Are you a new travel writer looking for travel writing jobs? Would you like to travel for free? There is a way that few writers know about to help them get the funding they need, funding that could take you to a destination you’ve always wanted to write about. In the same way that many high school graduates get funds for college, and many entrepreneurs get funds to help them open doors and put on shingles: they are grants! Yeah, good old fashioned grants.
Grants exist to fund all kinds of projects, so there’s no reason you can’t apply for a travel grant. If you are passionate about the environment and the effects of traveling in it, apply for a grant to research and write about it. You could lead an expedition to the Amazon jungle or one of our national parks. You could write about how tourists have wreaked havoc in these areas. Some possible topics could be “How can we sustain these areas?” “Is it time to stop tourism in the Amazon rainforest?” You could help preserve such beautiful areas for generations to come.
You must first decide exactly what you want to achieve: a series of articles, a book, etc. – and the theme. Next, be sure to read the grant guidelines before writing your proposal. Think of it like sending a query letter to an editor of a publication. You need to make sure it’s perfect, otherwise you might get rejected.
If you are considering applying for a travel scholarship, be sure to write a compelling scholarship proposal. I wouldn’t send an editor a mediocre query; don’t write a mediocre grant proposal. It is imperative that you present your case in a way that is clear, concise and intriguing in order for your grant to be approved. You may also consider the services of a person or company that writes grant applications; These are people who are very knowledgeable about the process and how to get approved.
There are plenty of resources online to help with tips and advice, examples of well-written proposals, and people and companies that specialize in writing grant proposals for others – do a little browsing to help you get started.
Don’t be discouraged if you apply for one (or more) travel grants and are turned down; there are many sources of scholarship funding, so just rewrite your proposal and try again. All you need is a grant approval to fast-track your way to an intriguing new destination and writing career. Many travel writers return from a trip with enough material (notes, journal entries, photos, and videos) and inspiration to write a large number of articles over the next few weeks, or even months.
So, what are you waiting for? Apply for a travel scholarship and get out there!
