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When I was in college, I studied engineering. It seemed like the practical thing to do at the time. I was great at math and science, loved computers and enjoyed solving problems. I know; I was a total nerd. It still amazes me that I managed to make any friends.
I grew up in a military family which strengthened my appreciation for different cultures at an early age. But it wasn’t until a six week independent research tour through South Africa that I became hooked. I wanted to set my home base in South Africa and roam around the world, sample local cuisines and connect with all of the new people I would meet. I was even offered a job to jump start the process, teaching math for an engineering prep program at the University of Capetown. Instead I chose the easy, safe, more profitable and expected alternative: I got a corporate job and used my limited vacation days sparingly to discover new places around the globe.
Had I know then that you could get paid to travel the world, my life would have been so much different!
Hot to Get Paid to Travel the World
Shortly after I started blogging about my travels, I discovered the MatadorU Travel Writing Course. I swear I read every page of that site over and over and over again before I finally gave in and enrolled. (I HATE just throwing away my hard earned money that could be used for travel).
It’s been a couple of months since starting the class and so far so good. I’m a little slower on the weekly pacing course for class because of all of my other commitments, but the comprehensive curriculum has definitely been a big help. So far I’ve gained a clear understanding of the types of travel writing for print and online. I’ve learned how to get into a publication mindset and how to pitch editors and publications with a unique angle to a seemingly hackneyed topic. Most importantly, I’m improving my writing, finding my voice and overcoming my fears of sharing. While these are all great benefits, the biggest asset is the candid feedback and support from the instructors as well as the alumni and other students in the course. It’s a special “family” of inquisitive and intrepid wanderers pursuing their passion of seeing the world and sharing their experiences with others.
I just recently landed my first paid travel writing assignment that is recurring on a monthly basis. And while I haven’t been invited on a press trip, I’m looking forward to continuing to improve my writing and hope that my stories encourage someone to try or experience something new.
Think you’re ready to give travel writing a try? Check out MatadorU to learn more about their new media school and how to get paid to travel the world. Your new life awaits you…
December 30, 2012 at 7:34 pm
I recently enrolled in the course and I’m excited to start working on the material at the start of the year. I’m making it one of my New Years resolutions to work my way through all the assignments.
December 30, 2012 at 8:03 pm
Awesome Audrey! Good luck with the course. I hope you used the discount code!
September 17, 2012 at 10:21 pm
I’m a Matador U student but I haven’t been able to participate in the writing and photography course in recent months due to some other on-line commitments. I have to say though that the experience up until this point has been great and I would recommend it to others.
September 18, 2012 at 4:57 pm
I think that has happened to us all. I didn’t finish a few things, but I’ve still found value in the course.
May 2, 2012 at 4:36 pm
I am going to have to look into this! Def sounds interesting and like a good opp!
May 2, 2012 at 5:02 pm
It can be helpful if you are really interested in building a career as a travel writer. If you have questions, feel free to reach out.
May 2, 2012 at 10:20 pm
You know I will. Always wanted to get paid to travel. I’ll email you soon!
October 14, 2011 at 5:22 am
That is just awesome! Good job April. I have heard of the program and have been considering it. This is just good motivation to try it.
October 14, 2011 at 4:28 pm
Yeah, it’s a good course and you can definitely learn a lot from it.
October 10, 2011 at 9:32 pm
That’s awesome about the paid press trip! I’ve been looking at Matador for about three months but have yet to make the plunge. Good post.
October 11, 2011 at 12:55 pm
No paid press trip, just a writing opportunity. Still a long way to go…
October 10, 2011 at 2:53 am
Congratulations! I too am a Matadorian. I enrolled a few months ago and I’ve been on my first press trip and loved it. I hope to take the big leap next year and quit my job and travel write on a full time basis. Good luck to you.
October 10, 2011 at 4:21 am
Hi Diana! Yes, I saw on your blog! Congrats to you too and how awesome to be quitting next year. Hope to make that lead soon as well.
October 9, 2011 at 1:42 am
Wow, April, that’s FANTASTIC about your paid gig!! Woohoo! I have heard nothing but good things about Matador U’s program- I’m really gonna have to check it out! Thanks for this post, lady!
October 9, 2011 at 1:05 pm
Thanks and you are very welcome! Let me know if you have any questions!
October 9, 2011 at 12:28 am
really cool. didn’t know this existed.
October 9, 2011 at 1:06 pm
Same here. I just came across is randomly, but glad I found it!