If you’re looking to make some extra cash, writing travel articles may seem like a great opportunity. However, before you get started, it’s important to be aware of the many scams that are out there. Many unsuspecting individuals and companies will promise high pay for travel writing, but never actually deliver on their promises. So, how can you protect yourself from becoming a victim? By doing your research and being aware of the scams that are out there, you can avoid becoming a victim and continue to enjoy writing about your travels.
This article discusses travel writing safety and travel writing scams to look out for when searching for travel writing opportunities online.
What to look out for
This article discusses safety tips for travel writing and travel writing scams to look out for when searching for travel writer opportunities online. It also discusses how to tell if a website is selling fake international assignments, and what to do if you’ve already fallen victim to one of these schemes. If you’re just starting your journey as a freelance travel writer, you need to know these things to protect yourself.
“Travel the world with your family! We will pay for your trip and you can earn over 10k in less than 2 weeks!”
-Example of a travel writing scam email
The internet is full of resources for travel writers, from blogs about travel writing to forums, from online magazines and websites looking for freelance travel writers to courses about how to become a travel journalist. There are so many resources it can seem overwhelming at times. Unfortunately, some unsuspicious people have taken advantage of that situation by luring aspiring travel writers into scams. These scammers know that you’re out there – hungry for a chance to travel and write about travel – so they’re hopeful that you’ll be easy prey for their travel writing scams.
Where can travel writer scams be found?
As an aspiring travel writer, you’ve most likely been looking at travel writing jobs ads on Craigslist, job boards, travel websites, or Facebook groups in the hope of landing a paid travel writing assignment somewhere. Yet some people who post “travel writing jobs” adverts on these websites aren’t either real travel companies with real travel assignments to offer nor are they professional travel writers working for a legitimate media outlet. Instead, these scammers are in it purely for the money. They will try to convince you to pay them money for an online course that is useless or to buy access into a website that is full of travel scams.
What do travels scams look like?
A travel scammer will lure you into paying money for their (usually expensive) online course with empty promises. Keep an eye out for these scam phrases:
- Quitting your day job within six months
- Making thousands of dollars per month
- Becoming an established travel writer within a matter of weeks if not days
- Having extra time to travel and explore the world with your travel writing income
- Being able to travel with your family
What travel scams don’t look like?
A travel scammer will never hold their end of the travel writing bargain once you’ve paid them for an online course. They will also not be able to provide testimonials or recommendations. They may even try to silence you by promising that if you pay more. Their existing customers won’t be allowed to give negative feedback on you as a travel writer to protect your privacy.
Your travel safety is our priority
The best way of protecting yourself from travel scams is by researching before applying for jobs or paying for courses. Check out the company website thoroughly. Most importantly check out what other people are saying about the travel writing jobs on travel forums and travel blogs.
Be safe! Always double-check travel job ads with the real people working for a travel company or organization. Always remember that you’re a travel writer because you love to write and travel – not because someone wanted to scam you into paying a lot of money for a useless online course.
Resources
If you’re looking to travel and become a travel writer, then check out travel writing jobs on journalism jobs today! JournalismJobs.com is the number one site for travel writer jobs worldwide. If you’re not interested in travel writing, journalismjobs.com also has hundreds of other news reporting jobs, freelancing jobs, and more.
Conclusion
Have you ever been scammed online? It’s a horrible feeling, and unfortunately, it happens more often than you might think. However, there are ways to protect yourself from these scams. Follow our Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter for travel writing tips and advice on how to avoid being scammed when you travel. We also have some great resources on our website that can help you plan your next trip safely and securely. Happy travels!