I've asked them to put submissions from people who have completed the program on the top of the in-box pile — to give them a foot in the door as it were. What this means is that you can be working on a real assignment as you go through the program. If my editors like your article, they'll publish it with your by-line…and they'll pay you in return. I look forward to signing the check,
Kathleen Peddicord |
In-depth materials…real-world instruction…hands-on experience…critiques from professional writers…an invitation to get your first paid byline as soon as you complete the program…and the opportunity to improve your lifestyle...
These
are the critical elements that make The Ultimate Travel Writer’s
Program the most unique, most effective program ever offered
to would-be travel writers.
While other writers are spending $1,000 and more for weekend conferences and college classes — and finding it can take years to get published, you’ll be way ahead of the game, working on actual assignments for real publications.
You’ll be on-track to get your first by-line in months (not years) so you can be out seeing the world and getting paid to write about it in no time at all.
Just how much will you invest in your new travel-writing career? I’ll give you all the details in a moment, but first let me share one more important opportunity with you. It’s easy. It’s something professional writers do all the time. And it’s something that can make you a lot more money from your articles.
Imagine you're standing at a newsstand or sitting in a library flipping through the pages of a travel or general-interest magazine. What is it that first catches your eye? What grabs your interest?
It's the photos, isn't it? That's because the eye gravitates to images.
What's more, photos help communicate ideas. And photos can help you sell the articles you write.
Now, it's true, as a travel writer you won't generally be required to take photographs to accompany your articles. But it's also true that when you do include them you're likely to sell more articles, earn more from each one, and get more assignments.
And the thing is, you don't have to be a born artist to learn how to take photos editors will snatch up in a heartbeat. All you need to do is learn a few simple techniques.
And you'll find all of them in Money-Making Travel Photography, a mini-photography program that's yours, free, when you register for The Ultimate Travel Writer's Program.
Money-Making Travel Photography was created especially for travel writers. It’s just one more way to ratchet up your writing income as you travel the world. And as I explained, it’s yours FREE when you sign up for The Ultimate Travel Writer’s Program.
Our long-term success is tied to you – to the success you have in turning your travel experiences into articles you’re paid for and offers of hospitality you enjoy on the cheap or even for free.
Here’s how it works: The more folks like you who begin to earn money from your travels, the better we look and the more “in demand” our programs become.
It’s as simple as that.
That’s why our office walls are covered in framed letters from the dozens and dozens of people who have changed their lives through one of our programs. We are very proud of our record so far. Every time we get another unsolicited testimonial, it makes us all think, “This is why we like our jobs!”
We are proud of our success and hopeful it will continue. But we have a challenge. You see, a large percentage of the people who buy our programs don’t do much more than open the package, skim through it, and put it on a shelf, promising themselves they will “get to it later.”
Given how busy everyone is these days, this is to be expected. But when eight out of ten buyers are not following through on the program, it makes us look bad. When asked, “How many of those people who buy your program end up turning a profit on their photos?” we have to answer honestly, “Too few.”
But that’s a good thing for you if you are one of the 20% persistent enough to complete the program and put what you learn into practice.
If you’re willing to stick with us, complete the program and work on building your travel-writing skills day by day, then your chances of turning your trips into publishable stories for newspapers, magazines, and online publications are very good. And so are your chances of capitalizing on that track record to cash in on great perks. We know this because that’s what our most successful members have told us– they had a strong desire to succeed, and we gave them all the tools they needed to do it.
So take heart – if you have the determination to stay with us, we have the program that will help you succeed. And it goes without saying that whatever you do, your 100% satisfaction is 100% guaranteed.
Now, considering everything this program brings you...including the entire travel-writer program a publishing opportunity with International Living, and additional support from AWAI...
...you might expect to pay $1,000 or more. And I can assure you, you could quickly make that up in article fees and in the value of "comped" travel. Plus how do you put a price on the freedom and adventures that come with being a successful travel writer?
Yet this program doesn’t cost anywhere near that much. AWAI has priced it at just $399 — and remember, sign up now and you’ll also receive the exclusive photojournalism program, Money-Making Travel Photography.
It really is an extraordinary value, especially when you consider you'll get an incredible amount of resources, back-up materials, and support. Take advantage of it all, and you're virtually guaranteed to succeed.
But even better...
Because of the huge explosion in travel right now, and the fact that there hasn't been a better time in many years to become a travel writer, Jen has taken a dramatic step to make it easier than ever for you to get into this business. She has arranged with AWAI to offer a major discount.
For a limited time, The Ultimate Travel Writer's Program (along with the exclusive photojournalism program, Money-Making Travel Photography), are yours for only $322 — that's over $75 off.
Sell the two articles you write as part of your program and you could easily cover the cost of the program.
And I'm not just saying that. If you take to heart what this program teaches and follow the advice offered by it there's no reason why you can't make up the cost of this program within weeks of completing it.
I did. And given the VIP invitations I've gotten and the prestige I've enjoyed as a published travel writer, I'd have to say it's the best investment I've made in years.
Plus, if $322 is more than you're able to pay all at once, you can sign up today for only $49, and still get everything you need to get started.
Do it, and soon you could find yourself traveling like seasoned freelancer Steenie Harvey. Recently she spent a weekend "working" in Bad Krozingen, a quaint spa village deep in Germany's Black Forest. And such arduous work it was...moving from her sun bed into the pool where she was pummeled with blissfully warm jets of thermal water.
Over the past 12 months, Steenie has made three trips to Paris and visited Spain, Portugal, Latvia, Italy, Greece and the Bohemia region of the Czech Republic. And she got paid to write about each place. Now you've got to agree: That's one pampered existence.
And it could be yours too. I mean, really: How many careers can you launch for $49? And this is no ordinary career. If you dream of living the life of a travel writer, seeing the world and getting paid to do it, then you have absolutely nothing to lose by taking advantage of this special offer.
Order the first installment of The Ultimate Travel Writer's Program and try it for 30 days, risk free — see how travel writing fits into your life.
If you're convinced the program is everything I've described, and more…then you'll receive 7 additional installments…one each month…for $39 each.
And if you decide an international travel and writing career isn't for you? Just return the unmarked materials within 30 days and you'll receive a prompt, no-questions-asked refund.
What's more…even if you receive a few chapters then decide to cancel…Jen and the publishers still stand behind this program — every single chapter . So if you choose to stop further chapters from arriving in your mailbox…you can cancel at any time with no further obligation.
Now I'm convinced you'll never want to return the program — but just in case, the no-quibble, money-back promise ensures you take no risk whatsoever with this program. So what are you waiting for?
You know, the next year is going to slip by in the way years do — whether you take advantage of this opportunity or not. So why not make the decision today to follow your dream of travel and adventure? Click below and make this the year you turn your travel passion into a new career.
Sincerely Yours,
Kammy Thurman
Freelance Travel Writer
P.S.Right now I'm looking at invitations for 16 free trips sitting on my desk. As much as I'd love to, I simply don't have time to go on all of them. If you'd like to find yourself in a similar quandary, don't waste another moment. Click below to sign up for The Ultimate Travel Writer's Program.
P.P.S.As soon as you sign up, you'll receive at no charge AWAI's e-letter for travel writers called The Right Way to Travel, which provides news, tips, ideas and suggestions from accomplished, professional freelancers. Here's a small sampling of the important insights you’ll receive four-times a week…
The Right Way to Travel is geared to help you improve your writing, stay motivated, and give you the sort of practical experience you need to really get out there, explore the world, and sell your stories. To make sure you don't miss a single issue, click "Order Now" below.
American Writers & Artists Institute