Embarking on the captivating journey of travel writing? Dreaming of seeing your name credited in top-tiered travel magazines or splayed across your preferred online platforms? Transforming your words from being a mere travel blog writer to becoming a recognized travel author can be an exhilarating journey.

Penetrating the world of travel writing is no easy feat—it requires a potent voice, an unparalleled narrative and a captivating appeal that sets your story apart from the rest. All these elements are presented to an editor in what we call a pitch—a written proposal that not only sells your innovative story idea but also convincingly presents your credentials as the perfect author for it.

Editors, as you might anticipate, are frequently swamped with numerous pitches from aspiring writers who share your dreams. Thus, it’s rare to find them loudly advocating for submissions of story pitches. The initial hurdle often encountered as a travel writer is identifying the most appropriate publications for your narrative, and subsequently discerning the best approach to connect with them.

A list of reputable travel travel publications

We’ve curated a list of esteemed travel publications that are seeking compelling travel content. Seeing your name featured in any of these publications would no doubt be a thrilling achievement!

General Travel

BBC Travel
Renowned for captivating narratives with timely hooks. BBC Travel welcomes compelling and fresh stories. Recommended read: Exploring Pacific Northwest – A Tribute to Goonies

Roads & Kingdoms
An award-winning platform, they appreciate detailed investigative journalism and unique insights about international destinations. Recommended read: Zuism: Unraveling an Aesthetic Joke

Atlas Obscura
Expect the unexpected with Atlas Obscura. They adore discovering the unusual and off-beat, steering clear from conventional travel insights. Recommended read: A Peek into Soviet Arcade Games’ Alternate Universe

Matador Network
Matador Network prefers writers who provide a local’s perspective on destinations. They appreciate content centered around the writer’s home or a familiar place. Recommended read: Journey Through Canada: 12 Must-Have Experiences

BootsnAll
BootsnAll is a platform that provides tools for booking immersive travel experiences globally. The focus is on cultural immersion. Recommended read: Why Do We Have to Go Back?

Outpost Magazine
Outpost Magazine, a renowned Canadian publication, features inspiring off-the-path destinations and highlights unique cultures. Recommended read: My Kayaking Journey

Budget Travel
A trove of budget-travel tips and guides, Budget Travel offers practical advice for smart, cost-effective traveling. Recommended read: Local Bahamian Cuisine: A Guide

Fund Your Life Overseas
A subsidiary of International Living, this platform’s focus is on earning an income while traveling. They publish articles five times a week. Recommended read: A Sustainable Life in Costa Rica

The Expeditioner
The Expeditioner prefers first-person, narrative articles. Writers must submit a complete story, not a pitch.

New York Times Travel
Though breaking into this prestigious publication may be challenging, it is worth the effort. Note: they do not accept sponsored travel stories. Recommended read: In the Land of Frank Lloyd Wright: A Blend of Architecture and Apple Pie

Travel + Leisure
This publication provides travel inspiration laced with luxury, elegance, and unique experiences. Recommended read: Best Affordable All-Inclusive Resorts

Delta Sky Magazine
Covering both domestic and international destinations, Delta Sky Magazine is interested in profiles about notable figures—actors, authors, athletes, etc.

Buzzfeed Travel
Popular for its listicles, Buzzfeed Travel now features a range of travel content, from personal essays to reported pieces. Recommended read: The Decline of Philadelphia’s Greatest Skate Spot

National Geographic Traveler
A dream platform for many writers, National Geographic Traveler looks for unique travel stories and impeccable writing. Recommended read: Lyon, France: The Chocolate Capital Revealed

Location-Specific Travel Publications

Smoky Mountain Living – Eastern Appalachians
This print publication appreciates stories centered around the Eastern Appalachians. Primarily, they feature first-person essays. Pay ranges from $250-$450 for feature stories.
Recommended read: Ascend the Mountain Peaks

Outback – Australia
A magazine narrating tales from rural Australia. Not your typical travelogue, Outback pays approximately .40-.50 cents per word.

Los Angeles Times Travel
Sophisticated narratives with vibrant visuals, that’s what LA Times Travel seeks. They feature both weekend getaways and in-depth destination features.
Recommended read: Chico: A Cyclist’s Haven

Cascade Journal – Central Oregon
If you have absorbing stories about Central Oregon’s people, places, and events, Cascade Journal is a perfect platform. Considering they’re a quarterly print publication, each edition is thoughtfully compiled.
Recommended read: Off-Road Thrills in Central Oregon

1859 – Oregon
A regional print magazine that encapsulates the soul of Oregon. As its name suggests, the magazine is a tribute to the year Oregon gained statehood.
Recommended read: Oregon’s Filmic Illustrations

Midwest Living – Midwest United States
The magazine is a rich tapestry of Midwest life, covering travel, food, home, and garden-oriented content. The emphasis is on service-oriented pieces.

Lake Superior Magazine
Published bi-monthly, the magazine narrates engaging stories about the Lake Superior region—history, lifestyle, current events, and tourism.
Recommended read: Thunder Bay: A Winter Wonderland

Gothamist – New York City
Serving as an insider guide to NYC, Gothamist is a hub of exciting local event listings and fascinating feature stories.
Recommended read: NYC Street-Food Rendezvous

Canadian Geographic
As Canada’s 4th most read magazine, Canadian Geographic is always on the lookout for captivating ideas from freelance writers.
Recommended read: Greenland and Labrador: A Voyage Through History

Desert USA
This publication focuses on North American deserts and their adjacent regions, emphasizing their natural and cultural histories.
Recommended read: In Search of Water

California Sunday Magazine
California Sunday Magazine publishes both digitally and in print—delivered as an insert with selected copies of the LA Times and the San Francisco Chronicle on Sundays.
Recommended read: Journeys and Destinations

Sunset – Western United States
Where lifestyle meets travel in the Western United States, your story could reach over a million subscribers with Sunset magazine.
Recommended read: An Epic Journey: National Parks of Western US

New Mexico Magazine
This magazine offers a window into the vibrant cultural and natural diversity that fill the state of New Mexico.
Recommended read: An Artistic Journey in New Mexico

Nevada Magazine
As the state’s official tourism magazine, Nevada Magazine meticulously captures the heart of Nevada.
Recommended read: Ghost Town Explorer: A Nevada Odyssey

Oklahoma Today
Showcasing Oklahoma’s charisma through stories that span its history, current news, and lesser-known attractions, Oklahoma Today is always on the lookout for captivating narratives.
Recommended read: Finding Tranquility in Oklahoma

Maine Boats
A publication covering the coastal life of Maine with a focus on boats. It also provides opportunities for non-boat enthusiasts with other coastal stories.
Recommended read: Life Below a Mooring Ball in Maine

Hakai Magazine – Coastal Ecosystems
An online-only publication that explores the intricate connections between ocean, land, and human societies through a mix of journalism, illustrations, photography, and videos.
Recommended read: The Museum at the Edge of the Earth

Let’s sum it up

Venturing into the vibrant realm of travel writing offers a rewarding avenue to share compelling narratives of journeys and destinations. With guidance and persistence, your captivating tales can find a home in these prestigious publications, widening your reader base and establishing your authority as a travel writer. The key remains to extensively study each publication’s unique style, voice, and content preferences to craft a pitch that harmoniously aligns with their ethos. Always remember, your unique perspective and authentic voice are your greatest assets in this captivating field of writing.