YOU'RE READY TO BECOME THE SUCCESSFUL TRAVEL WRITER YOU ALWAYS DREAMED OF, BUT THERE'S JUST ONE
PROBLEM...
Every time you scribble down an idea or go to pitch a story to an editor, you wonder if you’re actually good enough to make this work for real.
You flick through the pages of National Geographic and Conde Nast Traveller, drooling over beautifully written stories of trekking in the Himalayas, scuba diving in the Maldives and restaurant-hopping in Paris.
Wow, I'd love to do this, you think to yourself.
But then that feeling of self-doubt creeps in, and you scold yourself *again* for indulging in that crazy dream of writing your way around the world.
MY GUESS IS...
You dream of having a career that truly lights you up and lets you live a life of freedom, adventure and meaning.
You want to get published by your dream publications (oh hey, Nat Geo!), start getting paid to travel the world and write meaningful stories that you can truly be proud of.
BUTTTTT, when it comes to finding ideas to pitch to editors, you feel like everything you come up with has already been done or just kinda sucks – and that feeling of defeat comes rushing back.
You tell yourself:
I'm not good enough.
I don't have the time or money to do this.
The industry is too competitive.
HERE WE GO AGAIN...
You're told that to get published you need to travel full time, become an "expert" in your niche, or start a blog with thousands of readers for editors to notice you.
But going off travelling without any confirmed commissions feels RECKLESS, and building a blog or niche takes YEARS. What if it all comes to nothing and you’re left with no job and no money at the end of it?
Then there’s the responsibility you have to your partner, family and friends – what will they think if you quit your *stable* job to go travelling for a career you don’t even know will work out yet?
Heck, you don't even know if this travel writing thing is a proper job.
Can you really get paid to travel the world?
You’re feeling totally overwhelmed trying to figure everything out on your own,
piecing bits of information together from the internet without knowing if it’s actually getting you where you want to go.
You start to feel like you're not brave or resilient enough to make it as a travel writer; like it's all just too much of a risk.
So you go back to plan A, getting another University degree or training in something "more stable" while you "figure things out". Maybe you even go back to that 9-5 job you hate.
YOU'RE NOT GIVING UP – YOU'RE SIMPLY WAITING FOR A "BETTER TIME" AND KEEPING YOUR "OPTIONS OPEN" IN CASE THINGS DON'T WORK OUT.
But months, and then years, go by...
Having no time to pitch your ideas, you’re still no closer to becoming the travel writer you know you were always meant to be. And with every passing day, you feel less and less worthy of pursuing your travel writing dreams.
OK, I WANT TO STOP YOU RIGHT THERE
I've been exactly where you are – and I know how frustrating this whole process can be.
HEY, I'M JESS!
I’ve spent the last five years travelling the world writing award-winning stories for publications like National Geographic, the BBC, Conde Nast Traveler, Vogue, Travel + Leisure and many more.
Woah. Saying that out loud still feels crazy to me.
Along the way – and plenty of trial and error – I've learned that being a successful travel writer (or any kind of freelance writer, really) comes down to two key factors:
1. How well you understand your dream publications
2. How you deliver your story idea to editors
Now, I’m not saying that being a travel writer is easy, or that I don’t have my own f*ck ups from when I was starting out.
Pitching a luxury travel story idea to a budget backpacker magazine?
✅ CHECK
Freaking out on my first job because I didn't know how to interview or take notes?
✅ CHECK
Having to rewrite an entire piece because I had no idea how to write a travel feature?
✅ OOOOSH, CHECK AGAIN
THE THING IS... I WAS PUNCHING IN THE DARK
When I was starting out five years ago, I had...
❌ No journalism degree
❌ No contacts in the media industry
❌ No in-house experience working for a publication
❌ No writing portfolio
❌ No professional writing experience
Ouch.
When I turned to the internet for help, I found advice to be confusing, and often contradictory. To be honest, I had no idea if I was even asking Google the right questions.
I spent YEARS (!) coming up with ideas and pitching editors, only to hear nothing back. And want to know the worst part?
IT DIDN'T NEED TO BE THAT HARD.
YES, BREAKING INTO TRAVEL WRITING ISN'T EASY. BUT IT’S ALSO A JOB THAT BRINGS IMMENSE JOY, ALLOWING US TO LEARN ABOUT THE WORLD, TICK OFF BUCKET LIST EXPERIENCES AND SHARE THE MOST INCREDIBLE STORIES.
So credit to you for refusing to settle for a "normal" 9-5 desk job and jumping straight into the deep end…
Maybe you dropped $$$ on a trip to South East Asia without knowing if you’d get a commission out of it. Or maybe you sent your first-ever story idea to National Geographic to test your pitching skills (woah, bold!).
BUT THIS FEELING YOU'RE BATTLING WITH RIGHT NOW...
The one where you're constantly telling yourself you're not good enough and blaming a lack of time and money – and perhaps even the industry itself – for never quite achieving your dreams...
Yeah, it's got to go.
Because if you're going to make it in the travel media industry, you’ll need to focus on the things you can control, which is to position yourself as a confident writer worthy of landing that commission.
And sure, maybe confidence feels like it'll come from spending thousands on a journalism degree, writing guest articles for free to “gain exposure”, or waiting for an internship at a magazine or newspaper that might never materialize...
But true confidence comes from knowing how to identify the perfect story for your target publication AND mastering the art of packaging that idea into an irresistible pitch.
It comes from knowing what kinds of stories you want to tell, showing up confidently in your pitch emails, and building a writing portfolio you’re truly proud of.
HERE'S WHAT YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW...
Travel writing is one of the most sought-after jobs in the world, but very few make it past the pitching phase because:
01
They give up when they don’t hear back from editors, and take rejection as a personal reflection of their worth as a writer
02
They haven’t taken the necessary time and care to get to know the publications they want to write for
03
They haven't mastered the art of selling – or pitching – their story idea to the editor (this takes time, and A LOT of practice!)
Yeah, you read that right – most aspiring travel writers give up before they’ve even had the chance to write their first story.
BUT HERE'S THE GOOD NEWS
You don’t have to make the same mistakes that defeat most aspiring travel writers. With the right guidance, you can – and you will – achieve your travel writing dreams.
IMAGINE THIS...
What if I showed you, from start to finish, how to get your stories published in your DREAM publications so you can start getting paid to travel and write stories that truly light you up – WITHOUT having to quit your job (just yet) or spend your life’s savings on finding ideas to pitch to editors?
Even with all the free information out there, the travel writing industry can often feel like a closed book, open only to those with inside contacts, fancy qualifications and, well, a whole lot of privilege. It pains me that talented writers (like you) give up on their dreams before they've had a chance to explore their true potential.
SO WHAT IF A MULTI-AWARD-WINNING TRAVEL WRITER WHO’S ALREADY WALKED THE SAME PATH YOU’RE ON SHOWED YOU THE WAY?
And sure, you could go at it alone and spend years trying to piece it all together on the internet...
But I should warn you from my own experience: there is A LOT of information to sift through, and not all of it is sound advice. Besides, how will you know if you’re even asking the right questions?
The Travel Writing Academy is different—this is about giving you a solid foundation to become a truly successful travel writer who gets published *regularly* by the biggest names in the biz.
INTRODUCING
THE STEP-BY-STEP ONLINE COURSE THAT TAKES YOU FROM
BEGINNER TO PUBLISHED TRAVEL WRITER IN JUST 3 MONTHS
Your guide to finding and pitching story ideas, discovering who you're meant to be as a travel writer, and building a writing portfolio that will set you up for a lasting career in travel media.
Success Stories
Swipe to read how my students are crushing it 🔥
Meet Chiara
I never thought I could this! Landing a commission at The Independent took weeks of waiting and following up, but the support of the community meant that I never lost hope.
Jess’s lessons and workbooks are so valuable and, having tried multiple courses out there, I can say for certain that investing in the Travel Writing Academy is the best money I spent last year.
Chiara Mappelli, Web Developer Turned Published Travel Writer
Before joining the Academy, Chiara had zero experience (she’s a full-time web developer by day) and was afraid to pitch. Now? She just got her first commission from The Independent and is heading on an all-expenses paid trip to Italy!
WHETHER YOU DREAM OF...
