How to Choose the Best Travel Writers

Hilary Lewkowitz | Updated June 03, 2021

Travel writers play a critical role in any travel brand’s earned media campaigns. By working with a talented and connected writer, travel brands can cost effectively reach a target audience. However, not all writers are created equal. Since a writer is your marketing megaphone, it is important to work with someone who is invested in a destination’s long-term sustainability. Here’s a checklist to determine if a travel writer has your travel brand’s best interests in mind:

say “no” to top 10 lists

It’s tempting to want a trek or beach to hit a “top 10” global list. However, this recognition can quickly lead to places being overrun with tourists, which can cause irreversible ecological damage. Maya Bay, Thailand showed up on Top Beach lists up until early 2018. Nine months later, Maya Bay closed indefinitely due to marine ecosystem damage caused primarily by travelers. Top travel lists can incite the same type of issues as social media geotagging, which pinpoints a specific place as a “must see” destination.

say “yes“ to authentic and diverse experiences

Work with travel writers who focus on authentic experiences that can take place in a diverse range of locations. By marketing a wide array of travel opportunities, from wildlife tourism to nature tourism, you are more likely to disperse travelers throughout a destination. Traveler disbursement means more communities will benefit from the economic opportunities of tourism and specific areas will more likely stay within their tourism carrying capacity.

personal connection to an experience or place

If a writer has a personal connection to an experience or destination, then that writer will be more likely to take the extra step to ensure it’s being correctly represented. Ask your potential writer if they have a connection to an experience or destination through family heritage, a prior trip or long-time dream of visiting. The travel industry is seeing this trend in social media with the rise of micro and nano influencers. We reached out to Mindy Poder of TravelAge West, an experienced and well-respected travel writer. Here’s what she had to say:

“Like attracts like. I’ve become increasingly attracted to stories about under-the-radar destinations that want tourism because those communities often have the most to gain. I’m more active in sharing the stories that I’m most proud of and that are in line with my values” - Mindy Poder, Executive Editor, TravelAge West Mindy Poder

aligned with brand values and vision

Globally, the travel industry recognizes the importance of a cohesive brand in order to manage a successful tourism marketing campaign. Whatever is decided internally for a brand identity and vision, these same elements should come out in a travel writer’s article. The story the writer is telling must align with the direction and vision of your brand.

don’t forget to do your homework

A travel writer should have your destination or company’s best interest in mind. Not sure? Check their writing. You can ask for a list of the writer’s publications and do an online search of their digital content. It’s critical that all external communication, including earned media, is an authentic and accurate representation of your traveler experiences and places. With issues such as overtourism, greenwashing and irresponsible tourism practices becoming more prolific, the travel industry needs to embrace strategic marketing focused on the sustainability of tourism destinations.