Comments on: How I got my travel writing career started

By: Simone

Simone — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 23:09:29 +0000

Thanks for sharing, Rolf! At the time, was it unusual that Salon published you, even though you had no real portfolio? That seems like it’d be quite difficult these days. What I’m looking for is that important moment of transition — how do go from the smaller publications to the bigger ones? From the web to print? I would love to hear about that.

By: Titus Kakembo

Titus Kakembo — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:12:00 +0000

That piece gave me inspiration. Keep us posted

By: The Lost Girls » Blog Archive » Rolf Potts On Travel Writing

The Lost Girls » Blog Archive » Rolf Potts On Travel Writing — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:00:59 +0000

[...] From the author: “Way back in 1999, when I was first cutting my teeth as a travel columnist for Salon.com, lots of readers wrote in to ask me how they, too, could get jobs as travel writers. This question kind of caught me off guard, since I didn’t know much about the travel-writing trade; I only knew my own experiences with it. [...]

By: Amy

Amy — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:30:07 +0000

Hi Rolf,

I have been drudging away my adult life in an office, shuffling papers. I have always had an interest in writing, however it has been no more than a dream. I travelled to India this year and since returning I have constantly wondered what it would be like to travel and write about those experiences. Currently I am trying to enroll in a writing course at the local college. I have also been researching this subject online to see if it is a feasible career. I read this blog and LOVED the amount of information you have provided. Thank you for sharing, you are truly inspiring. I fully intend to read your book Vagabonding! (Hastings here I come! haha..) I dont know what the future holds, but at the age of 34, perhaps a new career is feasible? Life is an adventure, thanks for sharing yours!

By: Beth

Beth — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 02:31:55 +0000

I wish you could have been my high school councilor back in the day. His first question, and my answer, are the life you live. Too bad he said it was a pipedream and I listened…
Thank you for the advice!

By: john

john — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:51:16 +0000

Hi Rolf, thank you for letting us all know how you started. I was relieved when I found your book a few years back it made me realise I am not they only one! I have been vagabonding for years now, worked and lived in over 8 countries in the past 8years, done everything from cooking on a luxury private yacht for footballers and royalty to snowboarding in switzerland for 5months. It truly is a magical life and whenever I am asked to explain what I do or why I direct them to your book now, its saves so much time! Keep the dream alive.. John
p.s to christian above, save like mad and do a bit of independant travel first see if ya love it, being on the road will bring you into contact with loads of ideas and possibilities, let the people on the road guide ya!

By: christian

christian — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 02:28:40 +0000

how can i start a career in traveling the world??? i just started college and i need guidence?? any suggestuions?? im really lost!

By: Liv

Liv — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 06:24:11 +0000

Thank you for writing this piece, Rolf! It’s always good to know how successful people got their start. I’ve been living in Japan for the past 2 years and it’s done so much for my writing that I’ve had the confidence to actually start pitching some pieces here and there. We’ll see what happens. I’ll have to check out your Beach piece; I was on Maya Beach last year and would like to read about it when it wasn’t swarming with tourists.

By: Rajesh Rambade

Rajesh Rambade — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 06:13:47 +0000

Hi Rolf,

I am a guy from India, exactly from Mumbai city. I have a lot of interest in travelling. I am currently working for a software company in Mumbai. I am least interested in the current job, but cant quit cause of financial aid that i recieve through it. I want to travel to explore new places and i think am very adventorous , though never got an opportunity to showcase d adventorous side of mine.
As Travelling involves lot of spending. I want to earn money while i travel.
Can u please guide me through my querry ?

By: Eunbyul

Eunbyul — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 13:39:41 +0000

Thank you very much for sharing your experience. I’m an aspiring travel journalist too and I see now that it’s normal to face difficult obstacles in the beginning.