Shivering? Take up the travel writer’s life and you could be enjoying summer all year round.
For example, I recently persuaded International Living to send me to Cyprus. A former British colony and expat hangout in the eastern Mediterranean, it’s an island of crusader castles, vineyards and forest-clad mountains. Mythology tells that Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, emerged from the waves here.
Even in early December, summer still lingers on. Temperatures in the low 70s and breakfasting outdoors suits me fine.
Politically, southern Cyprus is European. While most people also speak English, its culture is Greek. Yet geographically, this divided island belongs to Asia Minor–the north is the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. So there’s lots to intrigue any writer.
Driving on the left–perfect for me. No annoying smoking ban–bliss. Although the only swimmers in the sea were Scandinavian tourists, Cyprus fits my idea of a dream winter trip.
How to Become a Travel Writer and Travel Wherever You Want
Your dream destinations might be different. But whether on press trips or traveling independently, a freelancer’s life isn’t arduous. I had some real estate appointments in Cyprus, but managed to fit in many of the things vacationers enjoy too.
Like a visit to ancient Kourion with its amphitheater and floor mosaics of Roman gladiators…or strolling Larnaka’s palm-lined promenade from end to end…and in the fishing village of Latchi, deciding whether lunch should be red mullet, silver bream, or sea bass (all about $15). And I watched the day get shot down in sunset flames over Paphos harbor.
If all beaches resembled Nissi’s soft white sands, I’d probably start praising beach-life. I’m no hardy Viking, but I rolled up my jeans and paddled in the crystal-blue water. It actually felt warmer than Ireland’s Atlantic in high summer.
Meeting interesting people is always a bonus. I had lunch with Claudia and John, Americans living in a traditional village near Limassol. At a Paphos Christmas bazaar, I met Penny, an Englishwoman. She’s a magician who makes her own tricks and performs at children’s parties.
Ali, a 28-year-old Turkish Cypriot barber, was interesting in a different way. He seemed convinced I was a Shirley Valentine needing a toy-boy. (Even though this is Aphrodite’s Isle, no!) My female colleagues manage to avoid these situations, but I’m cursed with an in-built weirdo magnet.
One oft-asked question is whether it feels uncomfortable traveling alone. Not at all. From Latvia to Nicaragua, some of my most memorable trips have been solo events. And Cyprus was fine, too–even though I should have spurned the barber’s coffee. If you ever hear the words "come and see my fig tree," leave.
A husband–or any traveling companion–is useful for carrying bags and reminding you to recharge your camera. But I couldn’t have gone clubbing on the Greek island of Lesbos last year with the Scotsman in tow. As the annual Women’s Festival at Skala Eressos is effectively a lesbian party, men don’t exactly fit in.
Yes, I’ll investigate anywhere and anything. But that’s my choice. No editor will force you to attend Spanish bullfights, explore Bangkok’s red-light districts, or drink yourself silly on a Panama Party Bus. To be frank, most travel editors seek blander stories that readers won’t get offended by. And they’re really easy to write.
Yet my CV was once studded with dead-end jobs (here’s a list of a few of them)–I haven’t always been a writer who travels the world for free. If I can do it, there’s no reason you can’t too. If you want to get started trying something like this, here’s how.
I certainly wouldn’t swap my fun, fascinating, shambolic lifestyle for any other.
Steenie Harvey
Roving Travel Writer, International Living
P.S. For 2 more days only…you get 25% off the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Course using this link.
To read more IL articles about how to become a travel writer, see:
