Samantha Brown - Wikipedia

One of my long-life writing dreams is to be a travel writer. Someone who travels the world like Samantha Brown or Anthony Bordain and learns about cultures. Then puts those experiences in a book or an article that millions of readers view.

Well, that dream has not come true yet.  Well, not exactly.  I do write travel articles, yes.  But, I don’t get paid to travel the world and write the articles, nor do I get millions of readers.  I also do not have a cable show sharing my adventures.

However, I still enjoy traveling and I continue to write articles on this topic.  I discovered two sites that I can explore my travel writing and they are both completely different: Suite 101 and Trazzler.

Writing for Suite 101

Since 2008, I have been writing travel articles for Suite 101. If you have been reading my blog for awhile, you may be aware of some of my struggles with Suite 101.  I have recently decided to resurrect my profile there and began writing more articles.  Since I started writing for this site, they have changed a lot of the rules I did not like, so I am much happier writing for them now.

Suite offers a more subjective, magazine-style writing – facts and date.  Since the changes, they are more lax on things like writer point of view – thank goodness.  You used to have to write only in 3rd person.  That was a bit of a pain to be honest.  Now, you can use 2nd or even 1st person point of view, but they still expect a more subjective article – not a post about your trip to Disneyworld.

There is also a expected word count of at least 400, SEO knowledge, subheadings, and a required photo.

Trazzler

On the other end of the spectrum is this new site called Trazzler.  This site is more of a hip travel site designed around YOUR experiences.  Sure, the posts should be helpful, but not necessarily objective.  It is more personal in nature – which I LOVE.

The posts are short (60-120 words), creative, and interesting.  You do not have to include a photo (they only accept ones you personally took), SEO is optional, and there are no subheadings.

Trazzler expects the posts to be from personal experience, a place you have been.  While there is no residual income, or a place to put a backlink to your website, or blog, there are cool contests you can join to get paid. In addition, there is no application process to apply as a writer.  But, if they like your work, you could get cool freelance travel gigs.  Yep, they will PAY you to go somewhere and write articles about the place.  Pretty cool!

While I am sure I will not get paid the big bucks like Samantha Brown or get sent to Borneo to write a piece, I have a chance at going on a real live travel writing assignment.  Plus, I get to like about what I want and actually use my creative writing skills.  That is the best part of all!

There are endless opportunities to find freelance writing gigs.  If you just do a Google search, you will find all kinds of links to writing jobs. They may not all be good opportunities or many not even legitimate. There are great websites that have information and include compiled links to writing jobs. Two of the sites I enjoy looking at for information is The Freelance Writing Jobs Network and About Freelance Writing.

Currently, I have 20 articles on Suite 101 and have not written one in almost a year.  My goal is to get back into writing for that website because it is a great site with lots of opportunity AND I can stick with one niche: travel.

SMART Goals

This goal is very specific and states exactly what I plan to do to accomplish this goal. The thing is that  these type of specific goals, while it fits the SMART model, cause the most pressure.  There is no out.  Maybe I need the pressure to prevent me from slacking.  Maybe.  Either way, since this goal is so specific, I decided to be a little conservative in the ‘M’ and ‘T’ part of SMART.

Truthfully, I would like to have about 50 articles done by the end of the year.  But, 30 seemed more reasonable since Suite is more particular on their articles.

Aim High (Or Somewhere Within Reach)

Aiming high works for some people, for others it may be better to aim low or at least aim at a target that is within your reach without over exerting yourself.

The point is to find a goal that is reasonable and achievable… sound familiar?  SMART goals!! Sure it would be nice to have a goal of 50 articles a week.  But, is that realistic?  You do not want to set yourself up for failure.  This will only lead to disappointment!

Find Your Niche

When I began freelance writing, I started with a few different sites and over time lost interest in some of those sites. There are so many subjects and topics to write about, it was difficult to decide. There may be a high demand for a topic that seems to be high earning, but you know nothing about,  You will struggle with this niche and be frustrated and tempted to give up.

