Writers Guidelines

The Intentional Traveler is a website for people who like their journeys “with purpose and meaning.” We are not looking for dry pieces about tourist destinations and where to stay, what to bring, and when to go. Please tell a story, or provide a personal narrative, about an experience that really mattered to you. In many cases, style triumphs over substance. Avoid hyperbole if you have had a life-changing spiritual or religious epiphany; in such cases, understatement may work better. Sorry, we can’t pay for submissions at this time, but any stories published in any future books will be paid at the time of publishing.

1. Feature article – 1000-3000 words

Articles should be about trips you have taken, people you have met, or experiences you’ve had that widened your view of the world. Articles may be first or third person, current or dated, about any place in the world you have been, whether Borneo or just down the block. We are not interested in learning about tourist traps, budget travel, or places to get stoned. Photos appreciated.

2. Opinions – 500-1000 words

OpEd pieces are encouraged on issues relating to travel, whether something as simple as giving to beggars or America’s place in the global community. OpEd pieces can be political, cultural, spiritual or any similar issue of topical concern. Attach your own photo, if you like, plus a link to your own website, or your email (if you wish to be contacted).

3. Interviews – 1000-2000 words

We are looking for interviews with well-known travel writers, travelers, philanthropists, ambassadors of good will, humanistic writers, artists or interesting people with comments to make about travel. Also, you may contribute interviews with the “local wise man/woman.” Or whatever you think fits. Photos appreciated.

4. Book Reviews – 500 words

Reviews should be about books of travel literature that you really enjoyed. Reviews should say why you liked this book and why you think others should read it. Reviews of some travel guidebooks are ok too, if you feel that guide would be useful to travelers with a philanthropic or altruistic mindset. Books can be new or old, but older books should be classics you feel that readers should know about.

We are also interested in reviews of new, unpublished or self-published books, or unpublished short stories, by either unknown or well-known travel writers. Reviews of art books, photo books and coffee table books are also appreciated. Please state exactly why you think other people would be interested in any books you review.

5. Best and Worst - 750-2000 words

What is the best or worst thing that has happened to you on your travels through life, or on your travels around the world?

The best selections will be accumulated and published in a book. All writers will receive an advance upon publication. Please include a bio, photo of yourself (optional) and a link to your website. Email address optional.

Possible story categories: Best or worst job, meal, romance, accommodations, illness, border crossing, airline flight, worst toilet, weather-related circumstance, etc.

Sample story idea: While learning how to write, or while working towards a job in travel, media, writing or related field, what is the worst job you ever had to endure? For instance:

- Travel writer Brad Newsham says he has claustrophobia, so working 7,000 feet underground as a hard rock miner was not an enjoyable experience.

- “Volunteer vagabond” Jean Fielmoser, who has worked as a UN election officer in 120 countries, says that a month in Vladivostock, Russia attempting to report corruption and fraud is enough to try your faith in humanity.

- Friend Marc Gold relates eating a bowl of sheep eyeballs in Morocco. (Its hard to say if this fits into the best or worst category.)

- I remember having a lunch at the Imperial Hotel in New Delhi, a repast so lovely and exotic – after 10 weeks of eating street food and living with Tibetan villagers – that I will never forget it. It also cost $80 U.S., enough to keep a family alive in New Delhi for a month. But the Beef medallions, the sautéed prawns, the chocolate éclairs!

Copy submissions

Please send all stories as Word documents attached to your email. Include your full name and clearly state whether you wish to have your email address or a link to your website included at the end of your article.

Photos

Digital photos only. Include as attachments. Minimum 300 dpi per picture. Limit one per article (but you may send as many as you want and we will pick one). Color only. Links to photos and websites are ok if you own the right to that photo. Photos (small mug shots) of yourself are also encouraged.

Note: The photo essay section of this site is not limited to one photo per story.

Payment: This is a non-commercial website. There is no payment for articles submitted at this tim. Writers retain all future rights to their own copy. We retain the right to edit any copy and will contact all writers before making any changes to submissions. Payment will be made for any article used in any books we publish.

Please send all copy to editor@intentional-traveler.com