Travel Writing Course with Matador U

So you want to bea travel writer? Traveling the world, taking photographs, and writing about your experiences seems like everyone’s dream job. But do you have any idea of the realities of the career and how to even go about becoming a travel writer? Do you have the ability to write a travel article that would be appealing to the editor of travel publications? Before you answer no and run away, let me tell you about my experience with setting down the travel writing path, and how I learned how to sharpen my writing, have my work published, and improve my own blog’s presence and popularity, through the travel writing course at Matador U, a subsidiary of Matador Network.

I came across the Matador travel writing course banner somewhere on the net, clicked on it and read the course outline. I thought it sounded great, but was unsure as to whether I wanted to do it. I was extremely busy at the time, starting up this blog and writing my own travel book, and besides I’m a backpacker where was I going to find the money?

I let it hang there in the background while I mulled over it. I kept thinking about it, and putting it off, thinking about it, putting it off. Until one day, Craig said he thought I should do it. And I thought maybe I better think about it some more. This was the moment for me when I had to say, “Caroline, how serious are you? How serious are you about taking your blog further and having success with your travel book?” And then I knew the answer. It wasn’t whether this course was going to be valuable or not, it was whether I was serious in the pursuit of my dreams.

I’ve never had any formal training in writing, apart from school which was donkey’s years ago. I knew my writing needed huge improvements; my grammar and punctuation sucked and I struggled with using sensory details to tell my story. I loved to write and it wasn’t that I couldn’t write, and maybe that was a fear that was holding me back, it was just that my skills needed some refining from those who are the experts.

Yes you are!

From the moment I started with Matador U, they made me feel like this was the case. They made me understand that anyone can write, if they just learn the method to doing it well.

Thanks to the Matador U travel writing course, I now think carefully about every word I choose to bring forth the message I am trying to convey. My writing is getting much tighter and clearer, and I am improving on my ability to present the sensory world through words. Matador U has helped me to find my voice and be steadfast in presenting it. Not only that, but I feel I am becoming much better at evaluating the work of others. By knowing what constitutes great writing and what does not, I know who is best to learn from.

One of the wonderful things about the Matador U travel writing course is the community you have access to through the forums. Students have access to what I like to think of as your own personal editors. We can post any pieces we like for constructive criticism. The critique comes, not just from other students, but from fully trained and experienced editors. This is incredibly valuable, as they are trained to know and pick out so much more than what I ever could. Let me tell you though, that this hurts. Every time I put a piece up, I cover my eyes and peak through my fingers for the responses, waiting to be torn to shreds, and cringing in fear. Despite my injured pride and renewed self-doubt, I am grateful. The slamming has sharpened me up and toughened me up. All good coaches tell you what you need to hear in order to become better. You either suck it up and make the recommended improvements, or give up and fail. Sometimes, though, I may get it right and when that happens my victory dance feels wonderful.

I personally entered the course to improve my writing for my own writing purposes. I am not that really interested in freelance writing. However, I have learned so much through the Matador U travel writing course about freelance work- how to do it, how to approach editors, how to take on press trips, and how to advertise.  It’s very reassuring now to know that if I want to freelance I know how. The Matador U market place lists open travel writing jobs you can apply for and there are some awesome freelance opportunities there.

One of my goals coming into this course, was to have an article published on the Matador Network. They are the world’s biggest online travel magazine. I wanted to get published here not because I wanted to do freelance work, but because Matador Network is my mentor.  I know how demanding they are, and they only accept good travel writing. I knew if I could get published here, then I have improved and achieved something. It took me weeks to work up the courage to even attempt a submit. I wrote, and rewrote, and edited a million times. I couldn’t submit anything that wouldn’t at least get looked at. Whether it is a brilliant piece or not, I don’t know but I do know that it must be okay, because I have been published and now I know that I have the ability to go somewhere with this, and that is priceless. Here is my published article  “When travel takes a friend”

So, if you are reading this review, wondering if the course is worth it, and if you should take it on despite the overwhelming amount of work you currently have to do, then my one question to you is:

How serious are you? How serious are you about becoming a travel writer?

I think you’ll find your answer right there.

Disclaimer: We do receive a small commission for anyone who enrolls in the course through our links.