Travelling to incredible places, all expenses paid
Seeing your name in magazines you love reading
Changing the way people think about the world
Getting paid to experience new cultures
Writing stories you’re truly proud of
Turning your love of travel into a career or side hustle
Having the freedom to work from anywhere in the world
Living a life that truly excites you
...I created the Travel Writing Academy to give you everything I wish I'd had when I was starting out, from how to pitch stories that editors actually want to crafting award-winning travel features.
INSIDE THE TRAVEL WRITING ACADEMY, YOU'LL LEARN EVERYTHING THERE IS TO KNOW ABOUT MAKING IT AS A TRAVEL WRITER FROM SCRATCH, LEARNING THE ART OF STORY IDEATION, PITCHING, NOTE-TAKING, FEATURE WRITING, EDITING & MORE.
More importantly, I'll personally guide you through the entire process, sharing everything I've learnt from going from zero experience to a multi-award-winning travel writer.
No fluff; no filler content; no holding back – just everything you need to get published and start getting paid to travel the world.
Here's what's inside The Academy...
MODULE 00
Introduction to Travel Writing
🚀 Get clear on what it truly means to be a travel writer today—and how YOU fit into the industry.
💡 Discover the different types of travel writing and which ones align with your interests.
🏆 Learn the exact roadmap I followed to go from zero experience to multi-award-winning travel writer.
MODULE 02
Pitching your Story
✍️ See my exact pitches that got accepted by National Geographic Traveller, BBC Travel & more.
📬 Get the plug-and-play pitch template that gets editors to say YES.
🎯 Learn how to find the right editor & pitch them tailored story ideas.
MODULE 01
Finding Your Story
🔎 Learn how to find stories that editors actually want (instead of guessing!).
📖 Master the publication research strategy that gets you a higher pitch success rate.
💡 Walk away with a bank of pitch-ready ideas that fit your dream publications.
MODULE 03
On Assignment
🛫 Learn how to plan a trip like a professional travel writer (and make the most of every moment on assignment).
🎤 Master interview techniques & note-taking skills that bring your story to life.
📸 Capture the essential details that will WOW your editor & help you write a stand-out story.
MODULE 04
Writing a Travel Feature
📖 Get my proven method for writing award-winning travel features.
🖊️ Craft strong narratives that hook readers from the first sentence.
💡 Use storytelling techniques that editors love (and will make them hire you again!).
MODULE 05
Edits & Queries
📝 Understand how the editing process works and how to handle feedback like a pro.
💬 Get templates for responding to editor queries (so you sound confident & professional).
Here's what my students have to say about the Academy...
The pitching module alone is worth the price of this course. I still can’t believe you shared your entire pitching spreadsheet, including your first-ever pitches so we could see your travel writing journey from beginner to award-winning writer. I now have a clear roadmap for pitching editors, and know what is possible if I put in the work.
– Chiara Mapelli
I haven't seen other travel writing resources online as in depth as this. Jess does an amazing job of teaching us how to analyse publications so we can pitch stories strategically. The way Jess makes you think about how to write a travel story from an experiential lens is also SUPER helpful. Jess is an award-winning writer for a reason–and it SHOWS through this course.
– Aisha Aldris
The information and wisdom that Jess shares in this course is worth its weight in gold. I feel much better equipped for planning and writing better features thanks to her amazing insights on structuring. I also really benefited from hearing about how Jess plans for big trips, making assignments super efficient time and money wise.
– Emma Henderson
Carefully curated video trainings, workbooks and templates to take you from beginner to published travel writer in just three months
MODULE 00
Introduction to Travel Writing
MODULE 01
Finding Your Idea
MODULE 02
MODULE 03
Pitching Your Idea
On Assignment
MODULE 04
MODULE 05
Writing a Travel Feature
Edits & Queries
Core curriculum value: £1,500 GBP
PLUS THESE AMAZING
BONUSES
WEEKLY Q&A SESSIONS
Value: £670 GBP
The course includes 8 weeks of live group Q&As, where you can get all your questions answered. This is your chance to get support directly from me and your fellow students in real time.
COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP
Our private TWA community is where you can build connections, celebrate wins and get feedback and support from fellow students who just get it.
Value: £189 GBP
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO WORKING WITH PRs & TOURISM BOARDS
Value: £150 GBP
Unlock my insider strategies for working with PRs and tourism boards the right way—so you can land press trips, get your travel expenses covered, and even have PRs send you story ideas.
WHEN YOU ADD IT ALL UP
That's a total value of £2,509
But because I'm SO excited to welcome you inside the Travel Writing Academy, I'm giving you the chance to enrol for just...
Best value!
Most flexible!
ONE TIME PAYMENT OF
£799 GBP
3 MONTHLY PAYMENTS OF
£288 GBP
HURRY! DOORS TO THE ACADEMY CLOSE ON *TUESDAY, MARCH 11*.
Here's what students have to say about the extra bonuses inside the Academy...
The student community is reason enough to sign up to this course. What an incredible, supportive space. It's fantastic to see so many of us asking questions, challenging each other and celebrating each others wins. I love that Jess opens up about some of the mistakes made along the way - it is so real and transparent and human.
– Lisa Perrin -Short
The Q&A sessions are invaluable. From the first one, I saw that Jess was happy to keep going until everyone had asked what they needed. It showed that you really do care, and that you are happy to give your time. Your energy and openness has created a space where I feel comfortable asking any question.
– Becca Marsh
I was a bit worried about not having 1:1 sessions with Jess. But I quickly realised that group sessions are much more helpful - people asked questions I hadn't thought of, and Jess was SO generous with her time. It's also nice to connect with writers who are going through the same thing.
– Aisha Aldris
14-DAY MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE
PLUS, YOU'LL BE COVERED BY OUR
Take two weeks to sample some of the course content before committing to everything the Academy has to offer.
I’m confident that the Travel Writing Academy will give you the skills, strategy, and confidence to land your first byline—but I also want you to feel completely at ease when you enrol.
That’s why I’m offering a 14-day money-back guarantee.
If you go through the first two weeks of the course, implement the lessons, and feel it’s not the right fit for you, simply email me within 14 days of purchase, show me your completed workbooks, and I’ll give you a full refund.
I believe in this program, and I want you to as well—risk-free.
-
What's the format of this course?The course content is a mixture of face-to-face video (me talking to the camera), recorded presentations, and PDF workbooks and templates. Weekly group Q&As are hosted via Google meets. In terms of tech, all you need to get the most out of the Academy is a laptop/phone and a stable internet connection.
-
How long does the course take to complete?The Travel Writing Academy is designed to allow you to work at your own pace, so how long it takes you to get through all the content totally depends on how much time you can dedicate to it right now. The Academy aims to support you throughout your travel writing journey, and is always growing and improving with additional resources. So rather than thinking of this course as something you’ll “complete”, think of it as an evolving resource and support network you can lean on again and again throughout your career.
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Life is pretty busy for me right now. Should I wait for a better time?My students are getting their stories published while working full-time jobs, studying for PhDs, and being parents (some are doing all three!). Even with just an hour per week, you can make real progress with this course. Hint: life will always be busy, and there will never be the "perfect" time. You just have to start, even if you don't feel 100% ready yet. You've got this 💪
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How long will I have access to the course?Once you’ve enrolled, you’ll have lifetime, 24/7 access to the course AND our private student community, so you can continue learning and connecting with fellow writers throughout your career. The only part of the course that has an expiry date are the weekly live Q&A sessions with me, which are available to you for 8 weeks after you enrol.
-
I'm not in a position to travel a lot right now or quit my job. Is the Academy for me?Hell yes, it's for you! Being a travel writer takes time, so no one is expecting you to quit your job just yet. The course content is designed to work alongside you current work/life commitments. So yes––you can actively be pitching story ideas to publications while still be working at your current job (most of my students are doing this). As you'll learn in Module 2, you don't have to be travelling for months to pitch great story ideas, either. So even if you can't travel a lot right now and aren't in the position to go all in just yet, you are more than welcome (and encouraged!) to join us inside the Academy.
-
I’ve got a few stories published already. Am I too experienced for this course?TWA is designed to support writers at all stages of their career. Those with more experience benefit from high-level support on writing award-winning features, making commissions pay more, networking and much more (not to mention lifetime access to a supportive community to brainstorm ideas, get feedback on pitches and share contacts + writing opportunities).
-
It’s a big investment for me. What if it’s not worth it?”I can’t promise you success, because ultimately that depends on you and whether you’re willing to put in the work. But what I can tell you is that the students who implement my strategies are now writing for the BBC, The Independent and Wanderlust, to name a few. Another good way to look at it is this: 📌 A single (well-paid) feature can cover your entire course investment 📌 Editors pay freelance writers for fresh ideas—this course shows you exactly how to land those opportunities. 📌 What’s the cost of staying stuck? How much is not taking action costing you in lost time & opportunities?
-
English isn't my first language. Is this course for me?English doesn't have to be your first language for you to succeed with the Travel Writing Academy. However, you must have a high level of written and spoken English to get the most out of this course.
STILL UNDECIDED?
The Academy is for you if...
YOU'RE JUST STARTING OUT ON YOUR TRAVEL WRITING JOURNEY...
And you want to make sure you hit the ground running with a step-by-step, tried-and-tested roadmap that takes you from beginner to published writer.
YOU HAVE A PASSION FOR WRITING & TRAVELLING, BUT...
You have no clue how to find great story ideas, how to pitch to editors or write award-winning travel features that get you noticed.
GETTING PAID TO TRAVEL & EXPERIENCE THE WORLD IS YOUR DREAM, SO...
You're willing to put in the effort and do whatever it takes to achieve your goals, even if it takes time.
YOU'VE TRIED FIGURING IT ALL OUT ON YOUR OWN...
But you're tired of feeling confused and overwhelmed by all the conflicting information out there. You want to give this a proper shot, with a community of people who share your fire to get published.
IF YOU ANSWERED YES TO THE ABOVE...
I'm SO excited to welcome you to
The Travel Writing Academy
YOUR LIFE COULD LOOK LIKE THIS...
IN JUST THREE MONTHS
Your writing has been published professionally in one of your dream travel publications.
You're getting paid to spend a week hiking and snorkelling in the Galapagos, all expenses paid.
PRs and travel companies are reaching out to YOU, offering to take you on safari in Botswana or wine tasting in Chile.
You finally feel a sense of purpose in your life, telling stories that truly matter and broadening your own knowledge of the world.
You've taken control of your dreams, and you no longer blame external factors for your inability to succeed. This IS your moment.
20+ video trainings, workbooks and templates to take you from beginner to published travel writer in just three months
MODULE 00
Introduction to Travel Writing
MODULE 01
Finding Your Idea
MODULE 02
MODULE 03
Pitching Your Idea
On Assignment
MODULE 04
Writing a Travel Feature
MODULE 05
Edits & Queries
Core curriculum value: £1,500 GBP
PLUS THESE AMAZING
BONUSES
WEEKLY Q&A SESSIONS
Value: £670 GBP
The course includes 8 weeks of live group coaching, where you can ask me anything you're unsure about. This is your chance to get support directly from me and your fellow students in real time.
COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP
Our highly engaged private TWA community is where you can build connections, celebrate wins and get 24/7 feedback and support from me and your fellow students.
Value: £189 GBP
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO WORKING WITH PRs & TOURISM BOARDS
Value: £150 GBP
Unlock my insider strategies for working with PRs and tourism boards the right way—so you can land press trips, get your travel expenses covered, and even have PRs send you story ideas.
WHEN YOU ADD IT ALL UP
That's a total value of £2,509
But because I'm SO excited to welcome you inside the Travel Writing Academy, I'm giving you the chance to enrol for just...
Best value!
Most flexible!
ONE TIME PAYMENT OF
£799 GBP
3 MONTHLY PAYMENTS OF
£288 GBP
HURRY! DOORS TO THE ACADEMY CLOSE ON *TUESDAY, MARCH 11*.
WHAT'S THE COST OF STAYING STUCK?
A year from now, you could still be wondering if you're ‘good enough’ to be a travel writer... OR you could be celebrating your first byline in a major publication.
The difference? Taking action today.
You don’t need "more time". You don’t need ‘more experience.’ You just need a roadmap—and that’s exactly what TWA gives you.
I can't wait to see you inside,
Jess