But what I have learned is this: write about what you enjoy or at least know a lot about. Find an area or two and stick with it.  Otherwise, you will spread yourself thin and get bored.  Travel articles are my passion.  At some point, I would love to JUST write about travel… my niche.

I once had to write a single (only one) article for a freelance gig on “handicapping” related to horse betting. Yep, I didn’t even know what that meant!  Well, I will tell you what it is NOT — horses with some sort of injury or ailment. If you choose that as a niche for some reason, you better have a passion for it.  Don’t get me wrong, I learned that some people DO have a passion for it.

Bottom line is this. Look for freelance writing jobs that you can reasonable accomplish, that are worth your time, and most of all that you enjoy writing. Find your niche and stick to it!

While you are catching rays on a beach of some tropical island, the last thing you may be concerned about is posting to your blog. For those that travel a lot, for business or pleasure, keeping up with blog posts can be a challenge. This is especially true if you go to remote places that have little Internet connectivity or if your days are packed with activities.

While traveling can make it difficult to maintain your blog and provide regular posts, there are a few options that allow you to stay on top of your blog.

Solicit Guest Posts

If you know in advance that you will be out of touch for a couple weeks or longer, a great option is to ask people if they would be willing to submit a guest post while you are away. This not only benefits your blog, but the guest blogger as well. There are some other benefits to going with this option.

1. Keeps your blog seamless, without any extended breaks between posts
2. Offers a different perspective on your niche
3. Gives the guest blogger a way to branch out and link back to their blog
4. Keeps you in touch with other bloggers

Post Date your Blog Posts

Another option if you can not or choose not to get guest posts is to write the posts yourself and spread the dates out to post while you are gone. Depending on your blogs host, this may or may not be an option. I know with Blogger, you can do this by choosing “Post Options” on the Edit Posts page. Here you can change the date and time you want the post to appear on your blog.

Tell Readers You Will Be Gone

A third option is to actually take a break and let your readers know that there will not any posts for the dates you will be gone. While this gives your readers a heads-up, this may not be the best option for search engines or consistency. Some readers may even forget about your blog if there are no updates for a couple weeks. However, this may be your only option for last minute trips or with limited amount of time to prepare.

Squeeze it in and Make Time to Write

If you do not prepare ahead of time and still want your blog to continue, try to find time to squeeze posts in. They may not be your most prolific posts, but at least you will keep regular posts coming. Who knows, maybe being in another place may lead to writing inspiration. This option may be entirely possible depending on your travel circumstances.

These options are important considerations as a blogger. Remember your readers, and do not leave them in the dark either way.

While you sip that frozen drink and feel the sand between your toes, your will be able to relax knowing your blog is taken care of.

Happy Travels!!

As a freelance writer, you always want to be open to writing opportunities. Sometimes those opportunities are more demanding and challenging than others. Since I have completely slacked on my writing, I am way, way, way behind my deadline for Suite 101. I even got a one month extension and I have still not written one of the ten articles required by my contract. Yikes! This is definitely a challenge.

Should I give up and lose this opportunity or knock out 10 articles in the next 10 days??

I realize that when I was hired at Suite 101, I was so thrilled that I sent out a mass e-mail bragging to family and friends, “I am going to be a professional writer!” Yep, I was excited. At that time. My enthusiasm was off the charts. While, yes I am a “professional” in the sense that the articles are intended to bring me earnings. Earnings, yes. Income, no.

I realize why I have such a hard time knocking out articles for Suite 101. They have strict editing rules and I am not good with those boundaries when I am trying to be creative. They expect objective, third person point of view. Think of it as a news article–just the facts, maam. Instead of an editorial, which the writer can add his or her own ideas, opinions, and humor. Ahh.. this suits me better. But, that is not what Suite is about.

“No, maam. Keep your opinions to yourself please, and please do not add more than two hyperlinks in your article, watch the word count, and please, please, use keyword optimization.”

Keyword optimization? That just not seem to flow off the fingertips. But, I do it because that is what they require. Third person.

Writing objectively and in third person is not really as much fun as my initial enthusiasm had portrayed. So, I put it off and I put it off. While the topics are right up my alley – travel – I think I would find more joy in writing about my travel experiences, in a more of an Anthony Bourdain, or Rick Steves style.

But, Suite 101 does not publish articles in that style. So, I go back and forth with writing there. I have been told, Suite 101 is a “in for the long haul” or “slow and steady” type of income-producing freelance writing job. So, that is why I have not quit yet. I also like that there is someone editing your work because that does provide useful feedback, and the site is more professional than some freelance writing websites.

However, I am starting to panic, since I actually may not meet my deadline, which means, I will not fulfill the obligations of my contract. This means, I will no longer have the choice whether to write for Suite 101. They will make it for me. So long, Julie. Thanks for playing.

And that is my dilemma.

Anthony Bourdain is the host of the Travel Channel’s ‘No Reservations’ in which he travels to cities all over the world and shares, quite candidly, his food experiences at various recommended food joints. He is also the author of the book ‘Kitchen Confidential’, his memoirs and stories from his years of working in the restaurant business.

The title of this blog was from a recent episode on his trip to Chicago, where I am from. A city very close to my heart. So, I happen to agree, because Chicago is also very close to my stomach and hot dogs, well hot dogs, we do right! Just don’t put ketchup on it!

The hot dog joint he visits in this episode is called Hot Doug’s and a must go to if you are in Chicago. (I have never been there myself, but it is first on my list next time I go home.) Again, the quote: “Chicago has, hands down, a better hot dog than New York City.” He loves hot dogs, ar any “meat in tube form.” If you don’t know, Bourdain is from New York, so this was a difficult thing for him to say. Oh, and he is truly a New Yorker.

Bourdain is a rough-around-the-edges, opinionated, straight shooter, who has no qualms about speaking his mind. That is what I love about him. Kitchen Confidential gives an honest depiction of his experience as an executive chef, life in the kitchens of restaurants (good and bad), and his encounters with excessive drinking, drugs, and outright debauchery. The book can be dirty, outlandish, and disgusting, so here is your warning. But, it is truthful and funny as well. The man has experienced life.

I will admit, I am envious of his current postion in life, maybe not the road he took, even though that road got him where is he today. In an Amazon review of his book, Sumi Hahn referred to him as ‘a Jack Kerouac of the kitchen‘, which I thought is a pretty descriptive analogy. Bourdain’s road led him to his career in which he can endulge in his healthy passions – writing, traveling, and eating! The man gets PAID to enjoy these wonderful verbs! Write, travel, eat!! Oh, I get that.

In his book and on his show, his brutal honesty exposes his true passion for food. His storytelling is short of amazing, and his show brings him to all corners of the world and tastes of cuisine most people have never even thought or heard of.

Sometimes he is crabby, sometimes he curses, and sometimes, he will complain. He is open-minded about trying different foods and has a expansive and attuned palate. He can enjoy a messy hot dog in Chicago or the finest caviar in Paris yet enjoy them equally, yet different. Anyhow, as Anthony as been known to say, sometimes it is better to just shut up and eat.

With Thanksgiving coming up, I wanted to pass on my thanks to all the support I have gotten while pursuing this new adventure of freelance writing. I also want to thank those that read my blog, my articles, and any other writing endeavors I may have opportunities for in the future. My first article on Suite 101 was posted: Vacation in Los Cabos Mexico.

So, now on to the next one. The contract I have states I will writer 10 articles in 10 months. What should I write for the next one?

Hola!

Well, it has been a busy few weeks with travel. I spent 2 weeks in Boise, back for a day and a half and then off to Cabo! Cabo was amazing! I love the weather and the resort. We met some great people at the resort. The timeshare was only a trial for me, but I have decided to buy it on the secondary market. It is a great deal and I like the flexibility.

Worldmark by Wyndham is the name of the vacation-ownership program and you can see the Los Cabos resort on the website along with other resorts in the program. The way it works is you get credits each year. You chose a point package and then spend those credits anyway you chose at any resort they have available. Right now, I believe they have over 60 resorts in the United States, Mexico, Canada, Hawaii, as well as Fiji, New Zealand, and Australia.

You can stay as many nights as you chose, whether you want to spend points on 3 nights or 7 nights or even longer. Each night has a point value and each resort has different point values based on season and location. For instance, in Cabo, you can stay for seven nights in a two-bedroom with a full kitchen, washer/dryer, and dining room for 9,000 points in off season or 12,000 points in peak season. Once you purchase and pay off your vacation-owned timeshare, you will have a lifetime membership and you can pass it down to family members when you pass away. Not too bad if you travel a lot, anyway. Hotels are getting expensive and will keep going up in price. There are other benefits to the program including Bonus Time which allows you to book on short notice, using reduced rate resort prices without using any points.

Cabo itself was fun! The weather was in the 90′s everyday and sunny. The climate is the “desert-by-the-sea”. So there is great golfing there as well as plenty of watersports activities. I will be writing my first Suite 101 article on Cabo San Lucas and will provide a link once it is published.

Adios!

I have just spent two weeks in Boise, Idaho and I have to say I am surprised at how nice this town really is. First, I will mention the weather, it was perfect. And it was perfect EVERYDAY. Perfectly blue skies with temperatures in the 60′s/70′s. While the Northeast and Midwest was getting wet, cold, snowy weather, I was hiking in the mountains. Also, the crime here is pretty much nonexistent for a town of about 200,000.

Boise State University is here and the fans are pretty loyal to their college team. You can see this by noticing all the blue and orange colors throughout the town. Go Broncos!

The downtown has all your typical clubs and bars and plenty of live music. There are some good restaurants as well. Order the Cedar Plank Salmon at City Grille. If you want to go dancing, China Blue is a fun dance club. Check out China Blue’s mySpace Page.

If you get outside of the downtown, there are quaint little neighborhoods like Hyde Park. This little town is filled with outdoor coffee shops and mom and pop restaurants, most have outdoor seating. People smile and wave until you think you have just arrived in Mayberry.

Within walking distance of Hyde Park is Camel Back park. Here there is places to picnic, a playground, tennis courts and an all-purpose field. There is also a steep dirt hill that kids love to run down. At the top of this hill you can see views of the city. There are also plenty of trails for mountain biking or hiking including the Hulls Gulch Nature Trail.

If you like the active outdoors, the Boise National Forest provides a great spot for hiking, camping, or fishing. During the fall, the tree colors are amazing with bright yellows, red, and oranges. The Boise River Greenbelt also provides over 25 miles of scenic paths for hiking, biking, or running. Also, worth checking out is Julia Davis Park a park that lies on over 3,300 acres with a rose garden, a playground, picnic areas and river access. This is a beautiful park that offers opportunity for recreation and the cultural aspects of downtown. The cultural spots here include Boise Art Museum, Idaho State Historical Museum, Discovery Center of Idaho, Idaho Black History Museum, and the zoo.

Check out more on these sites.
City of Boise.org
Boise Convention and Visitors Bureau
Visit Idaho
Boise State University
Boise Tourism

I have an opportunity to be a freelance writer (see blog below) and I rewrote an article I posted in my travel blog from Europe. I really would like honest feedback so I can get hired onto this site. So, here it is:

Salvador Dali Museum Figueres

If you spend some time in Barcelona, Spain, you will notice the plethora of art museums and artists that have left their impression in the city, including Picasso, Gaudi, and Joan Miro. The art museums do not cease in the city limits of Barcelona. If you want to get out of the city and explore the surrounding Spanish towns, Figueres is a great day trip to see another art museum. Figueres is most famous as the place where Salvador Dali was born, where he died in 1989, and where his museum was built in 1974. Figueres and the Salvador Dali Museum are about a two-hour train ride from Barcelona in the northern province of Girona. Dali was quite an intelligent, eccentric, and egotistical man, also known as an artistic genius. He was quite proud and a bit arrogant about his accomplishments. As if to confirm his arrogance, here is a quote by Salvador Dali himself: “Each morning when I awake, I experience again a supreme pleasure – that of being Salvador Dali.” Here is another favorite quote from the artist: “I don’t do drugs, I am drugs.” Well, looking at some of his art one would think he actually did take drugs. To create these peculiar images, he allowed much of the subconscious thoughts come through in his art.

His biggest inspiration was Gala, his lover and later wife. She is in many of his paintings and he was quite obsessed with her. Dali was also friends with Sigmund Freud, Joan Miro, and Pablo Picasso. All of these individuals influenced him and made an impact on his work. His art ranges so much it is difficult to place him in a category. Most people are familiar with his paintings that would define him as a surrealist, but he is much more complex than that. Some of his later work focused on his new found Christian faith and much of his early work included portraits of himself and Gala. Actually, in 1938, the Surrealists officially dropped him due to his fascination with power, his radical political beliefs, and even his admiration for Adolf Hitler. He was a bit of a political fence sitter and that did not fair well with the times. Of course, his paintings still continued throughout the decades. The whole idea surrounding surrealism is the subconscious mind, similar to dreams. Many of his paintings have sexual inferences. Dali explored his own fears and sexual inadequacies in many of his paintings. There are numerous ideas, symbols, and thoughts portrayed in his art. However, there are some commonalities in his work. Some of the common themes include animals with a hard shell on the outside and soft inside, like snails, lobsters, and of course the egg. The egg is seen in a lot of his work and there are many eggs also portrayed on the roof of his museum and throughout the town of Figueres. As you walk through the museum, you will notice some other interesting recurring symbols that are seen in Dali’s art. The melting clocks represent the mastery of time and its omnipresence over humans and how it devours itself and everything around it. Grasshoppers are insects that caused fear and contempt for Dali in his life. Elephants with skinny legs represent the future, strength, and the burdens we carry.

After visiting the museum, it is worth walking around the town to catch glimpses of his art in the local architecture. You can spend as little as an hour in this town or several hours just examining the mysterious artwork of Mr. Salvador Dali.

If you have had a dream of writing professionally, you may be able to relate. If you have ever had the fantasy of being a travel writer, then you and I are on the same sheet of music! You must read on!

Those that know me realize I have difficulty staying focused on one thing-I want to do it all! I want to travel the world, save the world, and educate the world, and well, become wordly in the process. Lofty goals, huh? Well, I do have a couple pipe dreams that I secretly want to accomplish someday. (and those that know me VERY well know I rarely finish projects). I will not bore you with my excruciating long list of goals since I have already listed my top 5o things I want to accomplish before I die (see below). I will now focus here on a real dream of mine-to be a writer. Well, I mean a real writer-not college papers, or my rambling journal entries, or even this silly blog that no one reads. But, a writer that gets published. Yep, published. Published for all the world wide web to see.

So, I found a website that may allow me to fulfill that passion. Suite 101. So, not only can I submit articles (if I get accepted), but people will read them, too!! But, here is the kicker, I can write travel articles. I know, who hasn’t had that dream – a travel writer? Original, right? Gee, that is like going to Hollywood because you want to be an actor. Seriously, though-a travel writer, a person that writes about traveling. What could be better than that? Well, I guess some people want to be doctors or engineers. Which is important, of course! Well, not me. If I can get paid to write about traveling, and people will read what I wrote, I don’t think it gets better than that! So, wish me luck. This may be a journey I actually start, and soon!!